HIKE RATING: B
Get a bit stir crazy being jammed up in the office each day? Working out in the gym or rock climbing certainly helps but it doesn’t scratch the itch for the outdoors. If you are looking for a quick getaway to get into the woodlands, Epping Forest can certainly be an option for you. Don’t expect any great exertion on this hike but it is certainly a nice walk. There are a number of nice walking trails which likely better for trail running than walking if you want a better work out. Beware it can be quite muddy if it rained recently so keep that in mind for your kit.
GETTING THERE
The trails in Epping Forest are very well connected. The best option to get there is to travel to Chingford station on the over ground. There is a straight shot from Liverool Street Station or you can take the Victoria Line to Walthamstow Station then jump on the overground (at
Walthamstow don’t just follow the overground signs as it bring you to a further staircase for the wrong direction. Just leave Victoria Line and walk up the first staircase.) Once you are at Chingford, turn right out of the station and make your way towards Holly Trail Cafe to grab a coffee. You can head to Connaught water. This will bring you to a number of the trails which take you into the forest. Following the Holly beach trail (orange arrows) will be about a 11 km hike.
MY KIT
- Approach Shoes
- 1 Liter of Water
- Jacket
- Nikon D810 (50mm and 12-24mm lenses)
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE
Connaught Water 
Trail Leads 
On Trail 
On Trail 
On Trail 
On Trail
AFTER HIKE
You are not going to be working up too hard here; however, who doesn’t like a good lunch after being outdoors. After completing the route, there are some good food options back in Chingford. There are going to be a number of different pubs to choose from. I personally went to Helen’s Coffee on the Green. They have some good Greek options which are quite healthy as well as some paninis.
