Wickham Bishops so named as this is where the ‘old manor house’
of the Bishop of London (1 of 24 residencies) stood for over 500
years. The village was mentioned in the Doomsday book and was well
established before then. Situated 3½ miles North West of Maldon,
the River Blackwater runs along the western boundary.
This is a clockwise circular walk of just under 4 miles from the
Parking Co-ordinates. The walk is along clearly marked and well
maintained footpaths and consists of seven caches. A further
existing cache can be found along the route. The whole walk can be
completed easily in two hours.
Part of the walk follows the River Blackwater as it passes
through Benton Hall Golf Course and in the second half of the walk
there are some changes in elevation giving excellent views over the
surrouding countryside.
Wickham Bishops 1: ST PETERS
Wickham Bishops 2: NE8-PED
Wickham Bishops 3: BLUE MILLS
Wickham Bishops 4: THISTLE HALL
Wickham Bishops 5: SPARKEY WOODS
Wickham Bishops 6: THE PASSAGEWAY
Wickham Bishops 7: HILL PLACE
Number 2: NE8-PED
Following the track from the railway trestle we arrive at Benton
Hall Golf Course. Our route follows the River Blackwater staying on
public footpaths. There are fantastic views of the Golf Course from
here and lots of river activity - watch out for kingfishers!
Benton Hall is a challenging parkland course set amongst natural
woodland and rolling countryside. Renowned for its impressive
views, each hole represents its own challenge, with the river
Blackwater meandering through the course adding to the picture
postcard views. The nearby clubhouse overlooking the lake with its
abundance of wildlife opened in 1992.
The cache is a micro. Beware of golfing muggles! And beware of
golf balls!!!
Just to confirm: the microcache is at the base of the very
low wall on the bridge. It is not necessary to lean over the wall
or to go round the bridge ends to the water. It is not necessary to
put yourself at risk - provided you keep an eye out for flying
golfballs! In fact the old tying the shoelaces manoeuvre may
usefully be employed.
After the cache, keep to the footpath which follows the river in
the direction of the next waypoint. At the waypoint continue to
cache 3: Blue Mills.