Harlow: Rectory Wood

Bus No 5 from Harlow Bus Station stops at the Princess Alexandra Hospital which is next to the Addison House Surgery.

Parking is available at the small, pay and display, multi storey car park a a short way from Addison House Surgery on the other side of Hamstel Road.

[1] From the Addison House Surgery, go out onto Hamstel Road and turn left. Walk a short way, around the bend, along the left pavement till you come to the blue cycle path sign.

[2] Cross carefully over Hamstel Road and follow the cycle/foot path towards the town centre. The ambulance station is on the right at the start of the path. Keep to the right hand side of the path, it is marked for pedestrians. Some paving stones are loose on the path, take care. Follow the path along the side of the wood until you reach railings on the left around the car park for a block of flats, before Sainsburys.

[3] Just before the railings, turn left onto a surfaced path that leads, slightly downhill, into the woods. Follow the path through the trees. These are mainly deciduous trees, though there are some evergreens. They include many oaks, holly and other native species. The path is well used, so it should be easy to follow, even in autumn when the leaves fall. After a short walk through the woods you will see the backs of some red garages on your right by some more flats. Follow the path round the back of the garages then left towards the backs of some houses on your left.

[4] The  tarmac path comes to an end when it meets a paving stone path that runs across it. Ahead of you is an area of grass with a seat. Leaving the tarmac path, turn left onto the paving stone path and follow it through to a road called Rectory Wood. There is no other seat along the route, so take the opportunity to rest before walking on, if necessary. If you have rested, remember to turn right, not left onto the paving stone path.

[5] You are opposite number 73. There is no number on the house with a white door to your right. Turn left and follow the left pavement past number 52. This road goes up hill, so take your time.

[6] When you have passed a turning on your right, cross the road carefully. This avoids the steps to a higher footpath past the houses ahead of you. Keep following the road a short way untilg you come to the junction with Hamstel Road.

[7] Cross over Hamstel Road carefully and turn left.  Follow the right hand pavement back to The Addison House Surgery. Take care crossing the entrance to the hospital car park.

A. Sir Frederick Gibberd drew up the plans for the New Town of Harlow in 1947. Little Parndon was one of many villages swallowed by the development. Many of the cycle tracks are the remains of the old roads of the village.

B.  Rectory Wood takes its name from the rectory, or priests house. This was a timber framed building that was pulled down in 1881 when a new, red brick, rectory was built near to it on Hodings Road. This is no longer used as a rectory and is known as Hester House.