| Grid Ref. Distance | Directions | Transport & Parking | Refreshments |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL 974 208 1.7 miles 2.7 kms |
Leave High Road, Layer by way of the southern end of New Cut. As the road bears left continue straight on into the Roman River Valley Nature Reserve (Chest Wood). Go through the gate and down the muddy path and across the bridge. Carry on and, keeping the single railed fence to your right, swing left uphill following an avenue of holly trees. Keep going straight on until you reach a Y junction) which forces you left or right. Take the RH option down towards the bridge which spans the Roman River. Over the bridge, turn left, across the meadow and up the track which will take you to Olivers Lane. Upon reaching the lane continue straight across with the pond to your left and follow the track between the fields to Butchers Wood. As you go down the last slope to the wood, walk along its southern edge, keeping the wood on your right and ignoring the track off to the left follow to the right along its western edge. As you reach a sharp right hand corner you will see the old church at the zoo in the distance. Don't go on but turn right alongside the wood and down through the start of the Iron Age dyke until you reach the busy Maldon Road.*** | Bus Route | Donkey and Buskins |