Walks And Walking – National Trust Winter Walks

Walks And Walking – National Trust Winter Walks

You can’t quite beat the icy cold air from an embracing Winter walk. I always think you should do every walk at least four times so that you get to see the surroundings, countryside, forest or landscape in all its year round beauty. The snow adds that extra bit of excitement to any walking route whether it be a woodland walk in Epping Forest, a waterfall country walk in Wales or a long trek across Bodmin Moor in Cornwall.

The Forest Way is a favourite walk of mine that leads from Epping Forest all the way up to Hatfield Forest. Hatfield Forest is a rare surviving example of a medieval royal hunting forest and is now owned by the National Trust. The National Trust have a huge list of nationwide Winter gardens that make great locations for a good Winter walk where you can blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a refreshing walk in a frosty garden.

Winter Walks – Walks And Walking

The National Trust’s Top Ten Winter Gardens

The Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire is set around a huge lake with plenty to see and do including classicial and gothic buildings, woodlands, a mystical grotto and a unique circular temple dedicated to Apollo

Dinefwr Park and Castle is located in Carmarthenshire and dates back to the 18th-century with five walks across the estate with the rare and historic White Park cattle grazing in the medieval parklands.

Anglesey Abbey, Garden and Lode Mill is situated in Cambridgeshire and offers an atmospheric Emperor’s Walk and over 150 species of plant in its Winter Garden.

Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire offers over 3,000 acres of green space and makes a great day out for long distance walkers with the longest lime tree avenue in Europe.

Dunham Massey is located in Cheshire and is the largest Winter Garden in the UK with over 700 different species of plant and over 1,600 different types of shrub.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is situated in Yorkshire and is a World Heritage Site that offers extensive ruins of the Cistercian abbey, elegant temples, neo-classical statues, canals and moon shaped ponds of the Royal Water Garden.

Killerton in Devon offers far reaching views of Dartmoor and Haldon Hill as well as an Ice House and the Bear’s Hut summerhouse

Mottisfont is situated in Hampshire and is a newly created Winter Garden inspired by the River Test with over 5,000 new plants and species of shrub.

Rowallane Garden in County Down offers an enchanting garden, walled garden, Pleasure Grounds and a very enjoyable walk around the famous Rock Garden Wood.

Stowe Landscape Garden is situated in Buckinghamshire offering wide open spaces, wooded valleys, and ornamental lakes, spectacular views, hidden corners and over 40 temples and monuments.

For more details of The National Trust’s Top Ten Winter Gardens click here.

For the latest membership offers please click here.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route

Finally it has stopped raining. Every day for the last 6 weeks has seen low humid black cloud ruining every weekend so when I saw the weather was due to break in to glorious sunshine I got my Ordnance Survey map out and planned a walking route in Epping Forest. I plotted out 10 miles from Epping Station to Birching Coppice, up to North Weald Bassett, Hastingwood and then back down through Thornwood to Epping. As usual I got the mileage wrong and this Essex walk ended up doing 14 miles but I was so happy to be out walking again in such beautiful weather that I wasn’t that bothered about the miles or the time.

So far this year I have been ditching my walking shorts in favour of walking trousers, I found I was getting too many insect bites and stings so I was pleased to receive some Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard through the post. I’m not contractually obliged to say this but I will anyway…. Beyond just fighting off the bugs outdoors, Avon’s Skin So Soft Bug collection also helps you swat them away virtually with the first-ever Bug Guard game!

I will post a full review of the Avon products I received in the next post but let’s get back to today’s walk.

