Explore some East London Gems and get dazzled by bluebells in Wanstead Park

Join us for this varied walk through some hidden gems at the southern edge of Epping Forest. Not wanting to miss any opportunity to enjoy the enchanting smell and sights of bluebells in the woods, I have planned a series of forest walks in April and May, and this promises to be a great one!

Our walks starts at the wide open expanse of Wanstead flats. We will walk on nice grassy paths through this large area of open. We will find gorse, broom, and might spot birds like meadow pipits and skylarks.

From the wide expanses of Wanstead Flats we will walk through Bush Wood to Wanstead Park, a Grade II* listed historic landscaped parkland. The park was once home to the Palladian mansion of Wanstead House, compared at the time to Blenheim Palace.

How to get there:

We meet up at 9.30 am by the Chumleigh Gardens cafe in Burgess park.
From there we will hop on the 42 bus to Liverpool street station, from where we aim to take the 10.20 train to Shenfield on platform 16, which brings us to Manor Park station at 10.33 am. (Manor Park station is step free)

If this is easier for you, then ofcourse, you can also meet us in Liverpool street station or Manor Park Station.
If you do aim to meet us at one of those stations, please make sure you text me on 078 078 3456 4 to tell me you plan to do that, so we don’t get all worried that you are not there! 🙂

Our end station is Wanstead station, from where we can get on the Central line to get back home. If you require step free access, you could opt to take the 308 bus to Stratford, from where you could get on the Jubilee line.

Terrain and length of the route: This walk is 7 miles, 11 km
There are several gentle ups and downs, but the walk is mostly flat. The walk is mostly on rough paths, tracks and grassland, and there are five stiles.
Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy our lunch outside, but if the weather isn’t very attractive for eating outside, there are some places we can stop along the way.
There is a tea room near Wanstead flats and a cafe in Wanstead Park, but don’t forget to bring something to drink for on the way, in case we don't end up stopping there!

This walk will happen in any weather, unless it is unsafe, so bring your waterproofs and (preferably waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile.
Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 7 miles
Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walkers or not, that doesn’t matter, as long as they are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊
Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some.

Cost: £10
If you are on. of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers I can recommend buying a ten-session card for £89. This card can be used on Explorer walks as well as our other Nordic Walking fitness walks.
(We also lead regular Nordic Walking fitness classes. These happen every weekday in Burgess Park/ Brockwell Park/ Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Park.) If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5
(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)
Need poles?