Wickham Bishops and the Arts & Crafts Garden at Great Ruffins

Step into the world of visionary architect and designer Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo on this fascinating circular walk through Little Braxted, Great Totham and Wickham Bishops. The centrepiece is a rare 45-minute visit to the Grade II listed Arts and Crafts garden at Great Ruffins—the only known surviving garden designed by Mackmurdo. As you explore, admire the magnificent Italianate mansion that forms the garden’s striking backdrop. Along the way, discover more of Mackmurdo’s remarkable local legacy, including Beacons, Great Totham Village Hall and Snows Corner. Historic churches, the charming chapel at Little Braxted and expansive views from Beacon Hill complete this wonderfully varied walk. Afterwards, there is the option of lunch or refreshments at The Green Man.

Start time: 10:15am
Distance: 4.7 miles

Time: 3 hours 15 minutes, including the visit to Great Ruffins and other stops, plus optional lunch or refreshments afterwards

Route information:
Accessibility of route – No steps or stiles; uneven terrain and several slopes. Footpaths could be muddy after wet weather, so stout footwear is required.

Start and finish – The Green Man, Kelvedon Road, Green Man Lane, Little Braxted, CM8 3LB.

Toilets – Available at The Green Man.
Refreshments – Optional lunch or refreshments may be purchased at The Green Man after the walk. They are not included in the Festival and are at the walker’s own cost.  Please select option at time of booking so we can let the venue know numbers wanting lunch/refreshments.

Circular route.

Route - Medium

Surface – Public footpaths, field-edge paths, country lanes and village roads.

Parking – Parking is available in the Green Man’s car park by kind permission of the pub. In return for using the car park, walkers are expected to have lunch and/or refreshments at the Green Man after the walk. Please park considerately and follow any directions given by the Festival team.

Public transport – Little Braxted is served by local bus services. The nearest bus stop is beside Finch’s, approximately 0.3 miles (a 6–8 minute walk) from the Green Man. Please check suitable services and return times at TravelEssex before travelling.

Route – Medium.