Walks And Walking – Mud Huggers Exclusive Reader Offer

Mudhuggers Exclusive Offer For Walks And Walking

Walks And Walking – Mud Huggers Exclusive Reader Offer

Mud Huggers are specialists in walking clothing and camping equipment including barmah hats, trousers, walking gaiters, socks and backpacks so if you are thinking of enjoying a weekend trek across the Lake District or simply taking a stroll over the local hills, you can trust Mud Huggers to deliver essential kit at competitive prices.

As well as currently offering free shipping on all Tog24 items Mud Huggers have very kindly agreed to offer all Walks And Walking readers an exclusive 10% off their first purchase. Just use the discount code ww10 in the cart and to visit their website please click here.

Here’s their story:

Mud Huggers is a name that really appealed to us when we started our business, as it defines just about everyone that goes walking or camping, because from our experience they are the sort of people that make the most of every situation and can find fun if it’s raining or cold as well as on the sunny days. It also goes back to a time when I was doing some volunteer conservation work on the Yorkshire moors. We had the truly horrendous job of clearing a very muddy path, and adding drainage to make it passable. The first half hour was miserable as we tried carefully to avoid getting muddy, but before long things got out of hand and a large mud fight ensued. We were very soon so muddy that we didn’t care anymore and the job got finished quickly and was great fun for all even though we were truly covered in mud from head to toe.

A Mud Hugger Out On A Typical Blustery Walk

So basically our customers are anyone that loves to be outdoors and having fun in all conditions. Customer service is really important to us, and in setting up the business we are very conscious that every order is important to our customer, whether for a weekend away, a holiday or a special gift, and we want to ensure we keep them informed every step of the way and help them by getting there order to where they want when they want it.   We aim to keep stock of every product that we have on the site, which is difficult for a new business, but we feel it is important that we don’t let anyone down or delay an order when our customer may have a deadline.

It has been a learning curve for us and we have come to realise that people don’t want to spend a lot of money with a company they haven’t heard of before, so they tend to buy smaller products, looking for quality and value. This has lead us to concentrate more on selling socks, and gaiters, travel trousers and daysacks, rather than jackets, tents and sleeping bags etc.   We are a family run business, with even on occasions the kids helping us when we are really busy.

Unfortunately for us the kids are much more into Football and Rugby than a weekend camping in Wales, but we are working on that. We are lucky in that the Peak District is on our doorstep so this is by far our favourite walking area, and a day out on Kinder Scout or the Roaches is an excellent way of clearing out the weeks cobwebs.   Our aims for the future are to develop our product range much further and eventually to have Mud Huggers shops and perhaps a range of our own products.   Mud Huggers is really an attitude life, and we are sure there are plenty of Mud Huggers out there who haven’t discovered us yet.

You can also Like Mud Huggers on facebook and Follow Mud Huggers on twitter.

Hampshire Walks – Isle of Wight Bembridge Fort Video

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks – Isle of Wight Bembridge Fort Video

Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks – Isle of Wight Bembridge Fort Video.

This video was taken on an 18 miles or so Hampshire walk from Ryde Pier on the Isle of Wight to Bembridge Lifeboat Station via the impressive Bembridge Fort. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – Hampshire Walks Isle of Wight Ryde Pier to Bembridge Lifeboat Walking Route.

Whilst on the Isle of Wight I also completed a second walk from Bembridge Lifeboat to Sandown by walking along the Isle of Wight Coastal Path visiting Whitecliff Bay and Bembridge Fort. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – Hampshire Isle of Wight Walks Bembridge Fort Walking Route.

However my favourite walking route on the Isle of Wight was the Tennyson Trail from Carisbrooke Castle to The Needles and genuinely offers spectacular views across each side of the island covering 15 miles. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – The Tennyson Trail Isle Of Wight Hampshire Walking Route

Hertfordshire Walks – Deacon Hill Video

Walks And Walking – Hertfordshire Walks – Deacon Hill Video

Walks And Walking – Hertfordshire Walks – Deacon Hill Video.

