From Junction 8 take the A120 East shown 'Stansted Airport and A120 Colchester' to the Braintree Bypass and follow signs 'A131 Sudbury' . Go right round the bypass to the A131 for the last five miles to Halstead. When you arrive at Halstead, go straight through the town, up the hill, straight over the two mini roundabouts continuing in the direction of Sudbury. After about 400 yards, you will need to turn right into Colne Road (with its speed bumps) This turn will be signed and marshalled at the busy period before the start. You will soon arrive at the race headquarters and be directed to the adjacent car park.

From the A1124 Junction - continue along the A1124 for the last 9 miles to Halstead. The A12 is a boring dual carriageway almost up to motorway specifications in places; which makes the A1124 a pleasant experience for those not in a hurry. A designated scenic route, it winds through the Colne valley passing down the half-timbered main streets of Ford Street, Chappel (with spectacular viaduct over the valley), White Colne, Wakes Colne and Earls Colne until, just as you enter Halstead after passing the small industrial estate, you take Colne Road on your right. The junction will be signed and also marshalled at the busy period before the start. You will soon arrive at the race headquarters and be directed to the adjacent car park.

Buses - The bus stop for the bus service (352), which starts at Chelmsford, is in Coggeshall Road, opposite Sainsburys car park entrance. From the railway station turn left and follow the directions to the Town Centre. Walk through the Market Square and Great Square when you will see Sainsburys behind the right hand corner. Walk round Sainsburys to the car park and follow the short access road, which emerges in Coggeshall Road. The bus stop is opposite.

Other Bus services run from Halstead to Colchester, Sudbury, Haverhill and surrounding villages. Most of these are operated by Hedingham Omnibuses (01787 460621). Essex Express runs Coach Services from London. The only service running from Halstead on Sunday afternoon is the two hourly First Eastern National bus service to Braintree and then Chelmsford.

Trains - Braintree is served by the hourly First Eastern train service from Liverpool Street. Most trains are direct but some require a change at Witham, the Braintree train being timed to connect with the London trains. There are trains from the Ports of Harwich and Felixstowe to Witham to connect to the Braintree Line.

The impressive Designer Village - Freeport where most major Designers (Versace, Tommy Hilfiger etc) have outlets, has its own dedicated railway station "Braintree Freeport" just before Braintree, do not get off there but continue to the next, and last station "Braintree" If you do get off at Braintree Freeport, to stock up with designer gear or visit specialist Sports Shops like Nike, Reebok and Musto, there is a continuous free bus service into Braintree during opening hours.

Trains from Liverpool Street normally take about an hour. The times of journeys from Harwich and Felixstowe vary, depending on the number of changes that are necessary. Full details can be obtained by ringing National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950.

First Group run both the trains from London and the buses to Halstead and can give you detail of connections (08459 50 50 50).

The timetable shows a train leaving Liverpool Street at 7.32am on Sunday morning with a connecting bus service arriving a Halstead at 9.27.am. We would not recommend this, as there is a steep 20 minutes uphill walk in Halstead to the start. If you do decide to travel by train from Liverpool Street early on Sunday morning, check with National Rail Enquiries that there are no engineering works overnight. (This happens quite frequently on week end nights), and arrange for a taxi to meet you at Braintree Station.

Air - Stansted Airport is only 24 miles from Braintree. There are regular flights from most major European Destinations. Many run by low cost Airlines such as GO, (a subsidiary of British Airways), BUZZ (a subsidiary of KLM/airUK) and Ryanair. There are coach services to Braintree and dedicated Taxi Services from Stansted and to Halstead.

Sea - Halstead is near the Ferry Ports of Felixstowe and Harwich. The shortest Ferry Crossing is from The Hook of Holland but there are ferries from other European Ports.

Taxis - There are a number of Taxi Operators in Braintree and Halstead. At Stansted Airport there is a convenient dedicated Taxi service appointed by the Airport with a Desk on the Arrivals concourse. You can book in advance or use the courtesy phones in the arrivals concourse.