Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Family Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Family Walking Route

I have now completed over 25 Epping Forest walks but still think I have only just scratched the surface of this beautiful ancient woodland. I have walked along most of the main tracks and pathways, from the start of Epping Forest in East London all the way up to Hatfield Forest, and most of the surrounding areas. Today I plotted out a walking route covering all my favourite places to visit in the heart of Epping Forest , keeping it to an easily manageable 5 miles suitable for everyone to enjoy.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Family Walking Route Map

From Bury Road Car Park I started this walking route at The Holly Trail signpost and then walked up along the edge of Epping Forest passing an old Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough on my left hand side, with views of Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge across Chingford Plain on my right.

Entering Epping Forest and crossing Cuckoo Brook I then joined The Willow Trail on the Green Ride seeing plenty of Tree Pollarding on the way to Fairmead Bottom. Next up was the famous “biker’s cafe” and from there I joined the Centenary Walk and then the Forest Way before venturing off the beaten track to discover Loughton Camp.

Dropping down to Kate’s Cellar before meeting Strawberry Hill Ponds it was a lovely open wide grassy path walk down to the end of the old Fairmead Road, crossing the footbridge over a stream to an area now reserved for Tree Coppicing.

After Connaught Water conservation area I walked across the top of Chingford Plain to the newly refurbished Butlers Retreat and Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, followed by an easy stroll back down to the start of the walk.

I took my time making sure I wrote down every step and turn of the walk to make it as easy as possible to follow. I tried to avoid walking along busy roads and made sure there were plenty of places to stop for a rest (with Loughton Camp being the perfect venue for a mid-walk packed lunch).

This Epping Forest walking route was recorded on ViewRanger at just over 5 miles, taking me 2 hours and 30 minutes of very, very leisurely walking.

The Detailed Walking Route

The walk started at The Holly Trail signpost in Bury Road car park where I walked left along the wide gravel path turning right at the metal barrier walking up Chingford Plain with Epping Forest on my left hand side to the Drinking Fountain and Cattle Trough on my left passing the wooden cattle pen to the wide grassy path ahead with Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in view across the plain on my right hand side.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Start of The Holly Trail

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Across Chingford Plain To Queen Elizabeths Hunting Lodge

I continued my walk straight ahead by the white topped bridleway signpost keeping left at the top by the large wooden waymarker on to the wide gravel track crossing over Cuckoo Brook through the Holly Trees.

At The Willow Trail and The Holly Trail signpost I turned left and then right along the wide gravel track which then went left and slightly uphill following this track to the left taking the second wide gravel track on the right by the dark green arrow waymarker.

I then walked straight ahead passing an area of  Tree Pollarding on my right hand side and another dark green arrow waymarker on my left hand side keeping right at the next dark green arrow waymarker to the metal barrier at Fairmead Bottom.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Tree Pollarding

I then walked left up the wide grassy path bridleway parallel to the mainly disused Fairmead Road passing a small car park on my left hand side climbing slightly uphill to the famous Biker’s Cafe on my right hand side. At the road I kept left on to the wide verge turning right across the road by the next metal barrier to then walk through the wooden fences protecting the brooks.

I then continued straight ahead through the Silver Birch Trees as the wide gravel path undulated through the forest spotting many really big fallen trees due to Coppicing, Pollarding and storms. Just after the wooden post on my left hand side I turned right where the tracks formed a Y shape around trees downhill to the road. I then crossed straight over the road to a metal barrier to then join the Forest Way turning right at the old signpost following a narrow track.

As the track veered to the right I walked left climbing slightly uphill off the beaten track through dense woodland to discover the whereabouts of Loughton Camp joining a faint track keeping right to then join the end of a very muddy track in the depths of Monk Wood.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Loughton Camp

At the Loughton Camp Information Board I kept to the main track that skirted around the right hand side of the top of the camp keeping left until the path went right downhill with the tree roots almost making steps down to a clearing of trees and the main track by Kate’s Cellar and an optional meandering walk around Loughton Brook Valley.