This video was taken on a 7 mile circular Hertfordshire walk to Deacon Hill. The chalk downs in Hertfordshire offers excellent walking. This walking route includes a steep climb up to Deacon Hill for a wonderful view of the chalk downs and then tracks around beautiful green lanes and field paths. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – Deacon Hill Hertfordshire Walking Route

Somerset Walks – Dulverton Tarr Steps Video

Walks And Walking – Somerset Walks – Dulverton Tarr Steps Video

Walks And Walking – Somerset Walks – Dulverton Tarr Steps Video.

This video was taken on a 12 mile circular walking route in Somerset to the famous Dulverton Tarr Steps. The Tarr Steps is a prehistoric unique clapper bridge across the River Barle situated in the Exmoor National Park. I took plenty of photos and took a quick video of the Tarr Steps setting off again for the rest of the walking route. The full article can be found here Walks And Walking – Somerset Walks Dulverton Tarr Steps Walking Route

Essex Walks – Epping Forest Centenary Walk Video

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest Centenary Walk Video

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest Centenary Walk Video.

An easy 3 mile Essex walk in Epping Forest from South Woodford to Chingford along the Centenary Walk walking route in the snow taken at Highams Park. The full walking route can be found here Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Top 5 Walking Jackets

Walks And Walking – Top 5 Walking Jackets

Now that we are well in to Spring with the Summer just around the corner it’s time to stow away those heavy duty walking jackets for lighter wind and waterproof walking jackets and walking clothes. I tend to wear a shower proof soft shell walking jacket at this time of year and always pack a light waterproof walking jacket in my rucksack to cope with the very interchangeable weather in the UK. Whilst researching this article I wasn’t able to find the exact walking jackets that I own so I chose the nearest possible match currently available from the leading outdoor retailers listed next to each jacket that you can also find in the Walks And Walking Shop.

Here are my Top 5 Walking Jackets:

1. The North Face Men’s Apparition Anorak

Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - The North Face Apparition Anorak

This is my most reliable walking jacket that I wear most often and is smart enough to wear to work and rugged enough to wear on mountain and coastal walking routes. I have had my version of this jacket for over 3 years and it is in perfect condition. This type of walking jacket is an investment so I have looked after it and washed it with waterproofing solutions each year. It is completely windproof and is generous enough to be able to fit several layers underneath whilst also given me a great deal of flexibility. It is a perfect all-rounder and I’m sure it will still last me for a good few years yet.

Technical information:

The North Face Men’s Apparition Anorak in GORE-TEX ® Active Shell is a Summit Series™ mountain shell for demanding alpine aspirations. Gore-Tex® Active Shell construction combines a lighter, thinner GORE-TEX membrane with fine denier performance textiles to deliver the ultimate 3-layer waterproof and breathable construction for active mountain athletes. Generous map friendly twin alpine pockets. Pit zips aid moisture and heat management. Hunker down in the adjustable hood when the weather rebels. Comfortable moulded cuff tabs. Effective, uncomplicated and with Summit Series™ pedigree, The North Face Men’s Apparition Anorak is a trustworthy choice for an alpine waterproof jacket.

Product Features:

30d 62% Nylon 38% Polyester Ripstop Gore 3L Actie Shell
Pit-Zips
Two alpine pockets
Adjustable hood
Moulded cuff tabs

Retails for about £225.00
Available from Cotswold Outdoor

2. The North Face Mens Apex Elixir Jacket

Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - The North Face Apex Elixir Jacket

This is a staple of my walking clothes wardrobe and another The North face jacket that I have owned for over 3 years. Due to the stretchy fabric it has a few pulls in the material but has still retained its shape and hasn’t faded much after being washed quite frequently and being waterproofed several times. The Apex is superb at managing occasional bad weather and showers as well as being completely windproof. This is without doubt my favourite jacket and because it isn’t Gore-Tex it is perfect for warm weather as well as blustery weather. It works well as part of layers underneath a winter jacket for when it is really cold but I wouldn’t rely on this jacket to keep me warm.

Technical information:

A soft shell with plenty of stretch. The Elixir combines extraordinary mobility with a sport fit to produce a jacket that won’t cramp your style, whether you’re exploring new scrambles in your favourite hills or reaching for the next move on your latest bouldering problem.

