The Flitch Way: Victorian Railway Trail
Hatfield Forest, historic railway platforms, and rural Essex greenways
Distance: 25 km (15.5 miles) | Estimated Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Bishop's Stortford / Hatfield Forest | Finishing Point: Braintree Station
📥 Download Free GPX Route File (Garmin, Wahoo, Strava, Komoot)
Ride Overview & Terrain
The Flitch Way is a flat, 15-mile traffic-free country park following the trackbed of the decommissioned Stortford–Braintree branch line. Ride from the ancient royal hunting grounds of Hatfield Forest, past Felsted and Great Dunmow, stop at the restored Victorian booking hall at Rayne Station, and finish in the historic market town of Braintree.
Essex's premier traffic-free greenway, following the former Bishop's Stortford to Braintree railway line through countryside and ancient forest.
Travel & Getting There with Your Bike
By Train: Greater Anglia trains from London Liverpool Street go directly to Bishop's Stortford. Return with your bike from Braintree back to Liverpool Street. (Nearest station: Bishop's Stortford (Start) / Braintree (End), travel time: 35 mins from London Liverpool Street to Bishop's Stortford; 50 mins return from Braintree).
By Car & Parking: Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.
Cyclist Coffee Stops, Cafes & Pubs
Recommended cyclist-friendly cafes and refreshment stops along The Flitch Way: Victorian Railway Trail:
- ☕ Booking Hall Cafe, Rayne Station: Popular refreshment stop for cyclists.
- ☕ The Boar's Head, Braintree: Popular refreshment stop for cyclists.
Cycling Tips & Route Advice
- Packed gravel surface; best suited to hybrid, gravel, or touring bikes with wider tyres.
- Very sheltered from wind by tree canopies lining the old railway cuttings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance, duration, and difficulty of The Flitch Way: Victorian Railway Trail?
The Flitch Way: Victorian Railway Trail is a 25 km (15.5 miles) taking approximately 2 hours, graded Easy. Starts at Bishop's Stortford / Hatfield Forest and finishes at Braintree Station.
How do I get to The Flitch Way: Victorian Railway Trail by train?
Greater Anglia trains from London Liverpool Street go directly to Bishop's Stortford. Return with your bike from Braintree back to Liverpool Street. (Nearest station: Bishop's Stortford (Start) / Braintree (End), travel time: 35 mins from London Liverpool Street to Bishop's Stortford; 50 mins return from Braintree).
Where can I park near the start of The Flitch Way: Victorian Railway Trail?
Cycle-friendly parking available near the start point.
More Scenic UK Cycle Rides
Olympic Box Hill Loop • The Crab and Winkle Way • The Windsor Castle Ride • The Kent Castles Loop