Epping Forest’s natural beauty rewards first-time and repeat visitors at any time of year, but never more so than in Autumn, when its foliage is spectacular.
With over 8,000 acres to explore, there is a dizzying choice of walking trails, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or something more vigorous. Make the most of a visit to these ancient woodlands by discovering the best Epping Forest walks.
Tips for Walking in Epping Forest
Once home to the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, Epping Forest is in the northeastern corner of London, straddling the border between London and Essex. As it spreads over a vast area, there are multiple starting points for walks.
My Favourite Epping Forest Walks
My favourite Epping Forest walks are the Willow Trail or the Holly Trail. These circular waymarked trails are accessed from Chingford Station and can be combined to form one great hike.
Willow Trail
The Willow Trail takes in the birdlife on Connaught Water, grazing cattle and a 350-year-old oak tree. As with any of the waymarked trails, you’ll just be skimming the surface of Epping Forest, but this hike is a great day out from London. This is mostly easy walking, with just one incline to Connaught Water from Chingford Plain.
Upon exiting Chingford Station, head across Chingford Plain, passing grazing longhorn cattle.
Grazing cattle have been a feature of Epping Forest for nearly a thousand years.
Although longhorns can be easily mistaken for bulls, they are reputed to be docile creatures. However, I would not recommend getting up close; instead, view them from a distance.
Connaught Water is one of the most popular spots in Epping Forest and is home to ducks, geese, swans and grebes.
The russet and golden-hued autumn leaves reflected in Connaught Water are spectacular.
After exploring this ten-acre lake, head into woodland, where the trail takes you towards High Beech before looping back to Chingford Plain.
HOLLY TRAIL
This is another easy walk through Epping Forest from Chingford Station. It is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines around Ludgate Plain and on the home stretch across Chingford Plain.
Most of the walk is along surfaced forest paths and is gorgeous in late autumn. Keep an eye out for wild mushrooms (but don’t handle or pick them unless you know a lot about them). You’ll pass ancient trees, some more than 400 years old, and, as the trail’s name suggests, holly bushes.
I was lucky to spot a Muntjac deer on the final section across Chingford Plain. These shy creatures are about the size of a labrador and have a ginger forehead.
Epping Forest Facilities
Epping Forest operates three visitor centres, which provide maps and information to help you get the most out of your day in the Forest. Note that they may only be open from Friday to Sunday. The main visitor centre is at High Beach; the others are at Chingford and Wanstead Park
There is a small selection of places to eat and drink in and around Epping Forest, from tea huts and cafés to pubs and restaurants. If you are following the Holly Trail or Willow Trail, I recommend the Holly Trail Cafe next to the car park.
Other Waymarked Hiking Trails in Epping Forest
There are eight other waymarked trails in Epping Forest, which vary in distance from 1.25 miles to 6.6 miles. You can download the trail maps here.
BEECH TRAIL
CHESTNUT TRAIL
GIFFORD TRAIL
GOLDEN HILL TRAIL
HORNBEAM TRAIL
LIME TRAIL
OAK TRAIL
ROWAN TRAIL
And That’s a Wrap!
I hope you enjoy exploring Epping Forest on one of these walks. It’s a perfect escape from the bust streets of London.
If you are looking for another, more under-the-radar day hike, walk the Pymmes Brook Trail from Barnet to Edmonton. It’s one of my favourites.
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About Bridget
Bridget Coleman is a Londoner who has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.