The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and a toilet. After coffee we have an optional, gently undulating walk. We start by passing the station and walking a short distance along suburban roads, to reach Epping Forest. We follow the Greenwich Meridian Trail, on woodland tracks and paths, with some areas of meadow. After 1 mile we reach a path to Forest Road, where there are 123 bus stops (for Gants Hill, Blackhorse Road and Tottenham Hale stations). After 1½ miles there are bus stops on Woodford New Road (for the 20 bus to Loughton or Walthamstow Central stations).
We can use the toilet at the cafe in Highams Park, then we continue along the lake. After 3½ miles, we reach more bus stops on Whitehall Road (for 179 and 397 buses to Chingford, Loughton or South Woodford stations). We leave the forest by Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, where we can stop for toilets and maybe an ice cream or tea at Butler's Retreat. There will also be an opportunity to look in the visitor centre. Chingford Overground Station is half a mile away, with more toilets.
The walk is covered by Oyster Zones 4 & 5.
We meet for coffee by 10.45 and start the walk at about 11.00.
Bring a packed lunch if you plan to walk beyond Woodford New Road.
There is a limit of 15 attendees for this walk and it is essential to book, by sending an email to Annette.
This is a more rural walk and we will be using unmade woodland paths that could be muddy after rain, so walking shoes or walking boots are essential. There are cows grazing in the forest, but they are unlikely to be on our route and they are rather timid.