A circular route starting and finishing at High Beach in the centre of the forest.
Epping forest is far from the UK's last great wilderness but a life based in the South East limits time spent in the hills. I am lucky enough to have an outdoors based job in the forest and value its ability to feel a lot further away than the 9kms to St Paul's it actually is.
This route provides a circuit just under 5 miles in length that utilises some of the network of 'horse rides' through the forest and is perfect for a short run or an afternoon wander through the forest.
Fetching Map
Detailed description
1
TQ4126098452 From the Visitor Centre follow the easy access 'wheelchair' path North to a horse ride, turn left on this ride to a road.
Cross the road and take the ride entering the woodland on the right.
Approximately half a mile after crossing the next road you will pass a cleared section on the left called Big View, worth pausing to look at the view out over the River Lea and Waltham Abbey. A fantastic place to see the sun set.
2
TQ4213999445 After crossing the road at Woodredon Hill follow the ride to the right, behind the buildings around the Wake Arms roundabout.
Follow this ride across a minor road and then over the B1393 to a T junction.
3
TL4369700112 At this T junction take the ride to the right through Long Running.
4
TQ4352099551 At Jacks Hill car park, cross the road and out the back of the car park on the other side of the road.
Follow this ride, taking the ride that bends off to the right after approximately half a kilometre, before the ride heads downhill.
5
TQ4285698530 After descending and climbing out of Furze Ground, cross the A121.
6
TQ4211597842 After another descent and climb take the ride heading off to the right through Little Monk wood.
7
TQ4145698135 After crossing the Epping New Road follow the ride until you reach a T junction, turn right and follow the ride back to the wheelchair path, following this back to the Visitor Centre.
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jbrom
1 Nov, 2011
Ran this route after work today. First time running with a headtorch in the dark. The forest certainly is a tad spooky at night!