John Ray Walk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The John Ray Walk is a linear footpath from Braintree to Witham in Essex, England. The 9-mile (14.4 km) footpath follows the valley of the River Brain.
The path commemorates the life of the 17th Century natural philosopher and botanist John Ray (1627–1705) who was born, and is buried, in Black Notley.[1] The path is a collaborative partnership between Essex County Council’s ‘Ways through Essex’ project, Braintree District Council, local parish councils, the Ramblers Association and the John Ray Trust.[1]
The path was established in 2000. It is waymarked with a circular white marker with a yellow buttercup flower and the text ‘John Ray Walk’.[2]
The walk starts and ends at a railway station: Braintree (51°52′31″N, 0°33′25″E) and Witham (51°48′21″N, 0°38′21″ E) but can be accessed at several locations. The route goes through both urban and ‘green’ areas. These include urban streets at either end, and fields, woodland, water meadows, parkland and playing fields.[1]