On leaving Green Close turn left and make your way to Lawn Lane. Walk all the way up Lawn Lane, keeping to the right-hand side. At the roundabout after Brackenden Drive continue along the footpath between the shrubs and the houses. You are now walking alongside Chelmer Valley Road.
As you approach the roundabout at the end of Chelmer Valley Road, cross over when you can. At the roundabout turn left and walk along the very narrow path by the road. A little way along go through the gap in the hedge down to Little Waltham Road (which no longer goes to Little Waltham).
This road is usually very quiet. About 350 yards along, take the footpath to the left. This leads past and across fields down to the mill, which is now a private house. You will have to go over a couple of stiles. If you prefer to avoid the footpath, keep on Little Waltham Road, turn left into Mill Lane and walk down that to the mill. If you took the footpath, when you reach the road bridge climb over the stile on to Mill Lane.
Do stop for a while at the road bridge to admire the area, particularly the mill and the weir.
Walk along Mill Lane, past the mill and the cricket club (another good place to stop and look around). Mill Lane eventually comes out at Main Road, Broomfield, where you should turn left.
Walk down Main Road past the Angel and the Broomfield Methodist Church. Just past Skerry Rise, and before you get to Valley Bridge, take the footpath to the left and turn left again into Petersfield. As you come to the T-junction in the road you will see another footpath ahead of you. Take that down to the River Chelmer.
Walk by the river and under Valley Bridge and cross the first footbridge. Continue along the footpath with the university on the other side of the river. There is another weir to admire further along.
When you see the railway bridge don’t go under it but instead take the footpath that climbs up to the left to Hill View Road. Continue climbing up the road until you reach the start of the cul-de-sac, where you should turn left. Then take the first right.
This brings you out to Arbour Lane. Cross over and go up Hillary Close. Where Hillary Close bends left, keep going straight on and you will soon come to a footpath to the right leading between the houses.
As you go along this short path beware of overhanging branches, which can get quite low. When the path reaches the Bunny Path, turn left and make your way to Stump Lane and back to Green Close.