Tiptree Jam & Bluebell carpets

This circular walk is approx 11.5 miles in total and starts from the pretty North Essex village of Kelvedon which has a number of listed character buildings. Once though the village, we will head out through the Essex Countryside on a very gentle incline via an area known as Windmill Hill (yes there are some hills -ish in Essex!) on our way to Tiptree.

Our route will take alongside some of the fruit fields of the renowned Wilkinsons Jam Factory. Subject to covid opening at the time, the plan is to stop by the tea rooms here to get a take away coffee and maybe a scone with some of the famous jam you can sample. There is a gift shop there too with jams of course and some pretty good gins!

We'll then head though Tiptree back out into the countryside again on our alternative route back to Kelvedon. We'll pass through the lovely Pods Wood which during mid May should be carpeted with bluebells. We'll then pass through the picturesque little village of Messing. From there it's across Fields and passing Prested Hall Country House Hotel and grounds before arriving back into Kelvedon via its sister village of Feering. 

Is it dog friendly?  Yes!!  4 legged friends are welcome but please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h) and note there are a couple of stiles to cross. The Tea Room has an outside seating area. Please remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.

For those wishing to arrive to this event by train, Kelvedon has a mainline railway station with services from London Liverpool Street. 

New Members - I would like to warmly welcome any newbies looking perhaps to try this as their first Outdoor Lads event. You may find this link useful https://www.outdoorlads.com/my-first-event or if you have If you have any questions then feel free to message me. 

Image credits: Photos are all the property of Andy Gent and I give full consent for these to be used for OutdoorLads purposes at any time

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete a Participation Statement, here, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend. 

COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
• The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of taste and/or smell.
• You may be subject to local lockdown restrictions, which you must fully comply with. Details of the location of these restrictions can be found here for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.   
• We do not encourage car sharing to events during the pandemic. Please comply with the safety travel guidance for England, Wales, and Scotland. Face coverings should be worn on public transport.
• OutdoorLads will support the tracing systems in place across the UK  and attendance at an OutdoorLads event is considered permission to use contact details for this purpose if requested by the appropriate authority.  
• All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop. Remember: Face, Hands, Space.
• Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
• Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. Please bring any other PPE items required. Bring a disposable bag for any used PPE.
• Members are advised to bring their own small first aid kit for personal use..
• Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
• Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
• Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

COVID-19: Events Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts,  do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge.  Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

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Please see our website for more information including an FAQ about our events.