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

I then walked right up the main track climbing steadily uphill all the way to the metal barrier and small car park. Keeping to the left through the double wooden posts I crossed the road to the next set of double posts at Strawberry Hill Ponds where I turned right just before the second and larger pond through an unexpected area of gorse in to an open space with the pond on my left hand side.

I then walked straight ahead and slightly right to enter the woodland keeping right at the fork heading gently downhill to the next metal barrier.

I then crossed straight over the road through a wooden gate walking sharp left at the white topped bridleway signpost down the wide grassy path running parallel to the road. I kept straight ahead at the next bridleway signpost walking left at the last bridleway signpost on to the end of Fairmead Road turning right at the metal barrier following the dark green arrow waymarker down the wide gravel track to rejoin The Willow Trail.

I then turned left just before the next dark green arrow waymarker to cross a rare footbridge in this part of Epping Forest over a stream turning right and walking down to Connaught Water through an area reserved for Tree Coppicing.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Coppicing Trees

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Connaught Water

At the top of Connaught Water I walked right around the edge of the water passing fenced off conservation areas seeing plenty or Swans, Ducks, Geese and Rare Breeds before turning right at the next dark green waymarker by the trees walking quickly downhill to join the well maintained wide gravel track to the Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge signpost by another area reserved for Tree Coppicing on my left hand side.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Queen Elizabeths Hunting Lodge Signpost

I walked straight ahead keeping to the left hand side at the next white topped bridleway signpost to the Drinking Fountain next to Butlers Retreat where I then walked right along the narrow track behind Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge heading downhill to the left of the bushes and back down to the car park.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Favourite Family Walking Route – Queen Elizabeths Hunting Lodge

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Map 2012

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Map 2012

The City of London Corporation have released a new Epping Forest map for 2012 including more detailed places of interest and viewpoints. There is also latest news on visitor centres and events for this year. You can use this link to download the full Epping Forest Map 2012 . I have completed nearly 30 walks in Epping Forest that you can find using this link Epping Forest Walks or please visit the walking routes page.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Walking Routes Map 2012

Epping Forest Branching Out Project

Epping Forest’s Branching Out Project has been granted nearly £5m by the Heritage Lottery Fund to help develop improved visitor access, learning opportunities and habitat conservation throughout Epping Forest. There are 3 main visitor centres in Epping Forest; The Epping Forest Visitors Centre High Beach, The Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge Chingford and The Temple Wanstead Park.

The Epping Forest Visitor Centre in High Beach IG10 4AE has an extensive stock of woodland gifts, soft toys, local crafts, Epping Forest maps, books and booklets. Staff are on hand to answer your every query about the Forest. The Visitor Centre should be your first port of call to find out about the facilities Epping Forest has to offer. You can apply for a Riding Licence or pick up information from their selection of leaflets and guides. The Visitor Centre is also a booking office for a variety of events including guided walks, children’s activities and open-air theatre.

The new visitor centre is in the Stable Block and Coach House next to the Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Rangers Road, Chingford E4 7QH and has been newly refurbished with a colourful and fascinating display of Tudor foods and replica kitchenware and remarkable views over Chingford Plain and Epping Forest with displays on Tudor carpentry joints and costume. Staff are on hand to answer your every query about the Forest and there is also a well stocked gift shop including books, Epping Forest maps, traditional wooden toys and small historic gifts.

The Temple, Wanstead Park, Wanstead E11 2LT is a classical garden building dating back to the 18th century. It is a survivor from the ornate landscaped gardens of Wanstead House, a magnificent Palladian mansion built in the 1720s and replacing an important Tudor house. Other remnants of Wanstead’s days of glory are the ruined Grotto, 2 ornamental garden mounts, waterways, 300 year old Sweet Chestnuts and the sites of amphitheatres and ornamental islands. Wanstead House was demolished in 1824 after creditors forced the last owners into bankruptcy. The site of the house itself is now owned by Wanstead Golf Course. In 1881 the City of London purchased part of the lands of Wanstead Park, and opened them to the public in 1882. Staff are on hand to answer your every query about Epping Forest and there is also a well stocked gift shop including books, maps, traditional wooden toys and small historic gifts.

