Epping Forest Trail - Saturday 18 April

Join us as we hike the length of magnificent Epping Forest, a beautiful wilderness stretching deep into rural Essex.

A wild wood of two-and-a-half thousand hectares, the forest has attracted national heroes such as Lawrence of Arabia, who once lived by its edge, as well as kings and queens who came to what was formerly a royal hunting ground.

Our hike will start from Epping Underground Station (zone 6 on Central Line ) from where we will head into the depths of the woodland. On our way we will walk through picturesque leafy glades and stop by the forest's largest lake, scenic Connaught Water. We will also pass by Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge. And of course we will search for possible hideouts for Dick Turpin, the legendary highwayman who found sanctuary in the forest's thick vegetation and vast expanse.

Meeting place: Epping Underground Station (zone 6 on Central Line )

Meeting time: 11.00 am (Allow for one hour travel if coming from central London)

Finish: Chingford Railway Station (trains go to Liverpool Street Station)

Estimated finish time: 5.00 PM

Price: £5

Distance: 13 kms/8 miles

Hike level: easy to medium

Things to bring: waterproof clothing, hiking boots, water, packed lunch