efog-blog
Recent outings and activities...
A January Walk in the Lee Valley
On Saturday 22nd January, 2022, eleven EFOG members had a good bracing walk around the some of the lovely paths and lakes of The Lea Valley, organised by Lynne.
We started at the Stubbins Lane Car Park and walked 5 miles towards Waltham Abbey, taking in the odd bird hide and the Lee Valley White Water Centre at Waltham Abbey. We had coffees here, and sat looking at the antics of people learning how to canoe down the rapids (not always successfully).
Thus refreshed, we then walked along the canal back to where we started.
Val., 24th January 2022
Loughton to Theydon Bois walk
A group of 14 of us met at Loughton station on Saturday 25th September and headed into Epping Forest. We walked via The Stubbles, visiting Strawberry Hill Pond and crossing the Epping New Road to continue our route on the green ride by way of the Ups and Downs through to High Beech for lunch break and to admire the view. The weather was cloudy all day, with no sight of the sun, a bit muggy in the morning but comfortable for walking.
Another group member joined us at High Beech, and after lunch we headed out on the grandly named Generals Ride and then the Verderers Ride, making our way to through to Ambresbury Banks before carrying on around the ‘Theydon Loop’ with strangely named places such as The Four Wantz, Wormleyton Pits and Genesis Slade, and then down to Theydon Plain and the final stretch to Theydon Bois station.
A walk of 7.5 miles according to my pedometer counter.
Sue S., 27 Sept. 2021
A Hot Walk in Epping Forest
Eleven of us gathered on a boiling hot 21st July day to walk in Epping Forest.
Starting at the public golf course, we headed towards Connaught Water, picking up Paul K. on the way. Crossing Rangers Road and starting to climb we were surprised to find water running across the surface of the ground. Across Epping Road near the Warren Wood pub we climbed up to Buckhurst Hill cricket ground where we turned north towards the Warren. A descent to Manor Road gave us a chance to recover our breath for the climb to Quist’s Oak where a drink stop was ordered. Down to Nursery Road and The Warren where Brian chose a path that soon became very muddy. This was surprising given the high temperatures we have been experiencing but we were soon past the muddy bits and those in sandals could cheer up. On to Epping Road where we crossed again and started back home. A stop at Grimston’s Oak for a drink and then a long slog in the pitiless sun across Chingford Plain to finish at the Golf Club café where ice cream was the order of the day.
Brian U., 21st July 2021
A Visit to Rainham Marshes (RSPB Reserve)
Saturday 19th June was a much cooler day than we’d had lately, but was pleasant for our walk around Rainham Marshes, organised by Ann.
Eight of us - Ann, Trevor, Tony, Frances, Parviz, Lynne, Richard and myself - met up and were pleased to find that the hides are now open.
We saw a lot of different birds, including grey herons, egrets, a common ringed plover, reed buntings and skylarks. We also heard, but did not see, chiffchaff and Cetti’s warbler.
We were treated to an extended view of a marsh harrier flying around and overhead when we stopped for our packed lunches at the picnic tables. The marsh harrier flew over for a while, dived down, reappeared, then repeat, for well over half an hour – a splendid sight.
As well as the various birds, we also spotted small yellow snails and ladybird larvae in the hedgerows.
We heard the chorus of marsh frogs before we saw them in the lake; in fact, they were so loud, I couldn’t believe it was frogs responsible and thought it was another type of bird. But then we spotted the frogs swimming and puffing out their “cheeks”, making a distinctive sound like laughter.
Towards the end of our walk, we took a slight detour to the adventure playground and climbing boulders. This provided certain members of our group with the opportunity to showcase their climbing, sliding and swinging skills. Parviz, in particular, excelled in climbing up the boulders and, with a bit of instruction from others as to where the toeholds were, descending safely to earth.
All in all, a very enjoyable visit, thank you to Ann for organising.
Cathy S. 21st June 2021
A June Walk in Epping Forest
A gloriously sunny Wednesday 9th June saw seven of us collect in Jacks Hill car park, one of the Epping Forest car parks that does not yet charge. Most of us were in shorts and t-shirts, it was so warm.
We moved off northwards on the Green Ride to reach Bell Common where we turned back south alongside Epping New Road. It is a track at this point, and after many hot dry days I was surprised to find that the track was quite boggy in places. Past the Coal Duty marker-post and the entrance to Ambresbury Banks, and dodging many muddy patches, we eventually emerged onto a surfaced path. Crossing Epping New Road we carried on south, past the Wake Arms roundabout and over Woodredon Hill. Not for the first time a motorist slowed down to let us cross the road safely.
Val was suffering with her knee, having slipped on the muddy track earlier, so she stormed ahead to be able to rest at High Beach while we waited for the stragglers (Kathy and Peter, both talking at full speed). We arrived and had our usual excellent food and drink at the green tea hut by the Pillow Mounds. It seems to me that there are fewer cars now that parking costs money. Clive turned up here. He meant to join us at the start but had an exciting time walking up from Theydon Bois which delayed him. He knew we were heading for High Beach and made his own way there.
Carrying on, we followed the Beech Trail for a while, crossing Epping Road to reach the Green Ride again. Turning north we climbed and descended the demanding slopes around there to reach Jacks Hill again where our cars were baking in the sun.
Brian U. 9th June 2021