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Epping Forest

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Countryside

Although bordering London and accessible on Transport for London tube and bus routes, much of the 131 square miles of the Epping Forest District is green and rural. 94% is within the Green Belt or farm land which is reflected in the rich and varied natural environments to be found. Although best known for the ancient forest of Epping, for which the district is named, equally important are the Lee Valley, Hainault Forest and Roding Meadows and all offer miles of walks, rides and places to experience a range of countryside activities. Many have disability access and run activities and events throughput the year. These can be found listed on our events pages.

The district is criss-crossed with footpaths, the most prominent of which is the Essex Way, which starts outside Epping underground station and ends 81 miles away at Harwich on the north Essex coast. These can be found on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps 174 (Epping Forest and Lee Valley), and 183 (Chelmsford & The Rodings).

Epping Forest District is responsible for a number of areas noted for their outstanding wildlife habitat and beauty and these have been preserved and are managed by a council service called Countrycare. These nature reserves are open to the public throughout the year and volunteers are welcome to help maintain them, learning skills and making new friends at the same time.

Whether you enjoy open vistas and big skies, the dappled light under a canopy of trees, the burbling of a stream or the calm stillness of a lake, its all to find and explore across the Epping Forest District. And with the changing seasons, it’s a new experience every time you visit. Parking nearby is usually easy and free (or arrive by tube or bus) and there is usually a café, tea hut or pub along the way.

Get out and enjoy the countryside, its healthy, uplifting and free.

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Theydon Bois Earthworks Sculpture and Woodland

Address

Abridge Road, Theydon Bois, Essex

Theydon Bois

Planted by local people and featuring a meadow, orchard and an earthwork sculpture visible from the M11, the young wood at Theydon Bois is a popular destination for dog walkers and nature lovers alike.
Greensted Country Walk

Address

High Street, Ongar, Essex, CM5 9JG

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Ongar

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens

Address

Muskham Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2LF

Telephone
07568 103852

corrinadunlea@gmail.com

Harlow

Beautiful grounds and home to an amazing cycle collection charting the history of the bicycle.
Roydon Country Walk

Address

High Road, Roydon, Essex, CM19 5LW

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Roydon

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
The Royal Gunpowder Mills

Address

Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1JY

Telephone
01992 707370

info@royalgunpowdermills.com

Waltham Abbey

The Royal Gunpowder Mills are opening in a different way in 2024 - find out more
Theydon Bois Country Walk

Address

Coppice Row, Theydon Bois, Essex, CM16 7EU

Telephone
01992 564224

contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Theydon Bois

Get out into the countryside and discover history, heritage and ever-changing natural beauty in the countryside around you.
Gunpowder Park

Address

Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 3GP

Telephone
03000 030 610

info@leevalleypak.org.uk

Waltham Abbey

Gunpowder Park in Waltham Abbey, a dynamic park regenerated from a former munitions testing ground and split into four very different zones for walkers, cyclists and summer horse riders.
Lee Valley Wild Fowl Walk

Address

Sun Street, WALTHAM ABBEY, Essex, EN9 1EL

Telephone
01992 716882

WALTHAM ABBEY

Explore the wild life of the Lee Valley Park wetlands on this trail around the river, canal and lakes.
Copped Hall

Address

Crown Hill, Epping, Essex, CM16 5HS

Telephone
07799 473108

info@coppedhalltrust.org.uk

Epping

Copped Hall is a fine Georgian mansion that is currently under restoration. It is superbly sited on a ridge overlooking its landscaped parkland. The mansion is visible from the M25 which passes through a corner of the park. The mansion and gardens…

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Epping Forest

Epping Forest District Museum

Epping Ongar Railway

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EFDC Cycle Rides