Welcome to Capital Walkers, the friendly London Ramblers group for people aged 40+. We walk every weekend and usually at least once during the week.
One of the lesser known forests of Essex, Hainault was once a mighty woodland and thanks to the efforts of locals we can still enjoy the remnants of this once great forest. Join me to explore another part of Essex within TfL Zone 4 of London.
We traverse Hainault Forest passing Fairlop Water as we journey towards Lambourne. The lesser known woodlands on this walk are treasures of wildlife and promises of spring. On our return to Hainault we will (hopefully) enjoy the views over the Thames Valley out to the North Downs. Keep an eye out for Dick Turpin - he still lurks in these parts.
Please bring a picnic lunch and come prepared for wet muddy ground. The ground was definitely sticky at the time of the recce and in some places could be described as wet. Waterproof boots, gaiters and walking poles to help navigate the terrain will be useful. Boot covers will be available for those who wish to visit St Marys and All Saints Church in Lambourne with Norman doors and a fresco of St Christopher - the patron saint of travellers.
Dogs are welcome with well behaved owners who respect other walkers, livestock and requests from the walk leader and land owners (signage) for their dogs to be on leads at times. There will be ample opportunities for off lead time.
The finish time is an estimate and will be dependent upon several factors including the size and speed of the group, weather and ground conditions and the number of breaks taken.
Please note that there are no toilet facilities available on this walk other than a significant amount of natural cover.
Travel Details:
Take the Central Line (Hainault Branch) to Fairlop for a 10.30am start. We will meet just outside the ticket barriers.
Return Underground trains from Hainault run at regular intervals back towards Central London.
Fairlop Underground Station
Hainault Underground Station
