Saturday, 24 July 2021- GAINSBOROUGH LINE - 2 OF 4 - CHAPPEL & WAKES COLNE TO BURES - 10 miles - Leader: Roger B

The "Gainsborough Line" is a railway branch line linking Marks Tey in Essex with Sudbury in Suffolk. We shall explore the countryside around this route, known to the painter Gainsborough, over four walks utilising the four stations along this line.
This walk is between the second and third stations on the line. The station at Chappel and Wakes Colne is a railway museum. On leaving the station we pass the impressive Chappel viaduct. The walk is along the valley of the River Colne in the morning to our lunch stop. Then we pass a fishing lake, woods and hills to Bures. (SWC C/W1/46). Gainsborough Line section 3 will be on Sat 21 August.
There is a heavy growth of nettles on some of this walk and long trousers are recommended. Please use toilets on main line train, there are none at Chappel station.

Lunch: Five bells Pub or picnic in nearby churchyard at Colne Engaine.

Starting Point: Chappel and Wakes Colne Station Museum

Setting off through Wakes Colne

Which way do we go?

Colne River and the famous Chappel Railway Viaduct

Crest of Wakes Colne

Leader striding ahead

Hazard 1: not a hold-up – just dodging stinging nettles

More nettle avoidance

Hazard 2: bramble bashing - secateurs at the ready

Teasel growing on the field edges

Interesting phone box at lunch stop in Colne Engaine

Cornfields

Having a go at shifting one of the bales of hay

We discover acres of borage – heading for a Health Shop near you

Destination Bures with hollyhock welcome

Time for Solero and Magnum before train home

Photos: Ruth, Dave M, Dave H