Epping Forest Walk

I was due to lead the walk on the Saturday 7th June, but with Thursday’s adverse weather forecast from the BBC (which did not materialise in the area until heavy rain late Saturday) I moved it to Sunday 8th to be safe.  5 members met at Loughton Station for a linear walk in Epping Forest, and Trevor caught up with us at the end of Smarts Lane cleverly knowing which path we were taking.  So, 6 of us joined the forest from The Stubbles with our first stop at the Strawberry Hill Pond to see the many ducks and ducklings (Mallards, Mandarins & Moorhens) and luckily for them and us, Dave had brought along some proper duck food which they greatly enjoyed.  On leaving the pond we walked through the forest, crossing the Epping New Road to join up with Green Ride, taking a right at Three Bridges, we took this path all the way through to the ‘ups and downs’ which are always good for the cardio workout.   At High Beech we had stopped for lunch on a picnic table near the Visitors centre. It is such a shame to have lost the cycling hut cafe, and unfortunately the queue at the other café was very long, so it was a good thing we all prepared and had all brought lunch with us.  

After lunch, we continued onto the General’s & Verderer’s rides stopping to admire the ‘Big View’.  Crossing Woodridden Hill and following on the track we came across a few Rhododendron bushes out in bloom.  We continued and crossed over the Epping Road to pick up the Green Path again and then a left onto Genesis Slade and on down to Theydon Plain which was quite a picture with all the buttercups in flower.  Arriving in Theydon Bois we had a stop at The Bull for liquid refreshment before getting our trains back home.  By my step counter - a route of 7m (others had 7.5m) - it was an enjoyable walk either distance, the weather was lovely, and it was nice to be out in the forest.

Sue S.   8th June 2025