A DICK TURPIN WALK - 70 MILES

ABOUT THE WALK -

I have long been fascinated by highwayman, Dick Turpin, for many reasons. Mostly for romantic reasons that this ruthless man has become a folk hero in poems, stories, books and films. He has popped up many times in my life. Firstly at school in Yorkshire near York, where he is buried. More recently I live close to Epping Forest so again his history is always there.

My original aim was to create a day walk challenge walk of 25 miles for my
series. |_ cycled around Thaxted and Hempstead to get an overall view, but nothing fell into place. I began researching his life and Buckhurst Hill became part of his story but no visible remainders of those days. But, Enfield has the last inn that he owned, Rose & Crown at Clay Hill, and I decided fo link all the key places together. Again I thought it would be about 40 miles, but ofcourse Stanstead Airport is in the way, so it had to be longer! Plus the added complication of little used and overgrown paths. Some paths and areas I walked three times before I felt confident to write
this guide to follow in my footsteps. Now it is 70 miles long!

It has been a most enjoyable walking some of the remote paths in Essex and piecing the route together. At the same time there is considerable history in the area, so apart from linking Turpin’s story together, you also come to many fascinating places. His ghost and stories abound and if, like me, you walk alone, who knows who you will meet and experience!

Yhe route begins where he was born - Hempstead, Essex and goes through Thaxed where he had a shop and lived. Then onto Epping and Loughton before crossing Epping Forest where he had a cave and on Clay Hill and the family inn.

Happy walking!
Johu N. Merrill

A5. Wire bound. 80 pages, with maps, history notes, amenities guide and walking instructions.

Signed certificate available to those who complete the walk.

Names added to me Walkers Roll of Honour page.