It has rained nearly every day for two weeks, here in London. So when this morning broke sunny and clear, it was time to go hiking! I headed for Epping Forest, an extensive area of forests and meadows on the northeastern edge of London. The sunny (though chilly) weather inspired many other people to get outdoors – walking their dogs, riding their horses, strolling with friends, or jogging the muddy trails. Two weeks of rain + heavy foot traffic = muddy trails!
Although Epping Forest was privately owned until the 19th century – when the City of London purchased it to preserve it as a public, open space – it had long been used as a common grazing area. It was deemed a royal forest, “meaning that only the monarch had the right to hunt deer” [Wikipedia]. Indeed, following the route described in my favorite guidebook, I stepped onto the trail next to Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge – now a small museum, it was originally built in 1543 by King Henry VIII and later renovated in 1589 for Queen Elizabeth I, whence it gets its name today.
My route rambled northeast along wide, forested paths. The trees – mostly beech, oak, hornbeam – are still bare of leaves, but the lack of undergrowth gives the forest an open, rambling feeling. The terrain is largely flat, though I did enjoy a section that rolled gently up and down small ridges. Perhaps the most interesting site was Loughton Camp – a hundred meters off the trail, and easily overlooked if it were not for the informational signs. This ‘camp’ is 2,500 years old, a set of Iron-Age earthworks apparently raised for protection of cattle, or perhaps defense against invaders. Although it’s not much to look at, today, it’s magical to wander over berms and ditches while thinking of those ancient people who built them.
After looping back close to my starting point, I stopped in at Butler’s Retreat, a delightful café specializing in breakfast and brunch, for a warm bowl of soup, a slice of fresh bread, and a scone with jam for dessert. Lovely!
Check out the photo gallery for more.
Hike stats:
Distance: 7.9 miles (12.7km)
Gain: 531 feet (162m)
Time: 3h9m (including stop for lunch)
GaiaGPS Track
David Kotz 