Magna Carta Walk
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Distance: 9 Miles
Start: Castle Hedingham, Essex
Finish: Clare, Suffolk
The Magna Carta Walk, at only 9 miles doesn’t actually qualify as a long distance walk but I have included this as it is a waymarked linear route. The route follows the probable line of communication between the two Norman fortresses at Castle Hedingham and Clare.
The Magna Carta walk is a 9 mile waymarked route that links the village of Castle Hedingham with the small historic town of Clare. Both Castle Hedingham and Clare have the remains of stunning Norman Castles with Castle Hedingham having one of the best preserved Norman Keeps in England.
In 1215 these castles were owned by rebellious barons as King John was imposing massive taxes and denying hereditary titles being passed on. Robert De Vere, who owned Hedingham Castle and Richard De Clare who owned Clare Castle were both in continuous communication, preparing their rebel cause.
The trail explores the most likely route that linked these two fortresses in the Medieval period.
Paperback | Page Count: 25
Castle Hedingham Church. Norman in origin.
A Norman archway at the church.
Falcon House.
Hedingham Castle.
Waymarks around the castle grounds.
Open fields along the trail.
Great Lodge Farm.
Signpost pointing to Ovington.
Long Lane to Clare.
The River Stour at Clare.
A brief detour to Clare Priory Ruins.
The earthworks and curtain wall.
Clare.
Clare Castle ruins.
