LCC Nature Walks: EPPING OAK WOOD & Ambresbury Banks Iron Age Site [EAST LONDON]

Red salute, ramblers - we're back again with another journey east to Epping Forest, this time taking on the forest's north end, home to the Oak Wood Trail, Great Monk Woods and Ambresury Banks, an ancient archaeological site. This will be a circular hike of about 9 kilometres, starting and ending at Epping station on the Central line. Our route will take us from the station, to follow the Oak Wood Trail south past Ambresbury Banks and into Great Monk Wood before turning north to return to the station.

Epping Forest is a 2,400-hectare (5,900-acre) area of ancient woodland, and other established habitats, which straddles the border between Greater London and Essex. The main body of the forest stretches from Epping in the north, to Chingford on the edge of the London built-up area. South of Chingford, the forest narrows and becomes a green corridor extending deep into east London, as far as Forest Gate; the forest's position gives rise to its nickname, the Cockney Paradise. It is the largest forest in London.

Local recreational users of the forest were crucial in saving the forest when it was threatened with enclosure and destruction in the late 19th century. The huge public outcry including pitched battles between police and local working-class residents led the City of London Corporation to buy and so save the site in what was the first major success of the environmental movement in Europe – the corporation still owns the forest.

The forest has long-standing associations with outlawry. In the 18th century, Epping Forest became notorious as the haunt of highwaymen, who preyed on the coaches of wealthy racegoers on the road from London to Newmarket. Dick Turpin and Tom King used the forest as a hideaway, and Jack Rann, known as "Sixteen String Jack", had a pub named after him in Theydon Bois. Turpin had a hideout there.

Ambresbury Banks is the name given to the remains of an Iron Age hill fort in Epping Forest, located along our route. According to legend, it is the site of the last stand by Boudica against the Romans in the year 61. Ambresbury Banks forms, along with Loughton Camp, Wallbury Camp, Little Hadham, Barkway and Littlebury, a line of Epping-area hill-forts that arguably delineated the disputed territories of the warring Trinovantes and Catuvellauni tribes in ancient England.

• Distance/Time: About 9km, making for a roughly 4-4.5 hour walk, depending on our speed
• Terrain: Some hills; mix of tracks and dirt roads. Muddy patches possible—wear waterproof hiking boots if you can!
• Supplies: Bring 2L water, snacks, and a packed lunch if you'll be hungry before Epping where we'll end with a pub winddown and late lunch.
• Weather: Check forecasts; we're likely to have sun, but bring a windbreaker and/or rain layer ideally.

Take care and see you on the trail!