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 5: Sparkey Woods
SPARKEY WOODS – one of two main woods in Wickham Bishops.
Cache is a large camouflaged box.
Continue following the footpath through the wood around the
large pasture field following the waypoint then at the road cross
to continue on the footpath slightly to your right.