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.
Angela K.
The Three Forests Way is a circular walk connecting the three great forests of Essex: Epping Forest, Hatfield Forest and Hainault Forest. Created by the West Essex Ramblers in 1977, this way covers almost 60 miles of spectacular Essex, an often underrated county by walkers.
Today our journey begins in Sawbridgeworth and Hatfield Forest beckons. Created by Henry Vl in 1100AD as a Royal hunting ground, Hatfield Forest is home to fallow deer which descend from the original herd. There is a cafe beside the lake which was created by Capability Brown where we shall have lunch. Please bring a picnic lunch as this is a popular spot and there will not be time to order food.
We pass through the hamlet of Bush End before following Pincey Brook to Hatfield Broad Oak where we shall have time to appreciate the many listed buildings and possibly even the facilities at The Dukes Head before catching a bus towards either Stansted Airport or Bishops Stortford to return to London.
Dogs are welcome with well behaved owners who are respectful of other walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Please note that we do pass through an Equestrian Centre and at times dogs will be required to be on leads, however there will be ample opportunities for off lead time.
The finish time is an estimate and is dependent upon several factors including the size and speed of the group, the number of breaks taken and the conditions on the day.
Travel details:
Take the 09.54 train from London Liverpool Street (Tottenham Hale 10.06), changing at Harlow Town at 10.26 (15 mins to change). The train to Sawbridgeworth leaves Harlow Town at 10.41, arriving in Sawbridgeworth at 10.47.
There are regular buses from Hatfield Broad Oak to Bishops Stortford and Stansted Airport ( £3 payable by contactless payment) at .04 past the hour towards Stansted or .43 past the hour towards Bishops Stortford each hour. The bus stops are conveniently adjacent to the Dukes Head pub.
Buy a return ticket to Bishops Stortford unless you are planning on returning from Stansted Airport which will require a single ticket to Sawbridgeworth for the outward journey and a single ticket from Stansted Airport for the return journey.
Sawbridge Railway Station
Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex
