Rowhill Copse to Pea Bridge

Distance 1.3/4 miles

Rowhill Nature Reserve is a fitting point to begin the journey northwards. The coppice in this ancient woodland is still worked by Rowhill Conservation Volunteers.

There are many woodland plants with an excellent display of spring flowers, including Bluebells, Violets and Wood Anemones. The clay across much of Rowhill was extracted for bricks and other uses, so forming the ponds and many wet areas found in the wood.

1.Start on the track at the lower end of the car park beside the White House. At the source of the River Blackwater bear left and pass Stickleback Pond.

The wooden building next to the car park is Rowhill Visitor Centre. The Centre is open every Sunday from 2 - 4.30pm and staffed by volunteers from Rowhill Nature Reserve Society.

Source of the River Blackwater: the spring line at this sphagnum bog marks the junction between the higher sands of the surrounding heathland and the impervious clay soils of the woodland.

2.At the T-junction of paths go right; keep on this path heading straight on ignoring many side paths in the wood. Pass the field on your left.

3.Leave the wood via Parkland Grove; turn left at the end into Weybourne Road. Pass the pub then cross road and head under railway into Boxall's Lane.

4.Just after railway turn right and follow path at base of railway embankment. The ditch you cross is the diminutive River Blackwater.

A detour along Boxall's lane leads to Brickfields Park. The park was reclaimed from the remains of a Victorian brickwork's and clay diggings and is now a peaceful natural park. The park is managed by the Friends of Brickfields Country Park.

5.At Lower Weybourne Lane turn left then, just before houses, take the path left alongside stream. Follow stream behind houses and later garage, then cross Badshot Lea Road.

6.Turn left to reach Pea Bridge and then turn right to rejoin River Blackwater.

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View the next section of the Blackwater Valley Path - Pea Bridge to Shawfields