This is a simple to follow guide to over 30 of the best walks and
walking routes in
Epping Forest, including easy short walks, family walks and good long walks.
Easy Short Walks
Easy walks that are suitable for all of the family, mostly up to 5 miles which should take a leisurely 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Epping Forest can be quite muddy so it is advisable to wear a good pair of
walking boots or waterproof walking shoes. Facilities can be quite limited in
Epping Forest with High Beach being the most central location for refreshments and toilet facilities. For more information
about Epping Forest visit their official website
here.
Gifford Wood WalkA good 5 mile official
Epping Forest walking route from Lodge Road to Copped Hall, Upshire and Warlies Park to the new Gifford Wood and back.
Family Favourite WalkAn awesome 5 mile circular walk from Chingford taking in all of the best sights of this part of
Epping Forest. Following the main
walking routes this walk starts at Chingford Plain and takes you to High Beach, Loughton Camp, Kate’s Cellar, Strawberry Hill Ponds, Connaught Water and the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge.
Moderate Longer Walks
These walks are typically between 5 to 10 miles long and can be quite challenging. These types of walks can take between 3 to 5 hours to complete at a good walking pace.
Epping Forest has a myriad of pathways so always make sure you have a paper or digital map with you and take refreshments and plenty of liquids with you to keep hydrated. There are plenty of
Epping ForestFallow Deer, Muntjacs and other wildlife to be found on these
walking routes so it is always worth keeping as quite as you can to avoid scaring them off before you get to see them!
Gilwell Park WalkA good 6 mile circular walk around Gilwell Park, home of the Scout Association, with a Secret Bluebell Wood Video as an extra bonus!
High Beach WalkA good 7 mile circular High Beach walk from Connaught Water in Chingford including a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge.
Chipping Ongar WalkA good 7 mile circular walk in Chipping Ongar starting at the unique Log Church in Greensted following the Essex Way
walking routes and back via the Three Forest Way to Ongar Castle Motte and Baileys.
Epping Green WalkAn easy 9 mile linear walk starting in Epping Green following The Forest Way
walking routes to the Centenary Way and ending at Chingford Plains.
Good Long Walks
These walks are typically over 10 miles where you can really immerse yourself in
Epping Forestand try some of the lesser known
walking routes and hidden treasures, taking in as many as you can on a day long walk. Always be fully prepared for good long walks and long distance
walking routes taking plenty of fluids, refreshments and plenty of plasters just in case!
Gifford Wood Walk - Extended
A good 10 mile official
Epping Forest walking route from extended from Theydon Bois to the start at Lodge Road to Copped Hall, Upshire and Warlies Park to the new Gifford Wood and back down to Theydon Bois via the
Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.
Abridge WalkAn easy 11 mile circular walk from Hainault Forest Country Park to Abridge and back folowing popular Essex
walking routes.
Theydon Bois WalkA solid 13 mile circular walk from Theydon Bois following The Essex Way
walking routes to the Roman Road and Gernon Bushes Nature Reserve.