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

When I exited the station I went in to my ViewRanger app on my smartphone only to realise that my Ordnance Survey maps had disappeared after a software upgrade I noticed last week. I suppose I should have checked before I left the house it was all in good working order but I was so glad I still had my paper map with me otherwise I would have had to go home, meaning I then wouldn’t have had time for a walk. I continually cursed ViewRanger for the rest of the walk…

So, map in hand… from Epping Station I turned right and walked up the hill turning right at the Essex Way signpost across the bridge over the railway tracks walking through the residential area turning right at the road and then left at the next signpost by Bower Court continuing to follow the Essex Way signposts where I then entered one of many fields harvesting Broad Beans no less. It was here that I breathed in the fresh air and thought “Good afternoon Essex!” as I surveyed the clear blue skies ahead.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – Essex Way Epping

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – Broad Beans

When the Essex Way track joined the road I walked left and then turned left at Stewards Green to join Stewards Green Lane, a muddy track that climbed gently uphill still soggy from all the rain to the next road where I walked right following the signpost to Fiddlers Hamlet and Toot Hill passing the Theydon Oak on my left hand side passing Gaynes Park on my left hand side turning left at the gate and signpost over the M11 bridge to the other side of Gaynes Park where I then followed the signpost for Epping Country Walk.

I continued my walk along Banks Lane keeping left at Tawney Common turning left in to Mountwood Lane to then follow the waymarker to North Weald through Mount Wood all the way up to Carisbrooke Farm up the road underneath the railway line turning right at the main road and then left up Wellington Road leading to Church Lane. I then followed Church Lane all the way up to the next road where I crossed over to join the Bassett Millenium Walks waymarkers signposted Bassett Millenium Walk 2000 and Stewards Hall through the North Weald Golf Course crossing over the tarmaced bridge where I then walked through the tunnel continuing to follow the Bassett Millenium Walk waymarkers and signposts “The 5th Tee” keeping left at the waymarker across the footbridge where I then joined the Stort Valley Way.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – Bassett Millenium Walk

It was here I found a very over grown bridleway track, what better way to test out the Avon Bug Guard insect repellent spray. I fought my way through to the next Bassett Millenium Walks and Stort Valley Way signpost keeping left at the next waymarker up to Paris Hall Farm keeping ahead at the Stort Valley Way and Hastingwood Country Walk yellow topped waymarker where I then turned left at the road and then right at the metal barrier signposted Stort Valley Way walking left at the footbridge and stile to the next stile and footbridge where I then walked right in the short gap in the wood (careful you dont miss it!) to the underpass taking you under the M11 where I then turned sharp left at the exit in to Harlow Park turning left at the end of the woods all the way to the road through another small gap in the woodland by the various metal posts across the field to the next road by the petrol station.

I crossed over the road to the petrol station opposite and then turned right up the track by the disused building in to Latton Park and Mark Bushes where I then exited the woods and turned left to follow the field edge rejoining the Stort Valley Way all the way down until I then joined the Forest Way by the signpost at the end of the thin strip of woodland. I then walked along the track turning right at the next junction by the telegraph pole along the overgrown wide grassy path following the next Stort Valley Way waymarker to the next Forest Way signpost turning left all the way down the road to the metal gate ahead passing Hill Farm on my left hand side to the next road where I crossed over the footbridge to the Thornwood Trout Fishery where I then followed the exit to the road.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest District Walking Route – The Forest Way Signpost

I then turned right at the main road passing the Epping Forest information board for The Lower Forest on my left hand side all the way down in to Epping where I then turned left at the slip road turning left at the end in to Station Road and back to Epping Station some 14 miles and 4 hours 30 minutes later. My legs were bite free so I was pleased the Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard had worked!

 

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 – Essex Walks Waltham Abbey to Epping Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Waltham Abbey to Epping Walking Route

This is a great 9 mile walking route from Waltham Cross to Waltham Abbey Church, skirting round Lee Valley Park, along the green lanes of Essex, through Epping Forest and down to Epping town centre.

