November delivered one of our most atmospheric hikes yet — the Hadleigh Castle Circular Loop. With fog rolling over the hills, thick mud clinging to our boots, cows blocking the trail, and our brand‑new mini stove finally getting its time to shine, this was a hike that tested us physically and rewarded us beautifully.
A November Hike That Had Everything
Some hikes are peaceful. Some are scenic. And some — like the Hadleigh Castle Circular Route — are epic little adventures full of challenges, surprises, and moments you’ll talk about long after you’ve washed the mud off your boots.
We set out to tackle the 13km Hadleigh Circular Loop in the heart of November, armed with determination, snacks, and a shiny new piece of gear we couldn’t wait to try: our mini portable stove. What we didn’t expect was the dramatic atmosphere created by the heavy fog, the deep mud-lined trails, and the unexpected wildlife encounters.
From Luna sprinting through the mist like she owned the entire country park, to stumbling across cows guarding the trail like bouncers, to sipping warm tea in the middle of the cold hillside — this day was one for the books.
The Start: Thick Fog & Slow Progress
Unlike clear, sunny hikes where you can see miles into the distance, we were met with a heavy blanket of fog right from the start. The visibility was minimal, giving the entire landscape an eerie, almost cinematic feel. Trees formed silhouettes in the distance, birds disappeared into the mist mid‑flight, and the quietness added a strange calm.
The fog slowed us down during the walk as it got worse which you may see in the video later, but also made every corner feel like an unveiling.
Deep Mud: A Real Physical Test
If you’ve ever hiked in November in the UK, you know mud is part of the deal. But this trail took mud to a whole different level.
Boots sank deep. Poles slid sideways. Paths turned into sticky, energy‑draining mud trenches. Every step required full commitment.
And while we were working up a sweat, Luna was having the time of her life — leaping, sliding, and occasionally resurfacing looking like a creature from the swamp.
Despite the difficulty, this is what makes UK trails so rewarding. They test you. They make you earn the views. And they remind you why hiking is both a physical challenge and a mental reset.
Hadleigh Castle Appearing Through the Mist
One of the most beautiful — and surreal — moments of our hike was the first glimpse of Hadleigh Castle. Normally you’d see it from far away, sitting proudly on the hilltop.
But on this day, the ruins slowly emerged from the fog like something out of a fantasy film. At first, just the outline of a tower… then the full structure peeking through the mist.
It felt otherworldly.
A Bit of History
Hadleigh Castle dates back to the 13th century and stands as a reminder of medieval defence, royal residences, and centuries of Essex history. With the fog swirling around its stone walls, it felt like stepping into the past.
If you want to plan a visit, here’s the official site for Hadleigh Castle & Country Park:
Unexpected Wildlife Encounter: The Cow Standoff
Every trail has its surprise — and ours happened to be a herd of cows guarding the path.
They were big, confident, and very uninterested in moving.
Luna, usually brave and ready for anything, stopped immediately, stared at them, and then looked back at us like, “Absolutely not. You deal with this.”
After assessing the safest route, adjusting our path slightly, and moving slowly and calmly, we navigated through without any problems. But it definitely added some adrenaline to the day.
The Highlight: Testing Our New Mini Portable Stove
Halfway through the hike — tired, cold, and covered in mud — there was nothing more perfect than a break to test our new mini portable stove.
This little stove was an absolute game changer.
Why We Loved It:
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Heats water fast, even in cold conditions
- Perfect for tea, coffee, or a quick warm snack
- Makes winter hikes infinitely more enjoyable
There’s something magical about standing on a chilly hillside, hands wrapped around a steaming cup of tea, watching fog roll past.
If you’re curious, here’s the stove we used:
The Final Stretch: Mud, Hills & A Tired (But Happy) Team
As we closed in on the final kilometres, the fog began to lift slightly, revealing more of the countryside. The trail continued with more mud, some steep up-and-down sections, and plenty of chances to slip — which we did.
Luna, still full of energy somehow, charged ahead like she was leading an expedition. Meanwhile, we were definitely feeling the 13km.
But that’s the beauty of hikes like this. You push through the physical challenges, you laugh through the slips and slides, and you finish with that tired-but-proud feeling.
Final Thoughts: Why the Hadleigh Circular Loop Is Worth It
Despite the mud and the challenging conditions, this was one of our favourite November hikes.
The combination of:
- thick atmospheric fog
- historic castle ruins appearing from nowhere
- unexpected wildlife encounters
- our new mini stove
- beautiful countryside views
…made it a memorable adventure from start to finish.
If you’re considering this hike:
- Wear good waterproof boots
- Expect mud (lots of it)
- Bring poles if you have them
- Keep dogs close near livestock
- And definitely bring a warm drink — whether made on the trail or carried from home
Watch the Full Video
We captured the highlights, the muddy bits, the fog, the cows, and of course, Luna being Luna.