11
Bacon Lane led us across the single track
railway line on its way to Sudbury from Colchester
Later we viewed the railway again as it crossed
Chapel Viaduct before entering Wakes Colne
Station. The viaduct is 1066 feet long, with
30 arches, and was built in 1847. We meandered
down to the bank of the River Colne and I
photographed the Water Figwort with its purple
flowers which attract wasps. Also by the river
we found a female Hop plant; the male plants are
much rarer. A pleasant walk along the Colne
brought us to the "Shoulder of Mutton" at Ford
Street, which was lamentably closed at 11.00 a.m.
I photographed Reed Canary Grass by the bridge,
before continuing along the Colne where Fordham
church could be seen in the distance.
The way leaves the river to approach another 14th
century church, this time at West Bergholt. This
beautiful church is apparently unwanted by the
local population for worship, and is maintained
by the Friends of Friendless Churches, as was
St. Andrew's at Willingale. A short diversion
into West Bergholt brought us to the "White
Hart" for lunch.
Two poplar trees guided us across fields into an
orchard which provided some welcome refreshment.
Beyond Horkesley Heath we found some attractive
thatched houses before we began a rather boring
section along a concrete track, which led to some
road walking along quiet lanes through Tye Green.
We passed through more orchards and lanes, until
Boxted church suddenly came into view, with its
tower built of pudding stone
The way continues past Rivers Hall and across
fields until we obtained our first sighting of
Dedham church in the distance. But the way
turned back on itself towards Langham church.
This is a very isolated church, which some passers