Discover Epping Forest and beat the train stike

Discover an ancient forest, an Elizabethan Hunting Lodge and an Iron Age Camp - all along the Central Line

With a rail strike and the whiff of autumn in the air, why not join this linear walk as it weaves its way through Epping Forest. Spreading across east London and Essex, Epping Forest is an ancient woodland which is thought to have been open heathland and woodland since trees returned after the last Ice Age over 10,000 years ago. It contains areas of woodland, grassland, heath, streams, bogs and ponds, and is home to an estimated 55,000 trees - some of which are centuries old.

The walk will start at 10.00am at Snaresbrook Station on the Central Line. Come out of the station and walk to the bottom of the slope to meet by the old water fountain. Or, if you fancy a coffee before the walk, why not join me at 9.30am in coffeeshop Fika. Fika is almost immediately opposite the old water fountain (5 High Street, E11 1QF). Note: to get to Snaresbrook you will need a Central Line train whose final destination is Epping, Loughton, or Debden (as the Central Line splits at Leytonstone). However, if after Leytonstone you find yourself at Wanstead tube instead of Snaresbrook you can walk down Wanstead High Street to Snaresbrook tube station (about 15 minutes). Wanstead High Street has lots of choice of cafes and small supermarkets to pick up your lunch should you wish.

The walk will initially take us along Eagle Pond (locally known as Swan Lake and for very good reason) before quickly picking up a forest track. After crossing the North Circular (by bridge or underpass) we'll weave our way down to Highams Park. From here we'll head towards our lunch stop at Chingford. At the lunch stop there is a cafe and a pub as well as a visitor centre for the Forest (which often has an exhibition). However, before heading to any of these, for those who are interested I would suggest exploring the Elizabethan Hunting Lodge first (it closes 1-2pm for lunch) - the lodge is free to enter and has a bit of an Elizabethan dressing up box! If bringing your own packed lunch there is a covered seating area at the rear of the visitor centre - there are also loos at the centre.

Following lunch we'll make our way to High Beech Church, via Connaught Water, before walking through High Beech village whose former residents include poets John Clare and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. 

From High Beech we'll start to make our way to Loughton. The path will take us past Loughton Camp where we'll have a quick 10-minute stop to explore this ancient site. It's one of two Iron Age earthworks in the Forest - dating from around 500 BC. With links to both Boudicca and Dick Turpin, some claim Loughton Camp is haunted - often there will be an odd ripple of breeze or the whiff of wood smoke, and many claim they can hear the echoes of Boudicca's army who were gathered in the Camp around 62AD.

From Loughton Camp we'll walk down a short but steep path before walking up a short steep hill - these are the only sharp descents and climbs on a mainly very flat route. We'll then head to Old Loughton Village where the walk will finish at The Gardeners Arms for those who want to have a quick drink. Loughton tube station is about 15 minutes away and can be reached by walking down the hill on the road alongside the pub's terrace. Once reaching Loughton High Road turn right. When you see Gails Bakery on your left, turn left down Station Road and the tube station is on the far side of Sainsbury's Car Park.

The walk is approximately 12 miles. Boots should be worn given how prone the Forest is to muddy tracks! Loos are available at the lunch stop and also High Beech.  The walk will finish 4-5pm depending on weather conditions and walking speed.