This detour climbs to the site of the ancient hunting palace of Havering-atte-Bower, now just a hamlet and church sitting on a hill (344ft) much higher than the surrounding estuarine landscape. It’s a charming spot, and to the west lies Havering Country Park – ample justification for a detour. A great picnic spot in itself, there are wonderful views north over rural Essex, and the park has the country’s second largest plantation of Wellingtonia, or Giant Sequoia. The direct Spinoff 2 route to Noaks Hill from Stapleford Abbotts is quiet but unremarkable; a clear case of a decision left (quick) or straight on (time for a break) based on your itinerary and timescale.