Nordic Walking and Exploring London. A great combination. Get fit, meet new friends and enjoy nature, all without even leaving the Big Smoke.

On this first of our two Explorer walks in December we will explore the grassland, glades, and splendid woodlands of Epping Forest, once part of the vast royal hunting grounds of the Forest of Essex.

This walk takes us through a varied mixture of dense woodland and open grassland with some magnificent old trees and extensive views.

Training to Nordic Walk the half marathon (aka the Big Half) on 4 March? This walk will keep you on track with your training schedule, so do make sure to join us. But don’t worry, you don’t have to have ambitious plans like a half marathon to enjoy this walk. We will walk at our usual pleasant pace, so don’t expect a super-fast walk.

Now the days are getting shorter, it is even more important to spend time in nature, get plenty of daylight and enjoy the friendship and company of others. So, come on a walk with us – we promise we will help you feel absolutely fabulous, both mentally and physically!

Will you join us on this walk?

How to get there:

We meet up at 9.30 am at Denmark Hill train station to get the 9.39 am Overground train to Dalston Junction. We will get out at Whitechapel and walk a short distance to Bethnal Green Overground station to hop on the Overground train to which should arrive at Chingford Overground station at 10.45.

All stations are within the Oyster and 60+ Freedom card zone, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance.

Feel free to meet us in Chingford or anywhere else along the route. Please let me know if you plan to do, so we don’t get all worried that you are not at Denmark Hill station! 🙂

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is about 6 1/2 miles/ 10 kilometres. This walk mostly follows sandy tracks and woodlands paths and is fairly flat. It is December, so puddles and mud can be expected. Please bring good footwear.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy our lunch outside, but if the weather isn’t attractive enough to eat outside, we could stop at the King’s Oak pub by the visitor centre about half way. here are toilets by the visitor centre, as well as a shop, where you can buy gifts and traditional toys, as well as a wide range of maps and guide books.

Don’t forget to bring a flask, so you have something warm to drink for on the way.

I have a reputation to uphold, so I am counting on sunny weather, but this walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe. Please check the forecast and bring your waterproofs and shoes with a good grippy profile. It is December, so the path might have puddles. Waterproof trainers with good profile are highly recommended.

(There are lots of good waterproof shoes available and they don’t have to be expensive. Get in touch, I would be happy to share my favourites that fit your budget).

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 10 km. Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walker or not, you are very welcome to join us, if you are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊

Cost:

£10 or, if you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers, one stamp on your 10 session card. (£89 for ten walks)

If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5

(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me THE MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me for poles days before the walk unless you remind me the morning of the walk, or risk walking without poles.)

Check our shop if you would like to buy your own. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

Joining A Walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form: