Epping Evening Walk - 25th May 2013
Peter's now-annual evening walk from Epping Station took place this year on Sunday 25th May.
The morning had continued somewhat cold – as so much of May seems to have been – but by the afternoon had warmed up enough that some of us were happy to walk with jackets removed.
Twelve of us left Epping Station at a little after 6pm – those who arrived earlier being treated (if treat it was to some) to the nostalgic sight of a Green Line RT bus, collecting passengers from the train and conveying them to Ongar.
There were – it should be said – also two dogs with us on the walk: Maz and Peter's faithful and familiar Katie and – familiar to me, at least – my friend's dog Alfie. Whereas the humans were happy to talk to each other – and some to the dogs too – the two canines ignored each other totally.
The walk took a now familiar route which takes in a variety of West Essex countryside, from rolling grassed field edged with hedges and trees, through ancient pollarded hornbeam woods, past farm buildings and down green lanes. The latter – some of which constitute parts of the Essex Way – were perhaps the most uncomfortable to travel, as sections were well-muddied, rutted and brambled. Such conditions also give rise to mosquitoes, so I at least found myself with some bites later that evening. However the open areas – which were most plentiful – gave us sometimes long views out towards Havering Country Park with its redwood trees sky-lining, and Bedfords Park with its gleaming white water tower. At one point, whilst a buzzard circled over a nearby wood, the downs of north Kent could be seen on the far horizon.
Maz left with Katie after a few miles as Katie was feeling the pressure; she's getting old. Alfie however just walked on, dismissing with disgust offered water. He usually tends to view water other than at home (or at the sea!) as rubbish.
Reaching the Forest Gate pub at Ivy Chimneys – where Maz and Katie joined us again – we met Ian, who'd driven there, and we settled down at the tables outside with various drinks and foodstuffs. It was now nearing 9pm, and the clear sky was aiding the evening chill, and discarded coats were put on. After the warmth of the walk, the chill actually led to some of us feeling distinctly cold, so offers by Maz and Ian of lifts back to Epping station for those who wanted were gladly accepted. A few walked back, adding an extra mile to the 5 mile walk.
I too had an extra mile added to the walk, as I had to return Alfie to his home in Debden. It is possible that I was more tired than he was.
Thanks top Peter for organising and leading the walk.
Paul Ferris, 26 May 2013