Forest Focus Newsletter

If you would like to receive Forest Focus, the Epping Forest Newsletter then please email epping.forest@cityoflondon.gov.uk for more information.

For further information, contact details and visitor centre opening hours please visit the official website for the  City of London

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Jacks Hill Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Jacks Hill Walking Route

This Essex walk in Epping Forest started in Jacks Hill car park near Theydon Bois walking down to Great Monk Wood before heading back up to Debden Green and the Deer Sanctuary finishing off at Ambresbury Banks Fort then back to Jacks Hill car park.

When I was planning this walking route I didn’t expect it to be quite so demanding but there was a lot of up and down climbs through Epping Forest and with Tedi in the child carrier it felt a lot tougher than it should have been. There was heavy rain the previous day and I should have worn my Scarpa walking boots but with the recent prolonged spell of dry weather I thought my Salomon walking boots would have been OK but there were a few slippery patches, especially off the main path tracks through the forest.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Jacks Hill Walking Route Map

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Jacks Hill Walking Route – Jacks Hill Car Park

From Jacks Hill car park I walked southwards in to Epping Forest on the wide gravel track turning right down to Furze Ground and Tippa Brook. I then walked down to the A121 at Goldings Hill and Broadstrood car park crossing over the road to walk along the wide grassy path down to Great Monk Wood walking right and left along the Green Ride to a junction of tracks where I turned left on to Clay Ride down to Blackweir Hill. I then continued my walk down to Baldwins Pond and Loughton Brook to then walk up to the track running along the outskirts of Loughton by house no. 2 turning left along Baldwins Hill road passed the houses back to the field with the Forester Arms ahead to the left hand side.

I then walked up a path to a seat and down to the edge of the forest keeping right along the track back to Baldwins Hill and house no. 47 opposite turning left along Baldwins Hill to the A121 road where I then walked left passed Goldings Hill Pond on my left hand side where I saw a turtle enjoying the sunshine.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Jacks Hill Walking Route – Turtle At Goldings Hill Ponds

I then walked right at house no. 2 on to a Gregsons Ride along the edge of the forest turning left to the road at Debden Green turning right passed The Mount keeping left just after Debden Green Road turning left at the end to Debden Lane turning left at Red Acres on to the bridleway in to Birch Wood. I continued to follow this track through the right hand side of the woodland to the Deer Sanctuary fence where I saw some Bucks fairly close by with the Does further away.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Jacks Hill Walking Route – Bucks At The Deer Sanctuary

I walked along this track to Birch Hall Farm following the track as it turns in to a drive to West Lodge and the B172 road turning right in to Theydon Bois passing Birch Hall on my right hand side and Sixteen String Jack Inn on my left hand side. I walked along this road passed the last house to an open space taking the middle path back in to the forest across the field to the edge of the forest walking right and then left to cross a footbridge over Genesis Slade keeping to the feint path to the right hand side of the forest with the boundaries of the house gardens on my right hand side climbing up to a fence on my right.

I then continued my walk straight ahead passed the edge of the golf course on my right hand side crossing a bridge and continuing along the wide path turning left at the next junction along the wide gravel track that undulated before passing Ambresbury Banks Fort on my right hand side keeping straight ahead back to the B172 and Jacks Hill opposite taking me 2.5 hours to cover 7 miles.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Jacks Hill Walking Route – Dad, You’re Going The Wrong Way Again!

 

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Walking Route

The highlight of this walking route was supposed to be the Queen Boudicca (Boudica, Boadicea) Obelisk but it turned out to be the sighting of 4 groups of Epping Forest Fallow Deer, the Goodyear Blimp, Field Mice and a Muntjac encapsulating all that is truly wonderful about Epping Forest. I planned to do 10 miles starting and finishing at Epping London Underground Station, walking down to Ambresbury Banks Iron Age Hill Fort where Queen Boudicca made her last stand against the Romans, down in to the heart of Epping Forest, back up towards the Obelisk in Upshire and then a few detours to find the Fallow Deer at Copped Hall and then back to Epping station. I went to all my favourite places to track the Deers and was really lucky to see so many, it extended the walk by an extra 2 miles but was well worth it.