Product Features:

Apex Aerobic fabric
Durable Water Resistant finish
Windproof
Two large hand pockets
Reflective logo
Brushed collar lining
Elasticated cuffs
Hem cinch cord

Retails for about £100.00
Available from Cotswold Outdoor

3. Bear Grylls by Craghoppers Packaway Jacket

Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - Bear Grylls by Craghoppers Packaway Jacket

Although I really like this Bear Grylls walking jacket it does mainly live in my rucksack. I keep it as my safety jacket because it is bright red so if I ever got lost or if I am out walking across moors and valleys then at least I would be easily seen. It folds up really small so fits in to any of my rucksacks and is fully waterproof. Even though I have had my version of this jacket for a few years now it is still as good as new so it is definetly built to last.

Technical information:

Waterproof protection without weight – it’s a delicate balance. Bear’s new Packaway Jacket manages it brilliantly, delivering reliable AquaDry Membrane performance in a super-light, packable format that’s designed to defeat the heaviest downpour.

Product Features:

100% polyester with AquaDry 2.5 layer laminate construction and water-repellent finish
Weight: 450g
Fully waterproof
Brushed chin guard
Fixed grown-on hood with Velcro tab adjusters
Half-zip outer and inner stormflap with stud fastening
Large Bear Grylls branding to sleeve
2 zipped outer pocket – stows into right pocket
Self-fabric Velcro cuff adjusters
Length 29″
Inner drawcord system on hem
Lifetime guarantee

Retails for about £100.00
Available from Bear Grylls Store

4. ARC’TERYX Beta FL GTX Active Jacket

Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - ARCTERYX Beta FL GTX Active Jacket

I haven’t got this walking jacket but if I had the money it is definately something I would invest in due to it looking extremely awesome and really well designed.

Technical Information:

For fast and light alpine ascents or any mountain pursuit where breathability is paramount, the Beta FL is a pinnacle design in the new GORE-TEX® Active Shell.

Product Features:

GORE-TEX® Active Shell delivers extreme breathability and durable waterproofing
Athletic, anatomical hip length fit
Minimal ergonomic 3-dimensional (e3D) cut reduces weight and bulk
Low-profile fully adjustable Storm Hood
Reinforced hip and shoulders for durability when carrying a heavy pack
New ultra-light WaterTight Vislon front zip
Reflective hits
Weight: 338g (M)

Retails for about £360.00
Available from Ellis Brigham

5. Regatta Toronto

Walks And Walking - Top 5 Walking Jackets - Regatta Toronto Walking Jacket

If you want something really cheap that offers good value and all round performance then Regatta offer some amazing bargains.

Technical Information:

Keep warm and comfortable with the breathable and waterproof Toronto. The garment’s insulation system, made of advanced synthetic fibres, captures air, keeping you cosy even in crisp, cold weather.

Product Features:

Waterproof and breathable Isotex 5000 polyester pongee fabric
Taped seams
Thermo-Guard insulation
Fleece lining to upper body
Concealed hood with adjuster
2 lower zipped pockets and 1 chest pocket with hi-tech water repellent zip
Inner security and map pocket
Adjustable shockcord hem

Retails for about £18.00
Available from Regatta Clearance Outlet Store

You can find all of these retailers in the Walks And Walking Shop

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Kates Cellar Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Kate’s Cellar Walking Route

This is quite a straight forward walking route starting at Chingford Station to Connaught Water car park, up Fairmead Road in the heart of Epping Forest and then back down through Little Monk Wood following the Green Ride passed Loughton Camp and Kate’s Cellar, Strawberry Hill Ponds, Warren Hill and then back to the car park and station.

I am still breaking in my new Scarpa walking boots so this 7 mile Epping Forest walk should be quite comfortable, I’ve also just bought some new zinc oxide tape for my heels so I’m testing that out too. Tomorrow I’m going to test out my Scapra boots in anger on a 15 mile Essex walk in Chelmsford and next week I’m doing a series of 15 mile walks in West Sussex so I need to make sure the boots are going to be OK so I don’t have to carry my trusted old The North Face boots in my rucksack in amongst my spare walking clothes!

