The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Flitch Green
4.6
(214)
951
hikers
8
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Flitch Green are primarily characterized by the Flitch Way, a linear country park built on a former railway line. The region features gentle, rolling countryside with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various fitness levels. Routes frequently traverse through community woodlands and open farmland, offering varied scenery. The area provides well-maintained, traffic-free paths suitable for year-round outdoor activities.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Flitch Green
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Slippery Wooden Slats – Flitch Way road crossing loop from Flitch Green, a 5.2 miles (8.4 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 10 minutes to complete. This route incorporates sections of the Flitch Way with surrounding paths.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Flitch Way — East section – Rumblebees Café loop from Flitch Green, an easy 3.8 miles (6.2 km) path. This trail offers a pleasant loop along the Flitch Way, passing by the Rumblebees Café.
- Local hikers also love the Slippery Wooden Slats – Flitch Way loop from Flitch Green, a 4.0 miles (6.5 km) trail leading through the Flitch Way, often completed in about 1 hour 42 minutes.
- Hiking around Flitch Green is defined by former railway lines, gentle rolling countryside, and community woodlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy and moderate family friendly hiking trails.
- The routes in Flitch Green are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from nearly 200 reviews. More than 900 hikers have used komoot to explore Flitch Green's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.3
(3)
15
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
7
hikers
6.51km
01:43
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
6
hikers
5.40km
01:25
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
5.55km
01:26
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Excellent coffee by a passionate barista, far better than the majority of cafes
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Alot fly tipping over from the travellers site, beware of sharp objects on the cycleway.
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Nice village dominated by the buildings and grounds of Felsted School.
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Be careful if you have less than nobbly tyres as the wooden slats become slippery when wet.
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Running for 15 miles between Bishop's Stortford and Braintree, the Flitch Way is totally traffic free and very flat. It is a fantastic place to hike with a good surface. The railway was opened in 1869 but closed 83 years later in 1952. It continued to operate for freight only until 1972. There is a cafe, toilets and visitors centre to the east of here at Rayne.
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Within Priory Church in Little Dunmow lies the tomb of Matilda Fitz Walter, said to be Maid Marian of the legend of Robin Hood. The story goes that Matilda fell in love with an unknown warrior who came to her 18th birthday banquet. During the same celebration, Prince John also fell for her and when his advances were turned down resorted to violent means in attempt to marry her. After Prince John killed her father, Matilda fled into the forest and was met by the warrior. He revealed himself as Robin Hood, the outlawed Earl of Huntingdon. The couple were married but Matilda was later killed by Prince John (by then King) who sent her a poisoned bracelet that rotted her wrist through to the bone!
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Pleasant little cafe but only limited space, indoors and out, and no space for bike parking so best for only a couple of riders - larger groups, go elsewhere. Cakes and drinks only.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there around Flitch Green?
There are 8 family-friendly hiking trails around Flitch Green, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Most of these, 7 to be exact, are considered easy, making them ideal for families.
What makes the hiking trails around Flitch Green suitable for families?
The trails around Flitch Green are known for their gentle, rolling countryside and minimal elevation changes, making them accessible for most ages and fitness levels. The central feature, the Flitch Way, offers a safe, traffic-free environment with well-maintained paths through woodlands and open fields.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails around Flitch Green are circular. For example, the Rumblebees Café – Flitch Way loop from Flitch Green is an easy 5.4 km circular route that takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to complete.
Can I bring a pushchair on these family-friendly trails?
The Flitch Way, which forms a significant part of many routes, is a former railway line with a relatively flat and well-maintained surface. This makes many sections suitable for pushchairs, especially during drier conditions. However, some paths off the main Flitch Way might be less suitable.
Are the trails around Flitch Green dog-friendly?
Yes, many of the trails around Flitch Green are dog-friendly. The Flitch Way is a popular spot for dog walkers. Always remember to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or in nature conservation areas, and to clean up after them.
What kind of scenery can we expect on a family hike in Flitch Green?
You can expect varied scenery, including picturesque rural Essex landscapes, community woodlands, and open farmland. The Flitch Way itself offers a green corridor, and in early spring, you might spot wildflowers like Wood Anemone in ancient woodland areas.
Are there any interesting landmarks or places to stop along the family trails?
Absolutely! Along the Flitch Way, you can visit Rayne Station and Flitch Way Visitor Centre, which is a former Victorian railway station. Nearby, Bannister Green Halt is another interesting historical point. Great Notley Country Park, adjacent to the Flitch Way, also offers over 100 acres of parkland for families to explore.
Where can we find parking for family hikes in Flitch Green?
Great Notley Country Park, located near the Flitch Way, offers a large car park with a signed link path directly to the Flitch Way at Rayne. This is a convenient option for accessing the trails.
Is public transport available to access these family-friendly trails?
While Flitch Green itself is a village, the Flitch Way is accessible at various points along its 15-mile length. You may find local bus services connecting to towns like Braintree or Bishop's Stortford, which are on either end of the Flitch Way, allowing access to different sections of the trail.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Flitch Green?
The trails around Flitch Green are enjoyable year-round. The Flitch Way's well-maintained surface makes it suitable even in autumn and winter when other trails might be muddy. Spring brings wildflowers, and summer offers pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
Are there any cafes or places to get refreshments near the trails?
Yes, there are options for refreshments. The Rayne Station on the Flitch Way features a Booking Hall Café, which is a popular spot for hikers and cyclists. Additionally, The Snug at High Easter and The Blue Egg Café are other nearby options.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Flitch Green?
The hiking trails around Flitch Green are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from 196 ratings. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, traffic-free paths, the peaceful atmosphere, and the suitability for families.
Can you recommend an easy, shorter family hike?
For an easy and relatively short family hike, consider the Slippery Wooden Slats loop from Flitch Green. This route is 5.5 km long and typically takes around 1 hour 26 minutes, offering a pleasant experience with minimal elevation gain.
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