It was perfect walking weather today; a beautiful Spring morning, clear blue skies, crisp fresh air and a very slight breeze. My Scarpa walking boots are now fully broken in and I packed a windproof walking jacket in my rucksack if the weather did happen to turn.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Walking Route Map

Exiting Epping station I walked right and then crossed the road to the alley way at the top of the car park on the left. I walked along this alley skirting around the car park turning left on to Centre Drive and then walking right up Western Avenue, the 4th road on the right hand side to now join the Centenary Walk that I would be following for the next few miles. At the footpath signpost I turned right and followed this track all the way up to Bell Common where I turned left and followed the lane by the houses to The Forest Gate Inn where I then walked left down Theydon Road turning right on to the wide grassy path by the 3 wooden stumps and large drain cover to Epping Cricket Club. I then walked round to the left to enter Epping Forest and walked straight ahead and slightly downhill keeping to the Centenary Walk’s wide gravel track to Ambresbury Banks Iron Age Hill Fort.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Obelisk Walking Route – Ambresbury Banks Hill Fort

Just after Ambresbury Banks I walked sharp right on to a wide gravel track now leaving the Centenary Walk doubling back on myself before bending round to the left to join Epping Road B1393 crossing straight over the road by the metal barriers to join another wide gravel track swinging left where I then walked along parallel to just before the A121 road I walked right and then around to my left to rejoin the A121 road where I crossed over to join The Forest Way at the signpost to Loughton at Woodridden Hill. It was here that I spotted to Goodyear Blimp flying over head and managed to get a good photograph through a gap in the trees.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Obelisk Walking Route – Goodyear Blimp Flying Over Essex

Just before the next road I walked right and headed steeply downhill and leaving The Forest Way to Claypit Hill Road turning right and walking along the banks of the small stream where I heard lots of rustling in the undergrowth where a Field Mouse popped up. I continued straight ahead and up Woodgreen Road walking underneath the M25 through Wood Green and as the road then went sharp left I walked right on to a path and stile passing the house on my left keeping the hedge on my left to the next still and footbridge to the track and next footbridge climbing uphill with Upshire Church in view. I then walked through the stiles around the back of the house to the Horseshoe Hill in Upshire with the Horseshoes Inn on my left hand side. I walked right passing Upshire Church on my right hand side to the Upshire Village signpost where I turned left down Fernhall Lane keeping left at the fork all the way down to Obelisk Farm where I then turned right on to the track with the Obelisk in view on my left hand side.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Obelisk Walking Route – Obelisk Close Up

I continued along this track to Long Street where I walked right and saw a Muntjac running across the road ahead of me. Midway along Long Street I walked left along the track towards Lodge Farm Stables turning right at the signpost by the gate straight ahead to a small track on my right hand side to a kissing gate. It was here that I had my first sighting of the Epping Forest Fallow Deer, a small group of fairly young deer that were hidden from view in all the undergrowth. I continued along this track where I met some fellow walkers who had just seen a large group of Deer so we exchanged sightings and moved on. Shortly afterwards I had my second sighting and it was the much larger group that were enjoying the sunshine in the open fields. Unfortunately, being such a nice day they were lots of people and quite a few dogs bounding around so after getting some photos and taking a short video of the Fallow Deers they were scared off.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Obelisk Walking Route – Fallow Deers

I then walked back along the same track and continued on to my next spot to find some more of the Epping Forest Fallow Deers. Walking through the kissing gate I then walked right and back on to the main track to Copped Hall climbing slightly uphill along the lane and then forking left down the track across fields turning left at the lane by The White House and through a stile along the Permissive Path to Little Rookery Wood with Spratt’s Hedgerow down to my left hand side. I then had my third sighting of the Deer in the fields below so I walked slowly down to try to get some good photographs and as I did a mountain biker came hairing down the lane and scared them all off.