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Kates Cellar Walking Route Map

Anyway, back to the walking route…. From Chingford train station I turned right to walk uphill along Rangers Road passed the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge all the way up to the car park at Connaught Watrer. At the car park I found the main information board and walked along the path at the right hand side of the water to its far right hand side corner where I then turned left at its most northern point turning right at the next corner on to a small path walking right and then left with the shallow hollow drainage ditch on my left hand side. I walked along this path until it became a track where I then went right (where I was shamelessley overtaken by some Nordic walkers!) and then left and then right until I reached the long straight track keeping right as the track curved right to a metal barrier and the start of Fairmead Road.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Kates Cellar Walking Route – Fairmead Road

I walked left to follow the road all the way up to Cross Roads with the car park and tea hut on my right hand side. I then walked ahead and to the left towards High Beach turning right at the metal bar barrier before the 20 mile an hour zone sign on to the forest track.I then walked along this track as it undulated 3 times and when the track had leveled out I then went right along the track that curved right to the Epping New Road and car park opposite. I then walked across to the right hand side of the car park and entered Little Monk Wood.

I then walked along the wide gravel track turning right at the junction of paths keeping straight ahead at the next crossroad of paths walking all the way along until the path descended. It is here you can turn right and climb steeply up through the forest to Loughton Camp which is also an area known as Kate’s Cellar, she was a tiny beautiful Witch that lived in the year 1313.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Kates CellarWalking Route – Kate’s Cellar

I continued my walk, with Loughton brook on my left hand side, keeping straight ahead climbing upwards to cross over Earl’s Path road to the track beside Strawberry Hill Pond on my right hand side where I then continued to walk along this track to an open area. At the end of the open area I then turned right and then left to walk on to a wide path where I then reached a gravel path junction where I then turned left to the cottages beside Nursery Road where I then walked down the track by the left hand side of the cottages uphill back in to the forest up to the top of Warren Hill. I left the track by the large oak tree and seat continuing on the right to a grass path with a small heathland on my right hand side.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Kates Cellar Walking Route – Large Oak Tree And Seat

I continued walking along the path to a junction where I kept left to the A104 close to its junction with the A1069 Ranger’s Road crossing to the path opposite. I then kept left close by the road keeping right as it then went left to a small path in to the forest following it back to Connaught Water and left to the car park and back on to Rangers Road passed the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge pond, where I saw a Heron proudly perching on a stump, down to Chingford Station 3 hours and 7 miles later with the zinc oxide tape still in place and no blisters!

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Kates Cellar Walking Route – Heron by Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge Pond

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Moreton Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Moreton Walking Route

I had been chatting to Tim @ukjeeper on Twitter about using the ViewRanger software on my SmartPhone and he very kindly offered to go for an Essex walk to test it out properly and go through the various different types of online maps and websites. I’ll keep the results of our chat at the end of the post after I have written out the walking route from our 10 mile circular walk in Moreton.

The weather at the start was fairly decent but kept a waterproof jacket in my rucksack and I had hoped to wear my new Scarpa walking boots but I still hadn’t broken them in and didn’t want to risk it today.

Moreton is a lovely village just off the A414 and we parked our cars at the Nags Head pub and had a quick go through the various online mapping options before setting off with my Ordnance Survey map still in my rucksack and me feeling a little out of my walking comfort zone at not being the one leading the walk. I soon settled in to the routine and we had quite brisk pace with plenty of chat being exchanged.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Moreton Walking Route – Little Laver Church

From the Nags Head we headed west along the road to a footpath on our left at the bend of the road that curved northwards through open farmland to buildings and a delightful Tudor house to the road where we turned left to Ashling Cottages and another footpath on our right where we walked for a short while before cutting across the field to our right hand side joining Pole Lane track where we turned left heading west over Mill Mound before bending left to the road. We then turned right joining the Stort Valley Way left at Spinney Farm and Great Wimores through farmland to the road where we turned right down to Faggotters Farm where we turned left up the footpath with the lake on our left hand side to the edge of More Spring woods where we turned right by the edge of the wood down to the road turning left at the next footpath signpost crossing over the next road to the footpath and across to the next road at Olive Spring and the church at Little Laver.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Moreton Walking Route – Open Farmland

We then walked right down the road turning left across farmland to the road turning left along the road and then right down the footpath following this track all the way down as it then bent round to the right to Newhouse Moat where we then turned left and walked all the way down the road and back to the Nags Head pub. Sadly, it was closed for renovation so we popped across the road for some very welcome pints of ale and some very decent pub grub. By now the skies had opened and it was bucketing down so we had finished our 10 mile walking route just in time after quite a sprightly 3 hours.

