Flitch Way Country Park

Walk an old railway line through proper Essex countryside and you've got the Flitch Way. This former railway route - closed in the 1960s - now runs for 15 miles between Dunmow and Bishop's Stortford as a linear country park, and it's brilliant for getting some air without the crowds. You're walking or cycling along what was once the Great Eastern Railway, with fields on either side, the occasional bridge to pass under, and spots where the old infrastructure still pokes through. Flat terrain, no strenuous climbs, which makes it manageable for families and older walkers alike. The route takes you through proper woodland stretches too - nothing dramatic, but pleasant enough that an hour or two passes quickly. You won't find visitor facilities or much fanfare along the way. It's the kind of place you come to for a straightforward country walk, not for a grand day out with exhibitions or cafes. That said, if you're camping at Dairymeade Farm Glamping or Golden Grove Caravan Park - both within five miles - the Flitch Way is an excellent leg-stretch without having to drive anywhere. Cyclists get good value too. The Dunmow end is the logical starting point if you're basing yourself locally. Early morning is best if you want any peace. It can get a bit muddy after rain, so waterproofs aren't a bad shout. Free to use, no gates or entrance fees to worry about. Worth a visit if you want a gentle outdoor option alongside your park holiday, though don't expect anything more adventurous than a straightforward country ramble.