 

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Obelisk Walking Route – Fallow Deer Copped Hall

Feeling as my Epping Forest Fallow Deer sightings were now all over I walked back to rejoin the Permissive Path heading back to the lane when I had my fourth sighting of a small group of adult Deer grazing by the edge of the woodland. The wind was blowing in the right direction so they didn’t pick up my scent as I walked really slowly downhill by the edge of the woodland to try to get some decent photographs.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Obelisk Walking Route – Close To Fallow Deers

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Queen Boudicca Obelisk Walking Route – Looking Back To Copped Hall

Feeling jubilant at all the Deer sightings I walked back up to the lane and walked left along the lane all the way to the gate on my right hand side and the footpath signpost to walk up the side of the field to a bench, where I looked back to the views of Copped Hall, and through a gap in the hedges up the right hand side of the field to a very old stile walking left along the narrow track by the side of the M25 to the next stile keeping left to join a lane to the High Road. I crossed over the road to Epping Cricket Club and walked around the front of the pavilion passing the nets and back round to rejoin my walking route from earlier.

Walking along the wide grassy path to the road I walked left up Theydon Road and right down Bell Common turning right at the waymarker down through the woodland to Western Avenue and along Centre Drive turning right down the alley way by the car park and back to Epping Forest London Underground Station after a thoroughly enjoyable 12 miles taking me exactly 3 hours.

 

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route Wanstead Park

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest The Chestnut Trail Walking Route Wanstead Park

This is another of the brilliant new Epping Forest walking routes offering a leisurely walk in Wanstead Park perfect for all the family. Claiming to be 5 miles and taking about 2 hours this walking route covered 3.3 miles taking me 1 hour and 15 minutes according to ViewRanger. The arrows on the official Epping Forest Chestnut Trail are also pointing in the opposite direction to the dark green arrow waymarkers found at frequent intervals at every turning point on the walk. As there was a waymarker at the very start of the walk I decided to follow them and not the direction the map would have taken me.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks – The Chestnut Trail Walking Route Wanstead Park

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks – The Chestnut Trail Walking Route – Wanstead Park Information Board

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks – The Chestnut Trail Walking Route – Wanstead Park Squirrel

From the car park at the end of Warren Road I walked left following  the dark green arrow waymarker taking the middle track at the Epping Forest Information Board by the metal barrier on to the wide grassy path to the lake, an area known as The Glade, walking left at the waymarker and then straight ahead at the next waymarker keeping right at the stream and the next waymarker walking along the wide gravel track to the next waymarker all the time being kept company by Grey Squirrels and the abundance of ducks, geese and swans.

I then turned right at the next waymarker around The Canal to the remains of the old building on my right hand side walking right at the next waymarker forking right at the next waymarker over the bridge forking left to the next waymarker and then keeping left at the next waymarker forking left at the next waymarker and then turning left at the next waymarker at the bottom of the lake through the metal barrier to the road. I then turned right along the pavement and then right back in to Wanstead Park at the next waymarker keeping straight ahead at the next waymarker.

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks – The Chestnut Trail Walking Route – Wanstead Park The Canal

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks – The Chestnut Trail Walking Route – Wanstead Park Ruins

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Walks – The Chestnut Trail Walking Route – Wanstead Park The Temple

I then walked right at the next waymarker and then straight ahead passing the Wanstead signpost straight ahead to the metal barrier and next waymarker keeping straight ahead through the tree-lined avenue all the way up to the next waymarker at The Temple. I then walked left following the waymarker forking left at the next waymarker turning left at the next waymarker on to the lane keeping straight ahead at the next waymarker and back to the car park.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Holly Trail Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest The Holly Trail Walking Route

This walking route is another classic family walk in Epping Forest starting in Bury Road Car Park Chingford covering well maintained tracks and bridleways. Although the The Holly Trail signpost says it is 1.5 miles my ViewRanger said the total distance covered was 2.65 miles which took me an hour to complete.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Holly Trail Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Holly Trail Walking Route – The Holly Trail Signpost

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Holly Trail Walking Route – Holly and Trail

