Henry Moore is known for his semi-abstract bronze sculptures that are dotted around the world. The majority of his work features human figures, usually female or mother-and-child, and has attracted a huge following since his display at Tate Britain in 2010. The Henry Moore Foundation is tucked away in Moore’s former home Hoglands in Much Hadham, and includes over 70 acres of gardens displaying his monumental sculptures. This walk takes you through these mystical grounds.
Sound of woodpeckers
In Much Hadham, face the Post Office and turn right along the main street then left at the church. Cross over Malting Lane and take the path directly opposite. Bear right at the lane and turn off right into Sidehill Wood. Follow the edge of the woodland and listen for woodpeckers.
Follow the bridleway passing several small lakes and woods carpeted in bluebells. Just before the bridleway reaches Bourne Lane, take a path left uphill through kissing gates. Follow marker posts to another kissing gate.
An abstract world
Follow the right boundary fence passing a striking reclining figure. Continue to reach a track, turn right and pass farm buildings on the left. Continue into the Henry Moore Foundation grounds. Look out for a reclining figure to your right and the Large Figure in a Shelter sculpture to your left. Follow signs through the grounds – you’ll see some mother and child forms and the double oval symbolising peace and harmony.
Exit onto a lane at Perry Green. To your right is the Hoops Inn, a 19th-century pub. Take the footpath across the green to the right of the visitor centre. Follow the left hand ditch until you reach a farm track. Follow a further ditch until you reach a broad path. Keep ahead and turn left on another path. Continue until you reach a road.
Back to Much Hadham
This is Green Tye and nearby is The Prince of Wales, another 19th-century pub. Turn left along the road for 300 yards and go right on a bridleway. Bear left at a fork and then right downhill. Turn left into the field and follow signposts into woodland. Look out for red kites and bluebells.
At the bottom, follow the path to the left and cross a footbridge to a lane. Turn left along the lane and at a junction go right to reach a ford. Cross the footbridge and turn left along Malting Lane to return to our previous route.
Useful Information
HOW TO GET THERE
From Junction 8 of the M11, head towards Bishop Stortford and take the B1004 out of the town to Much Hadham.
FIND OUT MORE
Henry Moore Foundation
Perry Green
Much Hadham SG10 6EE
www.henry-moore.org
The barns exhibit changing displays of Moore's drawings and graphic designs.
EAT
Hoops Inn
Perry Green
Much Hadham SG10 6EF
01279 843568
www.hoops-inn.co.uk
STAY
High Hedges Bed and Breakfast
Green Tye
Much Hadham SG10 6JP
01279 842505
www.high-hedges.co.uk
NEARBY
Much Hadham Forge Museum
High Street
Much Hadham SG10 6BS
07905 270126
www.muchhadhamforge.co.uk