Round the houses

I cycled a very circuitous and tiring route to the town of Saffron Walden in the district of Uttlesford in north Essex. I forgot how at this distance south of Cambridge the hills become fairly rolling and I’m out of practice so it was a bit of a slog. I remember reading once upon a time how this area had been calculated as ‘the best place to live in England’ based on school ratings, house prices and low crime. It may well be if quaint market towns are your thing. I also spotted the bizarre fact that Uttlesford ‘district is the only British local authority to have a branch of Pret A Manger but no branch of Greggs.’ If you’re into your sausage and bean pasties, you definitely wouldn’t agree it’s the best place to live in England.

Saffron Walden is more prosperous than your average market town and I strolled around checking out the old centre. It also served me well with a patch of grass and a frappuccino to refuel me for the return journey, which I tried to make less meandering. I have noticed a ladybird bonanza at the moment and whenever I looked down whilst cycling there always seemed to be at least one clinging to my shorts.

I do believe the UK is unparalleled in its network of trails, paths and tracks. The scenery encountered whilst on them is perhaps less wild and dramatic than in other places, but their existence and organisation is phenomenal. Exploring the outdoors in good weather has been the highlight of my stay in the UK.

Saffron Walden always makes me think of that song Mellow Yellow by Donovan, in which he sings ‘I’m just mad about Saffron’. I don’t know whether he’s talking about the spice, or a woman called Saffron.