At the Bury Road car park I easily found the distinctive The Holly Trail signpost so turned left to start the walk keeping slightly right at the metal barrier to the first dark green arrow waymarker that are found at every corner and crossing making this an easy walking route to follow through Epping Forest. I then walked straight ahead passed the next 2 waymarkers before turning right at the next waymarker just before the houses and then turning right at the next waymarker where I spotted a rather palatial bivouac on my left hand side.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Holly Trail Walking Route – Bivouac

As the path  forked I kept right at the next waymarker where I saw a Kestrel fly out of the ditch with a mouse between its talons. I then walked left at the next waymarker and at the next waymarker I turned right by The Holly Trail signpost to Chingford Plain where I then kept right at the next waymarker with the car park back in view. As I walked down to the gravel pathway I noticed an old Cattle Drinking Trough on my right hand side and all too soon my walk was over as I returned to my car.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Holly Trail Walking Route – Cattle Drinking Trough

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Willow Trail Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest The Willow Trail Walking Route

This walking route is a classic family walk in Epping Forest starting in Connaught Water Chingford. This is a new walking route and extremely well signposted following the newly resurfaced pathways and the wide well maintained tracks of Epping Forest. The quirky feature of  The Willow Trail Epping Forest is that the map on the information board next to the car park clearly shows that you should start the walk in a clockwise direction around to the left hand side of the lake. However, the waymarkers are all set as if you were starting the walk in an anti-clockwise direction. It doesn’t make any real difference as there is a waymarker at every single turning point making it a really easy walk to follow.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Epping Forest Walks – The Willow Trail

I started the walk in a clockwise direction from the information board and turning left and walking around the lake turning left at the first dark green arrow waymarker, these are the waymarkers I then followed for the entire walking route. I then turned right at the next waymarker keeping straight ahead at the next waymarker up the wide gravel track where I saw a Muntjac Deer running across the path.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Willow Trail Walking Route – The Willow Way Dark Green Waymarkers

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Willow Trail Walking Route – Wide Gravel Track

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Willow Trail Walking Route – The Willow Way Signpost

I kept walking straight ahead passed The Willow Trail signpost keeping straight ahead at the next waymarker turning right at the next waymarker continuing up the wide gravel track. I continued my walk straight ahead at the next waymarker keeping right at the next waymarker and then turning right at the next waymarker. I then kept straight ahead at the next waymarker keeping left at the next waymarker and then turning left at the next waymarker. (See what I mean about it being well signposted!). I carried on walking straight ahead at the next waymarker then turned right at the top by the metal barrier and walking back down the wide track parallel to the one I had just walked up passed the next waymarker. I continued my walk all the way down this track passing the next waymarker to the next waymarker and then back to Connaught Water.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Willow Trail Walking Route – Connaught Water

At the end of the walk I returned to the information board just to make sure I had got the clockwise/anti-clockwise thing correct and read the rest of the leaflet. It also mentions that it is only approximately 1.5 miles but ViewRanger recorded 2.56 miles which took me 1 hour and 5 minutes. It also said there is a steep climb but I didn’t find it and I’m not entirely sure if there is one on this walk. On the leaflet next to The Willow Trail there were some guided walks available with one of them being led by Senior Forest Keeper Nick Baker which promised “a ascinating insight into the management of the Deer Sanctuary”. Hmmm…..

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Willow Trail Walking Route – ascinating

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Billericay To Chelmsford Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Billericay To Chelmsford Walking Route

I met up with Tim @ukjeeper at Billericay train station for what turned out to be a slightly longer walking route than planned but certainly one of the most rewarding walks in Essex I have ever had with plenty of great countryside, podiatry breaks, wildlife spots and even an acrobatic stunt plane thrown in to the mix.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Billericay To Chelmsford Walking Route Map

We met at Billericay station, turning left and then right down to Norsey Close and in to Norsey Wood walking around the right hand side by The Deerbank with the houses on our right hand side to a road that we walked up and then turned right at the Public Footpath 28 signpost across and around the open fields to the Water Tower at Forty Acre Plantation.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – Forty Acre Plantation Water Tower

