Lingwood Common to Blakes Wood walk
Explore the mix of environments between Lingwood Common and Blake's Wood on this short circular walk. The woodland of Lingwood is mainly oak, with birches to the west and aspen and willow down the stream valleys. This is one of three walking routes linking Danbury Common, Lingwood Common and Blakes Wood, and it's ideal for families.
Start point
National Trust Armoury car park, grid ref: TL781044Trail information
Try the other walks at Danbury Common
This is one of a trio of trails at Danbury Common that can be linked together to make a longer walk. See the More near here section below for nearby trails.
Total stages: 13
Total stages: 13
Start point
National Trust Armoury car park, grid ref: TL781044
Stage 1
Starting in front of the site office Armoury car park facing the main road, turn right and head down Bicknacre Road to the road junctions. Cross over and turn left into Sporehams Lane. After approximately 15 metres, turn right at the footpath sign on the right (FP17).
Stage 2
Keeping on this footpath, continue until you reach an unmade lane (Fitzwalter Lane). Ensuring you do not exit on to Sporeham's Lane, turn sharp right. The lane now continues to Woodhill Road.
Stage 3
Cross Woodhill Road and follow the path. This section of the path runs between houses. When a junction in the path (with FP16) is reached, take the right-hand fork and walk down, with the parish church of St John the Baptist on the left.
Stage 4
After going past the church, you reach a junction with FP20. Turn sharp left and follow the path down to Main Road (A414). With extreme care (this road is very busy) cross over and after a few yards reach Moorbridge Lane on the left. This is also a public footpath (FP59) but is unsigned as such. This lane is very steep at this point. Now head down for about 300m and after entering a wooded area (Bellhill Wood) look out for a footpath 'crossroads' and turn right up FP15, which has a close-boarded fence on the nearside.
Stage 5
After a few metres you will arrive in Lingwood Common (look out for the National Trust sign). The management of Lingwood Common is virtually identical to that of Danbury, although there are more open glades and stands of mature oak and birch. After crossing two footbridges, continue on until reaching the junction with bridlepath 13 and turn left downhill (note this bridlepath is not signed as such). If you miss this junction you will arrive at The Ridge, in which case you have gone too far – turn around and make your way back downhill along bridlepath 13.
Stage 6
Continue along bridlepath 13, passing a seat at the top of the hill. Continue along for about 30m to a bridlepath junction and turn left onto bridlepath 14, known as Coleman's Lane.
Stage 7
Head down Coleman's Lane and, just before reaching the ditchline and culvert, look for a small path on the right (unsigned). If you reach the houses then you have gone too far.
Stage 8
Follow this path along the Lingwood boundary until reaching a marker post. This post is not marked in any way, but turn right at this point.
Stage 9
Head along this path until reaching a National Trust sign.
Stage 10
If you are continuing to Blake's Wood, then turn left at this point, exit the gate onto Riffham's Chase, turn right and walk up to the Blake's Wood car park (150m on left) and continue with the Blake's Wood walk. After Blake's Wood return to this point to continue with Lingwood. If you are not going to Blake's Wood, then turn right on to bridlepath 13. There are two seats on this stretch to rest, and just after the second seat look out for the second path junction on your right (FP12).
Stage 11
Turn right down FP12, exiting Lingwood and retracing your route along Mooresbridge Lane until reaching a footpath 'crossroads' (FP15). Turn right and follow the path until reaching Main Road (A414). You will come on to this road near to The Griffin pub on your left. If time permits you could stop here for some refreshment.
Stage 12
Now carefully cross the road and continue left up to the church. Go through the gate by the side of the church and follow the footpath directly down hill past the water tower on the left, until reaching Penny Royal Road at the bottom.
Stage 13
Turn right for the Cricketer's Arms or head to the the car park, which is just across the road.
End point
National Trust Armoury car park, grid ref: TL781044
Trail map
Lingwood Common to Blakes Wood map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
More near here
Danbury Common to Lingwood Common walk
An easy, 1.5 mile walk through wetlands, wooded glades and open heathland, that makes an ideal family walk.
Blakes Wood to Lingwood Common walk
A 2.5-mile walk from Blakes Wood car park to Lingwood Common near Danbury in Essex that takes in peaceful glades in a woodland with a mix of tree species.
Get in touch
National Trust Danbury Common, The Armoury, Penny Royal Road, Danbury, Essex, CM3 4ED
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Things to see and do at Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood
With resident nightingales and adders, Danbury Commons and Blakes Wood offer a diverse wildlife environment.
Family-friendly walks
Take a family-friendly walk along these trails suitable for pushchairs and children. On the way, you can go wild in natural play areas and compete in woodland den building.
Walking in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
From long forest wanders to a gentle amble to a famous literary hut, these are some of the best walks around Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.