I recently posted an Essex walk in Waltham Abbey and then posted it on the Walks And Walking twitter (all new followers kindly accepted!).@NickPLittlewood retweeted the post and sent me a Waltham Abbey walking route to Epping from a recently released 1930’s Essex Rambling Guide. I retraced the walk on my Ordnance Survey map and here is my 2012 version of this meandering and historic Essex walking route.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Waltham Abbey to Epping along the Essex Ramblers 1930s Walking Route

As it was quite drizzly today I wrapped up warm in my usual walking clothes and walking boots but left my gaiters at home as I didn’t think that the ground was going to be too muddy. I got dropped off at the car park at Waltham Abbey Church where I then walked down to wards the church on my left and the church centre on my right. I turned right just after the centre and crossed over the footbridge and underneath the B194 into the Cornmill Meadows Dragonfly Sanctury. At the kissing gate I headed diagonally along the track to Cornmill Stream where I then turned left and walked alongside the stream on my right hand side. At the footbridge I turned right and then forked to the left by the conifer trees and walked straight ahead with the trees on my right hand side following them all the way round turning left at the big yellow signpost up to a kissing gate and into Lee Valley Park and open fields.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Waltham Abbey to Epping Walking Route – Cornmill Meadows

At the next signpost I turned left and then right diagonally across the open fields along the clear track to a signpost for Hooks Marsh where I then turned right at the big yellow signpost at the River Lee Country Park and continued my walk until I reached a metal gate. At the lane I turned right and walked up to the B194 road where I then turned left and followed the road all the way round until I reached a bridleway signpost on my right and then I kept right to join the Puck Lane Track which I then walked around to the left where I continued walking until I could see Lake John on my right hand side and into some open space at Aimes Green.

I then walked along this pathway until I reached the signpost and notice board signalling that I was about to enter Epping Forest. I then turned left up this track to then join a wide track that steadily climbed uphill. I continued walking along this wide path until it forked so I kept to the left keeping a steady path through the middle of this small woodland area that was fenced off either side to now start to follow the Epping Forest Countrycare signposts continuing a steady climb uphill. I then continued walking along this wide path until I reached the bridleway signpost where I turned left and walked downhill to then reach a small road by beautiful houses which led me out to the main road and roundabout where I turned right into Bumbles Green.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Waltham Abbey to Epping Walking Route – Muddy Tracks

Continuing my walk along the road I then reached the King Harolds head pub and a signpost taking me to the right and into farmland where I then started to follow the Stort Valley Way all the way along the field edge, ignoring the first footbridge on my right to then turn right after the next two footbridges. I continued to follow the Stort Valley Way signposts where I then turned right into a very small woodland and then left down a path and into open space with a signpost for the Forest Way and Stort Valley Way. I then walked along Epping Long Green until I reached a gate by the pub where I then crossed the road and turned left around the duck pond and then right at the signpost keeping right and along the track to the right. I then kept right at the big yellow signpost and through a gate and over a footbridge keeping to the right of the hedgerow to another footbridge where I turned right now walking straight across the field to the road.

 

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – Waltham Abbey to Epping Walking Route – Epping Long Green

I crossed over the road by the signpost and through the gate to Bishops Walk and the grounds of the church. Walking round to the right hand side of the church to an ornamental gate I then walked through and down a track following it all the way down to a stile by the road where I then crossed over and turned left by the signpost to the walk diagonally across the field that didn’t seem to have an obvious path to the corner of the B181 road. I then walked all the way down this road and passed the sign for Epping to turn right at the old fashioned black and white signpost for Epping Town and London.I then turned right and then left to join the slip road at Hemnall Street walking all the way along until it reached Station Road where I turned left and walked down to Epping Station.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Forest Way Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks The Forest Way Walking Route

The Forest Way is a 25 mile walking route along the footpaths and green lanes between the ancient woodlands and hunting grounds of Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest. This marvelous walking route meanders gently through the rolling Essex countryside making it one of my favourite Essex walks. I regularly walk sections of The Forest Way, especially in and around Epping Forest, and find it very easy to follow with plenty of signposts and waymakers.

There are a few slopes to cope with but nothing too long or steep. After rain the ground may be quite soft and in some places muddy so sturdy walking boots or a good pair of walking shoes are recommended. There is plenty of shelter along The Forest Way so no need to wear too many layers.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks – The Forest Way

The Forest Way starts at Loughton London Underground Station and heads straight into Epping Forest making its way up and around Loughton Camp, an Iron Age Hill Fort that subseqently became popular with Dick Turpin and the Highwaymen of the 18th century.The City Of London Corporation have done an outstanding job with Epping Forest and it is a great place to go for all types of walks, walking, bicycle and horse riding.