We then walked up along the road turning right at Potash Road and then right at Goatsmoor Lane turning right at the Bridleway Signpost turning left at the crossroads of paths crossing over Goatsmoor Lane to the Public Bridleway Signpost to the pond at Greenacre Farm. We then walked right and then turned left at the Public Footpath Signpost following this pathway all the way to Stock village across about 5 footbridges and stiles to a kissing gate and then the road at Stock. We then walked right and then turned left in to Mill Lane to visit the Stock Windmill.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – Stock Windmill

We then walked left at the Public Footpath Signpost keeping right at the road and then turning right and then left down the footpath to now join St Peters Way. We turned left at the Public Footpath Signpost walking around Swan Wood down some long wooden steps to continue following St Peters Way. I then put my Southend-on-Sea and Basildon Ordnance Survey Map away and got out my Chelmsford and The Rodings map. It was also here that I realised I had a blister on my left foot in my new Scarpa walking boots despite strapping up both heels in zinc oxide tape and my usual 2 sock combination to prevent blisters. I knew today I would be testing them out in anger so I had packed some painkillers in my bag so I had a couple of them and got on with the walk.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – St Peters Way Waymarker

Continuing to follow the well-marked St Peters Way waymarkers we then arrived at Fristling Hall and walked through the wooden gate to a wooden kissing gate across to the next wooden kissing gate to another wooden gate and footbridge across the field and over the Gang Bridge just before the Margaretting Railway Underpass. It was here I felt a popping sensation on my left foot so I guessed my blister had burst so we agreed to stop at the next pub and review our progress and what to do next. The underpass was quite an interesting point of interest as it is very low so we had to walk carefully underneath so not to bang our heads on the ceiling.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – Margaretting Railway Underpass

Leaving the tunnel we walked across the next fields to the B1002 road turning left to cross the road to The Red Lion pub where we had a short break and some refreshments. I tentatively took of my boots and surveyed the damage before changing in to my The North face walking boots, that I had packed in to my rucksack, which immediately felt more comfortable. We then agreed to continue the walk as planned and set off turning right at the black signpost and white kissing gate and stile following St Peters Way to a small pond where we spotted some frogs spawn and several frogs.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – Frog Spawn

We continued to follow the signpost for St Peters Way over a series of footbridges and stiles to Dog Kennel Lane where we then went through a series of electric gates at Hadley Barns turning right at the stile to the edge of Well Wood and then heading straight across the field in to Box Wood. We then left St Peters Way at the stile turning sharp right crossing 3 stiles in to open farmland down to the road where we turned right and then left in to more open fields to High Woods.

This was definitely Deer country with plenty of open fields and woodlands, their perfect environment. As we walked through High Woods the sun was flickering down through the trees bouncing off the tree stumps and foliage and I thought I had spotted something moving around but it was only when we met a couple with binoculars that my Deer senses were confirmed as we saw a group running through the woodland ahead of us. We then turned right at the Bridleway Signpost and started to climb upwards along Chalk Hill Track where the couple had previously seen a Deer heard of about a hundred or so.

As we walked nearer to the open grounds we saw 4 female Deers bounding across the field with a larger group of about 40 just behind them. The couple with the binoculars had now caught up with us so we all continued our walk uphill to see the main heard of about another 60 or so on our left hand side sitting peacefully in the late afternoon sun. In the middle of the heard was a white deer, something I have never seen in the wild before.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – Deer at High Woods 1

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – Deer at High Woods 4

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Billericay to Chelmsford Walking Route – Deer at High Woods 2

After taking a few photographs we continued walking along the pathway down to a footbridge turning right at Highwood Road and then left at the Kissing Gate following this pathway along to a couple of footbridges to Little Oxney Green. It was here that we looked up to the sky to see a stunt plane doing acrobatics in the sky; loop the loops, stalling the plane and falling, twisting and turning all over the place. The light was now starting to fade so we cracked on turning left on the A414 road and then right along the pathway to a footbridge and then the road. Walking straight ahead up the road to the Agricultural College buildings we then walked right to join the Cycle Path.