Ordnance Survey Paper Maps vs ViewRanger Online Software

So it seems I had set up ViewRanger correctly on my SmartPhone but the enormous Wikipedia instruction manual had scared the life out of me! What’s lacking from ViewRanger is a simplified version as I outlined in my previous St Albans walk. The faffing about is worthwhile albeit a little confusing. Tim also ran through some other options with me and how to use the ViewRanger store. I currently have the OpenStreetMap version which gives a basic overview of the walking route but if you buy the Ordnance Survey version you get far more detail and it is worth purchasing it if you just want to use digital formats.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Moreton Walking Route – ViewRanger OpenStreetMap Version

Tim brought his entire portfolio of gadgets, tablets and SmartPhones to show me how each one operates. Tim also went through Backcountry Navigator and Social Hiking sites. Social Hiking is powered by ViewRanger and enables you to geo tag your photos, videos, tweets and Facebook posts as you walk. Quite nifty really if you have embraced the digital age as well as Tim has.

I think I’ll stick to ViewRanger for the moment until I get more used to how it all works then I may move on to Social Hiking. In terms of simplicity, you just open up ViewRanger on your SmartPhone, menu, trip view, reset, start. GPS then calculates your position and you’re ready to go. It is also worth double checking Beacon & tracker to make sure Beacon repeat on. Then lock the phone and make sure the application is still running in the background. Then when you are home, go to my.viewranger.com and log in to your account, open up ViewRanger on your SmartPhone, menu, organiser, tracks, menu, synchronise and then refresh your web browser and up pops the walking route.

So, for the benefit of the Walks And Walking readers I think I am going to use ViewRanger and buy the Ordnance Survey Maps so you can see a good outline of the walking routes. I will still use the OS paper versions to explain the walking route in finer detail as I do find it reassuring when I can read “Turn left at the signpost for…” and “Turn right at the Yellow Waymarker to….” so I know I’m on the right tracks.

Useful links:

ViewRanger

Social Hiking – Share Your Adventure

BackCountry Navigator

Ordnance Survey Maps

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Essex Way to Epping Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Essex Way to Epping Walking Route

After a recent walk in Chipping Ongar I was quite curious to see more of The Essex Way and had read that the final section from Chipping Ongar to Epping was particularly picturesque. The snow had still to melt away so I thought I would get out quickly for my second snowy walk this February.

This walking route starts in Chipping Ongar Sainsbury car park and heads out along The Essex Way through Greensted, across farmland until reaching the open fields of Essex and the ancient Epping Forest woodlands in to Gurnon Bushes Nature Reserve and finally to Epping London Underground Station.

I packed up my usual walking gear for a brisk walk in the Epping Forest area with standard walking clothes, walking trousers, walking boots,  jacket in my rucksack with a few walking essentials, mainly snacks and drinks.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Essex Way to Epping Walking Route – Signposts and Snow!

I got dropped off in Chipping Ongar and walked down the lane by Sainsbury, passed the skate park to the metal bar gate where I then walked straight ahead following the various signposts for The Essex Way. There were plenty of The Essex Way signposts to follow so I knew this would be quite an easy walking route to navigate.

I followed the main pathway to Greensted walking through the paddocks, passed the lake on my right hand side to a garden gate, signposted The Essex Way. I then headed up and around the church turning right at the signpost public footpath to New Barns and following the main track and various signposts straight ahead passing the Church Barn on my right hand side and then down the lane turning left at the footbridge where I continued straight ahead to another footbridge looking out to the fields ahead covered in a blanket of snow.

I continued my walk passed Greensted Wood on my right hand side to the road where I crossed over to find the niext The Essex Way signpost walking across the field with the trees on my left hand side as I climbed slightly uphill turning left at The Essex Way signpost and kissing gate to then walk across the farmland passing through four metal gates to a wooden gate where I then turned right to see some pleasant views of the Essex countryside.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Essex Way to Epping Walking Route – Essex views

I then walked between the trees up the track crossing two footbridges with stiles to another footbridge where I then turned left at the buildings by The Essex Way signposts turning left up the road following it all the way passed the black and white signpost to Epping and the Green Man pub where I then turned right by the signpost and stile by the metal gate to the next still by the tree where the path then turned left and across more open fields and lovely Essex views. I continued straight ahead before going left across the field and through the gap turning left and then straight ahead.

