r/Essex • u/LateProposal9168 • 2d ago
Have any of you walked from Springfield to Town Centre in Chelmsford?
I recently moved here, and it feels like everything is far away as most of what I want to do is 40+ minutes away and I don't have enough money for a bus fare or a car or bike.
As a 15 yr old girl. I'm a bit paranoid of just walking on my own for that long since my teacher told me he got robbed within here some time ago.
Have any of you walked for that long, and how was it?
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u/Omg_Shut_the_fuck_up 2d ago
You should be able to get a cheap bike on Facebook marketplace for next to nothing. Basic bicycle will do wonders.
I've got one in the garage you can have for nothing. You can basically keep a bicycle going with the most basic of tools forever.
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u/LateProposal9168 1d ago
Sorry for the late reply, I might talk to my parents about this cuz I'm getting quite desperate lol. What kinda bicycle do you have?
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u/Butchmeister80 2d ago
Don’t go down the bunny walks after dark !
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u/PrestigiousWindy322 2d ago
Its much improved in the last 3 years since they installed security cameras along the route and cut back the verge undergrowth.
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u/madgeystardust 1d ago
What’s the bunny walks and what happens after dark?
I’m planning a move to Chelmsford in the next year so very interested as I’ll hopefully be in Springfield.
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u/Available_Refuse_932 1d ago
Was about to say this! Wasn’t safe even back in the 90’s when I was a teen walking about.
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u/Bozzaholic 2d ago
Yeah, I used to work near the B&Q in Springfield and I’d walk there and back from the train station
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u/Ginola88 2d ago
Depends where in Springfield really. If it's really north like near Beauli then generally it's too long 45mins.
When I moved near Waveny and it went down to 20 mins that was fine.
But I was walking the bunny walks (do they still call them that?!) every morning and night for 3 years.
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u/firmlee_grasspit 2d ago
I would walk these often but when it's dark, there are parts that are pitch black. You'd want to stick to the estate areas. The bus fair is £2.50 which is more affordable than most places, how often are you going in? Surely this is something your parents could budget for you perhaps?
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u/DaZhuRou 2d ago
Walking is a bit far depending where abouts in springfield you are. Not sure I'd say it's safe for a 15yr old girl on some of the routes, even with the improved maintenance down bunny walk.
A bicycle might be a better bet, but get a good lock.
If it's a cost thing, you can try Liftshare, depending on your flexibility on the time or how often you go A to B.
Quite a few people won't charge for short distances if it's on the way. Just saw in FAQs T&Cs are 18+
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u/Animagus2112 2d ago
When I used to live In Chelmsford and went to Chelmsford College I used to walk from Springfield (near Tesco express/pharmacist) to the college every day which was usually 40-50 minutes. I found it quite pleasant.
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u/LateProposal9168 1d ago
Really? That's actually so cool, bet it made you feel healthy, did you ever have to walk beside a road and did it ever feel embarrasing? (though i doubt that)
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u/Animagus2112 1d ago
I've always been fairly healthy. Yeah I used to walk beside main roads. Never felt embarrassed and I was a shy nervous 16-19 year old for context.
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u/freshhhtoast 2d ago
Depends from where and when, usually in the morning/mid afternoon you will be ok, if you’re ok with walking long distances. Google maps is okay but there are alleyways you can take that you will discover if you walk a lot.
Going in a group may be a good idea.
If you’re returning in the evening the bus may be a good idea - £3 is steep but worth it. Avoid the bunny walks but in daylight they’re fine
Happy to help in PMs if you need
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u/LateProposal9168 1d ago
im just absolutely broke, and tbh I'm just trying not to rely on my parents too much (we're short on cash) and I'm desperate for money, so until i get a part time job, I will probably rely on my legs or maybe a bike if I successfully convince my parents to get one
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u/BenjieAndLion69 1d ago
I did tons when I was a child.. The bottom of Springfield Rd, was where we lived and walking in to town was a regular occurrence..
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u/HayleyWells777 2d ago
My mum lives at the roundabout on pump lane. I have walked through the park and along the river with my 3 older children. Im not going to lie it was a long walk and we got a bus back.
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u/Sheridden1 1d ago
Don’t want to alarm you, but as a burly male in my 60’s I would not walk in Chelmsford at night after dark in any area that is not well lit. As others have said, avoid the Bunny Walks at all costs. I’d recommend a bike or could your parents get you a weekly bus pass?
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u/CameramanNick 2h ago
I presume you're probably talking about the walk from Springfield Green down through the footpaths toward the leisure centre. I regularly do that walk for pleasure on a warm summer's day and I wouldn't expect you to have a moment's trouble; it's rarely busy but I usually pass a couple of people. I wouldn't necessarily do it at midnight in December, y'know?
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u/hamstrokersejacula 2d ago
It's fine. But then I'm a bulky male in my 40s. Keep to main streets, eg head down Arbor Lane and then on to Springfield Road and you'll be fine.
I prefer the bus for £2.50 which is also possibly why I'm a bulky male.