It was now getting difficult to read my paper map so we switched to Tim’s tablet for the rest of the walk following the Cycle Path signposts and then the Chelmsford Railway Station signposts which are all very clearly marked from now on in. We then walked through Admiral’s Park in the darkness all the way to Chelmsford Railway Station. We had originally planned to do just under 15 miles but it turned out to be 18.3 miles taking us 6 hours and 13 minutes. When I got home and took off my boots, socks and ripped off the zinc oxide tape I was surprised to see how small the blister on my left foot was. So, whilst my blister prevention techniques had not entirely worked they had certainly limited the damage.

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 Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route

This Essex walk starts in Debden heading out East to Abridge, up and around to Theydon Bois and then back down passed the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary at Birch Hall down through Epping Forest back to Debden. This is a walking route I have been planning to do for a long time but I have been more preoccupied with tracking the wild Deers in Epping Forest rather than visiting them in a sanctuary. Still, it was good to know that I would be guaranteed to see them all.

This was my first decent walk with my new Scarpa walking boots so I was keen to get them out for a good 9 mile stretch to see how my feet coped. The weather was very mild so I kept my walking jacket in the rucksack and we set off.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route Map

From Debden London Underground Station we headed down to the BMW dealership and turned left in to the industrial estate walking all the way down this road to the end where we found the first yellow waymarker on the fence which took us in to the woodland passed the sports ground on our right hand side. This area has obviously received some funding as all of the fences and kissing gates were brand new. We walked across the field to a signpost walking ahead to another on our right hand side to a footbridge and kissing gate through the woods to another kissing gate turning right by the yellow waymarker signpost keeping right by the M11 straight ahead to a yellow waymarker signpost and gate following the yellow waymarker signpost slightly uphill turning right over the M11 with a view over Abridge.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route – Abridge

We followed this track all the way to Piggots Farm crossing over the stile by the yellow waymarker signpost turning right in to Epping Lane and then left at the signpost following the yellow waymarker signpost on the left. We then turned right over the footbridge and then left to a footbridge and stile keeping straight ahead to the next yellow waymarker signpost stile and footbridge to the next footbridge keeping left and around to a gate and stile turning right to walk under the M11 and then left at the next yellow waymarker signpost to the Woodland Trust Notice Board where we followed the wide track all the way round the field edge to the next Woodland Trust Notice Board. All of this area has been giving a really good makeover with new pathways and areas of conservation.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route – Woodland Trust

It was here we spotted a Common Buzzard which was quite nice to see before we then turned right and followed the path around the fence field to the top where we walked through a gap in the trees through open fields to the Obelisk Boundary Stone ahead of us by the railway tracks.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route – Obelisk Boundary Stone

This was a detour to the main walk but we were quite curious to go and have a look at the Boundary Stone. After a few minutes we doubled backed on ourselves walking next to the railway tracks through the farmland keeping left as we walked through the farm and up the track turning left at the gap in to the residential housing area passed the roundabout where we kept left to join Theydon Park Road. We then turned right down to the green and left along the tarmac path up to the road where we walked straight over and up to the main road where we turned left at the signpost for Waltham Abbey.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route – The Deers!

We walked all the way up to the Sixteen String Jack pub turning left at the old-fashioned Public Footpath To Loughton signpost at Birch Hall Farm where we walked straight ahead to the wooden gate and the perimeter fence of the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary. We then stopped for plenty of photographs before moving on straight ahead and then right in to Epping Forest all the way down hill to the road turning right at the metal gate at Debden Lane turning left in to Pyrles Lane straight ahead to Chigwell Lane. We then turned left back down the main road to Debden Station after a good 9.5 miles and 3.5 hours.

We then got in to the car and drove back to the Sixteen String Jack pub for a salt beef sandwich and a few pints of McMullen ale. Intrigued by the name and the humorous sign outside the pub I looked up the name and it relates to John “Sixteen String Jack” Rann (1750 – November 30, 1774) who was an English criminal and highwayman during the mid-18th century. He was a prominent and colourful local figure renowned for his wit and charm, he would later come to be known as “Sixteen String Jack” for the 16 various coloured strings he wore on the knees of his silk breeches among other eccentric costumes. Nice.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary Walking Route – Sixteen String Jack