THE KELVEDON LOOP

A Pleasant, non strenuous Day Ride of about 28 miles

The motorist, thundering along the A12, may not realise that this modern trunk road by-passes the historic towns that grew along the line of the old, straight, London to Colchester Roman trunk road. Kelvedon is one such place that is now by-passed by the "world and his wife" as they rush along with their busy lives. This is a shame, since, not only does Kelvedon possess an atmosphere all its own, it also provides a gateway to some lovely Essex countryside - not necessarily "chocolate boxey" but peacefully varied and pleasant.

The cyclist coming to Kelvedon from afar to start this ride will, if coming by train, alight at the station which is on the northern extremity of the town. Those arriving with their bicycles in or on their car are also advised to head for the station, since there is a large car park (pay and display, very full on weekdays but usually with a space or two available, easy parking at weekends). The route described therefore starts at the station. Caveat - the following description does NOT list every turning, you will need to take your map (OS 1:50,000 sheet 186 Colchester) to fill in the detail. The intending rail traveller will also need to check the availability of space on the trains for bicycle carriage.

Turning right out of the car park, under the railway bridge, takes one to the "old" main road. To explore the town's high street turn right here, although the ride actually requires us to turn left, then left again to find Feering. This is one of those villages which can be found clustered round a green area, at a meeting of lanes where choices need to be made as to the next place to go. Our route takes us to the right, with Little Tey being our next place to explore.

En route, we pass a curious highway feature of the road splitting into a high and a low route, only to rejoin after about 100 yards. I will leave you to ponder the history and logic for this. To reach Little Tey necessitates the crossing of the A120. This is not a pleasant road, but we need to turn right, and then leave to the left at the first opportunity, to find the church. (There is a footway on the far side for those who prefer to walk their cycles rather than ride with the heavy traffic)

The church at Little Tey looks from the outside like any other village church, but inside ... something special. All round the walls are the remains of mediaeval "doom" paintings. There are explanatory displays telling the story of their discovery, preservation and meaning. A booklet is also available to purchase for later reading.

Back outside, regaining the saddle, we continue along the lane to the left of the church, and soon embark upon that which is euphemistically called "rough stuff". Also known as "off road" riding, or muddy track, we continue for a short distance until we regain the tarmac road to Great Tey.

A word of advice - although short, this track can be VERY muddy after wet weather and has deep ruts where heavy machinery or 4x4 vehicles have gone before.

At the end of the track turn left, and proceed to Great Tey.

We need to turn left for Earls Colne, having passed through, or stopped to explore, Great Tey. There is a dominant church which looked interesting from the outside but was locked when we last were there.

We now leave the Teys behind and head for the Colnes. Our route takes us past Chalkney Wood which can provide a welcome shady stop on a hot summer's day or, as in the case when I rode there last August, a convenient shelter from the cloudburst, hiding under the broadleaf trees.

We continue to Earls Colne, turning right at the main road to White Colne. (We do return to Earls Colne later, but there is no reason why you could not stop to look now if you wish.)

Although I used the term "main road", I think you will agree that there was not much motor traffic on the road that Saturday in August. White Colne is another of those villages which have developed round a green triangle at a junction of routes. Bear left towards Colne Engaine.

Beware the Navigator who suddenly reverses direction without warning!

At Colne Engaine, the explorer has the choice of extending the ride northwards to Castle Hedingham (just off OS sheet 186) to visit the castle before returning to rejoin the rest of us as we turn left by the Church to return to Earls Colne. Returning to the centre of Earls Colne, students of architecture and redevelopment of redundant industrial sites might be interested to visit the former Atlas works on our right.

Leaving Earls Colne, we now head back towards Kelvedon. Passing Hay House Farm, then an airfield landing strip, we aim towards Tumblers Green, followed by Stisted. We briefly fall off the edge of OS sheet 168 (only to climb back on to cross the meandering little stream at Shelborn Bridge). We now need to cross back over the A120, turning right then immediately left. This time however, our task is made easier by the presence of central traffic islands and a much wider carriageway.

Once back into the quiet lanes, we turn left towards Perry Green (not signposted when I last went there) and continue in an easterly direction towards Coggeshall Hamlet. In due course this involves a right fork and keeping to the right of the church near Bradwell Hall. We follow the twists and turns of this lane across an arable landscape whilst looking down towards the river concealed amongst the trees. Beyond the trees, under the mushroom cloud, lays Coggeshall which is another historic town now by-passed by the modern trunk road system, (in this case the A120). Incidentally, I understand that there was no nuclear detonation reported that day, so we shall presume that a trick of the atmosphere produced this cloud effect. Today's route does not take us to Coggeshall, perhaps we can plan a visit another day.

Approaching Coggeshall Hamlet we bear right and then meet the B1024 which is the main Coggeshall to Kelvedon road. Turning right onto this road takes us back to Kelvedon station, turning into the car park just before the bridge, or passing under the bridge then going right up to the ticket office and waiting room if utilising the railway service. I must warn that this last mile or so of the B1024 can be a little busy with motor traffic, so care must be exercised.

All in all a very pleasant and varied day out on the bicycle, visiting those places few people ever go to by car.