GO London Hiking

## 🥾 GO London Hiking – Epping Forest & High Beach Hike (via Upshire & Copt Hall House)

### 🌄 Overview

Join GO London Hiking for a stunning countryside adventure starting right at the end of the Central Line in the pretty town of Epping.
Within minutes of leaving the station, we’ll be walking through rolling Essex countryside, passing open fields, ancient woodland, and royal hunting grounds once enjoyed by Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I.
This route combines peaceful forest trails, sweeping views, and a touch of Tudor history – a perfect day out for anyone looking to stretch their legs and explore one of London’s most accessible green escapes.
This circular route through Epping Forest showcases one of England’s oldest royal forests, officially designated for hunting in the 12th century and still protected today.
Along the way we pass the impressive Copt Hall House, a fine example of Georgian architecture built on land once gifted by Queen Elizabeth I. Although gutted by fire in 1917, restoration work continues, making it a fascinating landmark of local heritage.
We’ll also visit High Beach, one of the highest points in the forest, where clear days offer panoramic views across the Lea Valley towards Central London. This spot is perfect for lunch or a coffee break at the visitor centre café.

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### 🕓 Schedule & Meeting Info

Meeting Time: 10:00 Epping Underground Station (outside main entrance)
Trains: Central Line – frequent trains from Central London to Epping (Zone 6)
Tickets: Return on the Underground (use Contactless, Travelcard, or Oyster)
Hike Start: 10:10 Epping Underground Station (outside main entrance)
Hike Finish: Around 16:30 at Loughton Underground Station (Central Line)
Return Trains: Every few minutes back to Central London
Hike Leader: Gary 07968585224

🚆 Train fare is not included – please purchase your own return ticket in advance or on the day.

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### 🎒 What to Bring

✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket & layers for changing weather
✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water
✅ Train ticket / Contactless / Travelcard

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### 📏 Grade & Distance

Grade: Beginner / Intermediate
Distance: 16 km / 4.5hrs hiking time
Ascent: 148 metres
Terrain: Mostly good forest paths and gentle hills

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### 💬 About GO London Hiking

We’re one of London’s most active and welcoming hiking groups — connecting over 40,000 outdoor enthusiasts for adventures across the UK and beyond.
All hikes are led by qualified and insured leaders passionate about nature, wellbeing, and community. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hiker, you’ll feel right at home.

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### 💚 Stay Connected

This epic challenge is perfect for hikers and hill lovers looking for a big day out in the beautiful Surrey Hills. We take on three of the area’s most iconic summits: Box Hill, Holmbury Hill, and Leith Hill. Starting from Holmwood Station, we head across open countryside before climbing to Anstiebury Hill Fort, continuing through Coldharbour to reach Leith Hill, crowned by its Victorian tower and at 294 metres the second highest point in South East England, with views stretching as far as the City of London. We descend through woodland to Holmbury Hill with sweeping views towards the South Downs, then continue to the charming village of Holmbury St Mary and on to Westcott. A steep climb takes us to Ranmore Common where we join the North Downs Way, passing Denbies Vineyard before tackling the famous 275 steps up Box Hill. We finish with a descent to Box Hill and Westhumble Station, with the option of a well earned drink at the pub.

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🕓 Schedule & Meeting Info
MEETING TIME: 08:10 London Victoria Station Next to the information booth near platform 12
TRAINS: • 08:41 London Victoria to Holmwood • Arrives 09:47
TICKETS: Return to Holmwood (buy in advance or on the day)
HIKE START: 09:50 Holmwood Station
LUNCH: Pack Lunch
HIKE FINISH: 19:00 to 20:00 Box Hill and Westhumble Station
RETURN TRAINS: Every 30 to 40 minutes
HIKE LEADER: Gary 07968585224

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Distance: 28 km, Ascent: 800 m, Duration: Approx. 8.5 hours plus breaks
Grade: Challenging, Terrain: Undulating hills, steep climbs, woodland trails, and some long sustained ascents

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This is a demanding hike with significant distance, elevation, and a steady pace. Suitable for strong hikers with good fitness and recent hiking experience.

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What to Bring
✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✅ Waterproof jacket and layers for changing weather
✅ Packed lunch, snacks and water
✅ Train ticket, contactless or travelcard

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Starting at Chingford, you will head into Epping Forest and follow a mix of woodland paths, forest tracks and quieter trails towards Highams Park. The route takes you through one of London’s largest green spaces, with ancient trees, open clearings and a real feeling of being away from the city, even though you are still within easy reach of home.
The walk finishes at Highams Park, where there will be the option to stay for drinks afterwards if you fancy carrying on the evening.

📍 Walk Details

• Start Point: Chingford Station (weaver line) outside the main entrance
• End Point: Highams Park (weaver line) Optional drinks at the Royal Oak Pub.
• Distance: 6km
• Duration: 2 hours including breaks.
• Difficulty: Easy flat woodland walk.
• Leader: Gary 07968585224

## ✅ What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Weather-appropriate clothing.
• Water/snacks if you like.

ROUTE:
This walk explores the trails of Dedham Vale and the verdant Stour Valley, taking in lush rolling green hills, chocolate-box villages, rivers, and wildflower meadows. A living masterpiece reminiscent of John Constable's iconic landscapes, including the Haywain.

Setting off from Manningtree Station, our route takes us through wildflower meadows and verdant hillsides that inspired some of Constable's most iconic works, including Flatford Mill, the home and inspiration behind John Constable's most famous paintings.

Along the way, we pass by the quintessential village of Dedham, perched peacefully on the banks of the Stour River. Leaving the river behind, we follow a lane uphill and take in the lovely views across Dedham Vale before descending back into Manningtree, where you are welcome to join us for a drink or coffee before you take the train home.

🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info

• Meeting Time: 09:00 at London Liverpool Street Station, outside the main ticket office. (alternatively you can meet us at the hike start point)
• Trains: Trains from London Liverpool street , 09:30 to Manningtree arriving at 10:25 journey time 55 mins,
• Tickets: Return to Manningtree
• Hike Start: 10:30 at Manningtree Station
• Lunch: pack lunch
• Estimated finish: 16:30 at Manningtree station
• Return to London: Hourly

COST £10.00 organiser fee pay on RSVP

MEETING TIME: 09:00 Liverpool Street Train Station, near the ticket office. If you're planning to meet us at Manningtree Station, please PM me so that we don't miss you.

📍 Hike Overview