As the walk follows through the Epping Forest Conservation Centre and crossing underneath the M25 Copped Hall Green and Copped Hall House appears to the east, a former medieval manor and park that looks impressive from a distance but up close only the shell remains. Continuing in a northerly direction The Forest Way passes Woodredon Farm, an 18th Century Farmhouse on the site of an ancient manor, to then join the Green Lanes.

Green Lanes are a historic network of minor roads connecting villages but now offer wide grassy paths with high boundary edges giving the feeling of being in a large green tunnel with the most prominent example being Epping Long Lane to Parndon Wood. The Forest Way then enters Latton Wood and the 12th Century Latton Priory before the walk joins the large commons of Latton and Harlow. At the villages of Matching The Forest Way enters its last section at Hatfield where it then ends at Hatfield Forest, an area owned by the National Trust, and is now a complete surviving example of a 12th Century small medieval Royal Hunting Forest

To download The Forest Way full colour PDF please click here: The Forest Way Walking Route

The Forest Way was published by “Ways through Essex” which was a project supported by the Countryside Commission and Essex County Council.

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Copped Hall Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Essex Walks Epping Forest Copped Hall Walking Route

It has been a while since I have been to Epping Forest and I thought a winter walk a few weeks ago would be a great treat before the springtime sets in. Most of my Epping Forest walks have lush green forestry photographs and videos so to see these ancient woodlands in there most bare state made for some interesting shots.

I packed fairly lightly for this walking route with the normal essentials in my rucksack, spare layer and waterproof jacket, water and snacks. I do not think my faithful walking boots have got much left in them so today was like saying goodbye to some very good friends with a sentimental walk in Epping Forest.

Essex Walks – Epping Forest – Strawberry Hill Pond

I got the Central Line to Loughton and made my way up to Nursery Road across the small car park to the path that led uphill to then cross an open glade called The Stubbles to then join a bridle path that I walked along to Strawberry Hill pond. I then turned right along the bridle path to continue walking to the next pond and small car parking area to then cross Earls Path Road.

Essex Walks – Epping Forest – Green Ride

I then continued along the Green Ride heading through the heart of Epping Forest to then join the Epping Forest Centenary Walk following the path as it winds its way up and down through the ancient woodlands to then cross the road at Golding’s Hill and Coppice Row. Shortly after I passed by the Ambresbury Banks earth embankments which are the faintest remains of an iron age rectangular, lowland plateau fort.

Essex Walks – Epping Forest – Bivouac Near Ambresbury Banks Fort

I then continued my walk to reach Bell Common where the path left the Green Ride and took the path off to the left that lead me down through a small woodland before opening up to the small cricket ground and pavilion. After the cricket pitch I joined a driveway that took me down to the B1393 Epping High Road.I then walked across the road and headed left along the pavement until just passed the last house taking the footpath leading me off to the right and down to a path running alongside the M25.

The path lead me down to a stile following the side of a field and then down to Griffin’s Wood. Copped Hall House was now in view on my left hand side and as I turned left at the edge of Griffin Wood I crossed a stile in to the grounds of Copped Hall Park. Copped Hall Park was originally a medieval hunting park and the landscape is dotted with fine parkland trees small woods and hedges with magnificent views.

Essex Walks – Epping Forest – Copped Hall House

I continued to follow this path and walked along by the side of the field to its end when it became a surfaced track leading around the Copped Hall House buildings and along the driveway past the front of the house where I then walked down to the bridge over the M25 and in to Warren Wood. I then walked along this path to reach the white gates that then headed down a footpath by the signpost turning right leading gently downhill parallel with the road at Crown Hill. Being careful not to miss the path on my left at Crown Hill by the house by a white post to path that I walked up to Woodridden Hill where I crossed the road to then join up with The Forest Way signpost.

