Linear walk: Loughton to Theydon Bois

Saturday, 16 November – meet by 10am at Loughton tube station (Epping Branch of the Central Line) – [NB: Both tube stations have NO step free access from and to platforms, i.e. no lifts available]

The Walk (ca. 9 miles): Most of this walk takes us through Epping Forest – the morning section, via Connaught Lake (we might spot a heron or two), is longer than the afternoon. Please be prepared that the route is not all on a flat level – there’ll be a number of hills, both during the morning and afternoon. Hoping that the colourful Autumn leaves haven’t all fallen by now. Conditions of paths – lengthy stretches on pavements from and to the stations. Within the forest most paths are broad and firm underfoot with possibly some muddy patches. Hazards: Extra care needs to be taken when we are crossing several busy A-roads.

Lunch: High Beach – various options: Picnic (a couple of picnic tables on site); an Oyster/Seafood Bar; an outdoor café and the King’s Oak Hotel Gastro Pub [important: debit/credit card payments are NOT accepted for purchases below £10, please bring enough cash.] There are public loos at High Beach and it also has a Visitor Centre where you can find out everything you want to know about Epping Forest. – Drop out: There’re no buses on Saturdays from High Beach. Anyone wishing to drop out at lunch time would need to book a taxi to the tube station.

Sigrid