Epping Forest Big Walk 2024

Epping Forest Heritage Trust is a local charity and membership organisation that stands up for Epping Forest to protect its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture, and heritage now and for generations to come.

Epping Forest Heritage Trust

Join our annual celebration and walk the length of Epping Forest (14.1 miles / 22.7 km) in one day!

Junction of Forest Drive and Capel Road, near Manor Park Station

Guided Walks in Epping Forest

Monthly guided walks in Epping Forest exploring the wonderful biodiversity, culture, and heritage of this ancient Forest.

<h2>About Epping Forest Big Walk</h2><p>Previously known as ‘The Centenary Walk’, the route covers the whole length of the Forest starting from Manor Park in Newham and going all the way to Epping in Essex.</p><p>It was first established in 1978 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Epping Forest Act 1878. The route was devised by Fred Matthews from the West Essex Ramblers and Harry Bitten from the Friends of Epping Forest. It is now one of the biggest annual events celebrating Epping Forest and its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture, and heritage now and for generations to come.</p><p>We look forward to welcoming walkers of all ages and from all walks of life to the wonderful ancient Forest.</p><p>Organised with support from the Corporation of London, the walk provides the opportunity to walk the entire length of Epping Forest (14.1 miles) in a day. You can choose to walk the whole length of the route or take part in one of the smaller, local sections.</p><h2>Who is this for?</h2><p>Everyone is welcome! This is a walk for people and communities to get together to celebrate the wonderful ancient Forest. There will be informative talks about the Forest during the walk.</p><p>You don't need to be an experienced hiker to join the walk, although you will need to be quite fit to complete the whole walk in a day. Part of the walk can be challenging as there are ups and downs.</p>

<h2>What’s happening on the day?</h2><p>Guided by our volunteer walk leaders, there will be three main stops along the route. You can choose to walk the full length or sections of the route that suit your needs. The timetable for the full route:</p><ul><li>8.30 am – 9.00 am - Arrive at the junction of Forest Drive and Capel Road, near Manor Park Station</li><li>9 .00 am - Introductory talks</li><li>9 .15 am - Walk starts</li><li>10.05 am – Depart Green Man roundabout, Leytonstone</li><li>11.35pm - Arrive at Highams Park near Humphry's Cafe, refreshment break</li><li>12.05 am – Depart Highams Park Lake</li><li>12.55 pm – Arrive at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge (Chingford Visitor Centre), E4 7QH where we take a break for lunch</li><li>1.50 pm – Depart Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge (Chingford Visitor Centre)</li><li>2.50 pm - Arrive at High Beach Visitor Centre, refreshment break</li><li>3.15 pm – Depart High Beach Visitor Centre</li><li>5.15 pm – Arrive at Bell Common, Epping</li></ul>

<h2>Anything interesting along the route?</h2><p>The route covers the whole length of the Forest starting from Manor Park in Newham, skirting Wanstead and Woodford towards Highams Park, passing Chingford Plain, High Beach and going all the way to Epping in Essex.</p><p>The walk will take us through some of the most iconic locations and ancient monuments, as well as provide the chance to experience a mosaic of habitats the Forest encompasses, from grass plains, heathlands, ponds to wood-pasture and ancient woodlands.</p><p>There will also be short informative talks along the route, from which you can learn more about the wildlife, conservation, history, and management of the Forest.</p><p>F ind out more about Epping Forest Big Walk, please visit: <a href="https://efht.org.uk/discover-epping-forest/epping-forest-big-walk/" title="https://efht.org.uk/discover-epping-forest/epping-forest-big-walk/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://efht.org.uk/discover-epping-forest/epping-forest-big-walk/</a></p>

<h2>Love Epping Forest? Do people you know think walking 14 miles is a big challenge?</h2><h4>Take the opportunity to fundraise for us</h4><p>Ask your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor your 14-mile hike through Epping Forest, and raise vital funds to help protect the Forest for generations to come.</p><p>If you’d like to fundraise for us at this walk, you can start your fundraising today by setting up a<a href="https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eppingforestbigwalk2024" title="https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eppingforestbigwalk2024" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> Just Giving page</a><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eppingforestbigwalk2024?utm_medium=campaign&utm_content=campaign%2Feppingforestbigwalk2024&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share" title="https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/eppingforestbigwalk2024?utm_medium=campaign&utm_content=campaign%2Feppingforestbigwalk2024&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">.</a></p><p>If we can support you with anything, please email: <a href="mailto:admin@efht.org.uk" title="mailto:admin@efht.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">admin@efht.org.uk</a> or call the office on 020 8508 9061.</p>

<h2>FAQs</h2><ul><li>Why there is a maximum number of 200 people on the walk?</li><li>Can children attend?</li><li>Can dogs attend?</li><li>Are there any toilets or water refills along the route?</li><li>. ..and more</li></ul><p>Visit our <a href="https://efht.org.uk/discover-epping-forest/epping-forest-big-walk/epping-forest-big-walk-faqs/" title="https://efht.org.uk/discover-epping-forest/epping-forest-big-walk/epping-forest-big-walk-faqs/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">FAQ page here</a> for more information.</p>

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