I followed this path where I then walked across Claypit Hill and down to High Beech to then follow the track east by the Epping Forest Conservation Centre to then rejoin the Centenary Walk. I then walked up the path to my right up and down some short, sharp steep hills and on to cross the road and continue along the Centenary Walk before then taking the smaller path just off to the left of the car park to then join the road where I then took the path just off to the left again passed Fairmead Pond.

From here I continued down to the main A104 Epping New Road where I then crossed the road and continued my walk ahead past a small car park, ignoring paths off to the left and right to then follow this path through Epping Forest until it reached the T junction. I then walked to the left and back to Strawberry Pond turning right through The Stubbles, passed the car park and back down to Loughton Tube Station. This walk covered about 10 miles and took me just under 4 hours.

Oh, and my walking boots will live to walk another day!

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Ambresbury Banks Fort Walking Route

Walks And Walking – Epping Forest Ambresbury Banks Fort Walking Route

This is a very easy going circular Essex walking route around Epping Forest. From High Beach we headed along The Forest Way up to the outskirts of Copthall Green and then across to Ambresbury Banks Fort to follow the Green Ride back down to the Centenary Way and back to High Beach.

The weather was supposed to be hot today but was looking overcast when we left at 8am so packed my waterproof jacket in the child carrier and laced up my walking boots to set off walking from High Beach opposite the Epping Forest Centre to join The Forest Way path by the small car park just to the right of the tea hut.

The North Face Jannu II GTX Technical Hiking Boot ready for action in Epping Forest

As this is my 50th article on this site I thought I would take a photograph on my favourite walking boots before I put them on so please click this link to read more about these The North Face Boots

We walked along The Forest Way to cross a road and rejoin the path on the other side to wind gently to the next road and signpost for Hatfield Forest on The Forest Way. We then crossed the road to join Woodredon Farm Lane and headed down passed Woodredon House and Farm at the cattle grid. Where the path turns left to the M25 we turned right to now leave The Forest Way at the signpost with a blue marker. We then walked down this track to a signpost with a yellow marker where we then turned left to follow the field around to a small wooden footbridge… covered by nettles.

Have decided on shorts for today I got stung quite badly which taught me a valuable lesson; always where gaiters! We then walked through the Crown Hill Storage units and on to the road where we turned right to walk uphill passed the entrance for The Warren before turning left at the T-juntion and on to the High Road to turn left passed the Ambresbury Banks bus stop to find a log across the road on our right blocking a path down to Ambresbury Banks Fort.

Original map of Ambresbury Banks Fort in Epping Forest Essex

We then found a sign for the fort which showed the original layout of the fort. We then crossed straight through the fort to find the wide and very distinct Green Ride pathway which we were to follow for most of the rest of the walk until we reached the road which we crossed to rejoin the Green Ride and a sign for Jack’s Hill at The Ditches. We continued down the wide path until we reach a very distinct turning on our right where the track naturally bends. We followed this path until a steep uphill climb led us to the road and car park at Golding’s Hill straight over to continue along the wide path of the Green Ride which bends up and down through beautfiful green ferns with a clear blue sky now above us.

The ferns in Epping Forest Essex on the Green Ride by Great Monk Wood

We then came to a wide turning on our right and then another to a clearing in the forest. We then turned right at the bottom of the clearing and on to the Centenary Walk which has now become obliterated by mountain bikers who enjoy the steep banks on the outskirts of Loughton Camp. On our left we made out the sign for Loughton Camp but this was off our route so we continued along the myriad of pathways just about maintaining the general direction to then cross the Epping New Road. We then crossed the road and up through the forest opposite to a short steep climb in a small clearing. This isn’t a pathway but has been worn away by walkers as an easiy route up to the forest pathway crossing. We carried straight onwards to some bivouaks made from the trees that have been there for years. We followed this pathway to a wooden fence behind the Epping Forest Centre.

We followed this pathway passed some wodden benches to a bank which we climb and turned right to come out by the Epping Forest Centre car park to turn left and back to where we had parked the car after just under 3 hours and about 8 miles, legs still stinging from the nettles.

For more photographs of this walk please visit: Ambresbury Banks Fort