JOHN MERRILL'S EPPING FOREST CHALLENGE WALK -- 21 MILES

My introduction to the area was by walking along the River Lee Navigation near Waltham Abbey. As I began to explore the area, I became fascinated that such delightful scenery lay so close to London. As my exploration of the paths expanded - I don't like to walk the same path twice - I walked the New River and River Stort Navigation before entering into Epping Forest. This magnificent unspoilt woodland - one of the best kept secrets of London - became an absorbing walking area. In the winter months apart from a few mountain bikers and horse riders, I saw no walkers! But
what I did see was a wealth of wildlife - fallow deer and red foxes. Obviously this was the time to come for in summer I never saw an animal.

While I walked these paths of eastern Hertfordshire and Essex, 1 kept
thinking about a “Challenge Walk”, to add to repertoire. But first I had to let the dust settle and walk other areas, before coming back to the forest and looking at it again with fresh eyes. Six months later the plan of the route unfolded like magic, and the following day I was on my way round the route.

Although not as long or “hilly” like my other day challenge walks, it is
nethertheless, a worthy one crossing the forest from north to south,
climbing a couple of small “hills”, for unparalleled views, and the final
section along the River Lee Navigation,

It is all along good paths in fields and forest, with a couple of inns and tea cabins close to the route. You start and end at the historic Waltham Abbey, which has all facilities and worth exploring at the end. Allow seven or more hours for the walk and let me know how you got on.

A5. Placed in a plastic wrap around cover. Signed by author.

Embroidered cloth badge and signed certificate available to all successful walkers.

Names added to my Walkers Roll of Honour Page.