It was here that I had to swap maps and put away my Ordnance Survey Chelmsford and The Rodings 183 and open up the Epping Forest and Lee Valley 174. From here it was effortless walking along The Essex Way in to Ongar Park Wood by the signpost for Gernon Bushes and through Birching Coppice, where I managed to see a couple of female Fallow Deers sheltering in the evergreen trees, before entering Posternland Spring and over the M25 to Gernon Bushes where I also spotted some of the original Essex Way markers nailed to the trees.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Essex Way to Epping Walking Route – Fallow Deer

I then turned left by the signpost and walked over the duck board continuing along turning left at the fork and then left and right up the steps to the cricket pitch and school. I then kept left to a kissing gate and then straight ahead before turning sharp left before the kissing gate at the Gernon Bushes Nature Reserve notice board down the steps and across the duck board turning right across the footbridge and then through a gap in the trees to another gap and the road where I turned right up Coopersale Street.

I then turned left at the next The Essex Way signpost along the Green Lane turning right at the road and then right again by the signpost across the field where I then walked all the way up to an alley that came out by the road. I then turned right with Epping Station right in front of me signalling the end of my walk at just under 8 miles and a good 3 hours of walking.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Essex Way to Epping Walking Route – Original Way Markers

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route

Walks And Walking Essex Walks Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route

I had been planning to do a section of the Centenary Walk from South Woodford to Chingford fo ages but because it’s only on my doorstep I hadn’t got round to doing it yet, strangely as it sounds! The February snow meant I could kill two birds with one stone, so to speak (I dp not condone the killing of birds with stones, just for the record), a quick trudge around with the family in the cold white stuff and then pop off to do my walk in my new Scarpa walking boots. I need to break the boots in gently so 3 miles in the Epping Forest snow sounded about right for the first trip. I’ll probably move on to about 6 miles or so for the next few walks until I wear them in.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route

Anyway, back to the walking route… probably best I start the walk from South Woodford London Underground Station as starting directions from my house isn’t really going to be too much help for anyone other than me! From South Woodford leave the station on the side of the car park and walk all the way up George Lane and turn right at Pizza Express, cross over the road and walk along to the parade of shops near Funky Mojo (a familiar landmark for all you TOWIE fans).

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route – Snow!

I now join the walk here so I then turned left at The Gate House cafe and kept right to the second bicycle pathway signpost passing the garages on my right hand side and walked straight along Grove Road and as the road went right I walked down by the bus stop to emerge through trees to the road. I crossed over the road and turned left following the path gently downhill turning sharp right at the underpass climbing up the track where I turned left. I then continued straight ahead through the snow-covered trees turning right at the next main track following it as it meandered through to the open space where I kept to the left hand side of the field turning left just before the white house in front of me to the right.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route – Centenary Walk

I was now firmly on the Centenary Walk and started to pick up the bridleway signpost marked white with a black horseshoe on them. I continued my walk along this track turning right to a metal gate at Oak Hill. I crossed the road and continued straight ahead following the path as it bent round to the left after houses and on to the next road. I crossed over the road following the main pathway keeping left at the notice board for Epping Forest alongside The Ching Boating Lake (where the geese were looking a little miffed at the whole snow and ice situation) at The Highams Park, keeping right just after the bench and still following the white bridleway signposts crossing straight over the next road.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route – The Ching Boating Lake Highams Park

I then switched to autopilot as the track meandered along the Centenary Walk letting my mind wander and amusing myself with the couple infront of me that kept falling over in the snow and seeing the excited faces on the children and their families rushing around with their sledges. This section of the walk is really easy to follow with plenty of bridleway signposts guiding me along as I crossed another few roads heading towards Chingford.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest South Woodford Walking Route – Looking Out To Epping Forest

I was now really starting to enjoy the walk, so much so that I nearly missed my turning, and was tempted to continue straight up the Centenary Walk to High Beach. Just after crossing Ranger’s Road I turned left at the signpost for The Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge and continued straight ahead with the buildings on my left hand side through the trees. This pathway took me down through Chingford Plain where I then turned left before the wooden bridge and along to Chingford Railway and Bus Station where I then got the bus back home after only a few minutes wait.