This week’s exploration of green London will take us to Epping Forest. Our walk starts in Leytonstone in East London. you wouldn’t say it now, but Leytonstone high Road is an ancient pathway dating to pre-Roman times and the remains of roman buildings have been found in the area.

Epping Forest is an ancient woodland, which was declared public open space in 1878. People were free to roam, walk their pigs to feed them on acorns and coppice wood to use for firewood and tools.

There will be plenty to see and enjoy on this walk.
Will you join us?

How to get there:

We will meet at 10 am in Liverpool street station by the AMT coffee bar by platform 6. From there we aim to take the central line to Leytonstone, where we should arrive by 10.20.

If this is easier for you, you can also meet us 10.20 am at Leytonstone tube station,
or you can can join me at 9.15 am at the Albany Road/Wells Way bus stop (Stop O) by Burgess Park, to catch bus 42 to Liverpool street station.

Please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to meet us at Leytonstone, so we don’t get all worried that you are not at Liverpool street station! 🙂

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

Terrain and length of the route:

The route is reasonably flat but on on varied terrain. The paths can be muddy, waterproof shoes with good profile are highly recommended. Our walk will be about 8 miles/ 12 kilometres. I do not expect any styles to climb over, but Leytonstone nor Loughton tube stations both have stairs.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

There are toilets in the stations of Leytonstone and Loughton, and we will pass one or two pubs/cafes on our way.

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy our lunch outside, but if the weather isn’t very attractive for eating outside, we could stop at a cafe.

This walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe, so bring your waterproofs and (preferably waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile. I am optimistic about the weather and have a reputation to uphold, so don’t forget to bring a sunhat/cap and sunscreen! Don’t forget to bring enough to drink.

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 7 miles/11 km.
Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walkers or not, that doesn’t matter, as long as they are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊
Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some.

Cost:

£10
If you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers I can recommend buying a ten-session card for £89. This card can be used on Explorer walks as well as our other Nordic Walking fitness walks.
(We also lead regular Nordic Walking fitness classes. These happen every weekday in Burgess Park/ Brockwell Park/ Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Park.)
If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5
(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

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 days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)

Thinking about buying your own?
Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

How to join this 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: