Epping Forest district walks

Walking is a low-impact exercise that’s accessible, affordable, and can be included in daily routines.

Walking offers numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being:

  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Weight management
  • Stress reduction
  • Enhanced mood and cognitive function

Essex walks

The St Peter’s Way is a 45 mile walk meandering through the countryside of Essex, from Chipping Ongar to the ancient chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell on Sea.

The Essex Way is a long-distance path stretching from Epping to Harwich, a distance of 81 miles.

The Forest Way is a 25-mile walk following the footpaths and ancient green lanes between the unique forests of Epping and Hatfield.

Find details on the Essex County Council website – Essex walks.

Essex short walks

Picturesque short walks that vary in distance but are usually around 4 miles.

  • Epping and Theydon Bois – distance 4.8 miles

Find details on the Essex County Council website – Essex walks.

Walking in Epping Forest

The City of London Corporation owns Epping Forest. They have waymarked trails to help you get out and about in the Forest.

  • Chestnut trail – distance 3.25 miles – time 2 hours
  • Gifford trail – distance 1.25 miles – time 1 hour
  • Golden Hill Trail – distance 1.6 miles – time 30 minutes
  • Holly trail – distance 2.5 miles – time 1 hour
  • Hornbeam trail – distance 3.5 miles – time 1.5 hours
  • Lime trail – distance 1.5 miles – time 30 to 40 minutes
  • Oak trail – distance 6.6 miles – time 3 to 4 hours
  • Rowan trail – distance 1.5 miles – time 45 to 60 minutes

Find details on the City of London website – Walking and running in Epping Forest.

London LOOP

The London Outer Orbital Path, or London LOOP, almost completely circles Greater London. 150 miles are split into 24 bite-size walks.

Taking the London LOOP is a great way to get to know London better. It is made up of flat or gentle sloping sections that cover beautiful open spaces like Hainault Forest Country Park. 2 sections go through the Epping Forest district:

  1. Section 19 – Chingford to Chigwell
  2. Section 20 – Chigwell to Havering-atte Bower

Find details on the Transport for London website – London LOOP.

More information