Epping Forest (“Big Walk” stages 2 and 3)

15 August. 18 of us met up in Leytonstone Tube Station around 10.30 and after a quick walk along the High Street and taking some underpasses under busy roads, we joined Epping Forest.  The first part was 3 miles, quite a bit of time in the sun but with wind it was easy walking, giving the slight feeling of walking through the African Savana ,what with the odd trees and the very dry yellow grass.  We took some paths into the forest to walk in the shade and came across some beautiful old oak trees as well as the bungled hornbeams.  The forest was very dry and many leaves had already fallen.  Eventually we got to Highams Park Lake where we either picnicked or ate at the community cafe, and met up with one more member, making 19.

The afternoon was a 2 miles walk, first along the lake and then in the wood proper along the Ching river which had some water, but very little.  The paths were either deep into the forest or along a wider path, until we got to a pound near Queen Elizabeth Hunting lodge.  Some of us went directly to Chingford Overground Station to take the Weaver Line to Liverpool Station while a few stayed on at Butler\s Rest for some refreshments before also continuing to Chingford Station.

This was a shorter walk than usual, but this was very welcomed from some members who are no longer able to join some of our more demanding walks.  In view of the heat, this was truly necessary and appreciated.

Elisabeth H