This section of Greater London covers the open spaces of Epping Forest and the meadows of the Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve. It’s easy walking but some parts may be muddy. There’s one gentle climb near the start and part of the route is on pavements and tarmac paths. Highlights are Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge and the magnificent ancient oaks in Epping Forest. The section finishes with a long walk beside a busy road before reaching Chigwell station.
Directions from Chingford Station
The path starts at Chingford railway station and turns right along the main road. Before the clubhouse of the Royal Epping Forest Golf Course, there’s a London Loop sign above a metal gate. Here, a gravel path leads onto Chingford Plain and then climbs the hill to reach the white timber framed Elizabethan building, Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Hunting Lodge.
Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Hunting Lodge
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, originally known as the Great Standing, was built for Henry VIII in 1543. It was constructed as a grandstand or platform that allowed guests both to view the hunt from a high vantage point, and to participate by shooting their crossbows from the upper floors.
It was also a venue for royal Tudor corporate hospitality where the king could show off his wealth and power. It’s the only remaining timber-framed hunting lodge left standing in England and entrance is free.
There are three floors. On the ground, there’s a colourful and fascinating display of Tudor foods and replica kitchenware. The upper floors are remarkable for their views over Chingford Plain and Epping Forest and also display Tudor carpentry and costume.
Oak Trees in Epping Forest are over 450 Years Old
Epping Forest is the largest public open space in the London area, at almost 6,000 acres. It stretches 12 miles from Manor Park in East London to just north of Epping in Essex. Here, the track is muddy and follows beneath the magnificent veteran 450 year old oak trees, to the open grassy space of the Warren. This is a riding area and the white stakes of a horse trail lead up the hill with superb views of Chingford Plain. At the top there’s the Warren Wood pub, ideally placed for a spot of light refreshment.
The way crosses Epping New Road and eventually picks up a fine old green track, dropping into Roding Valley.
Linder’s Field Local Nature Reserve
To the right is Linder’s Field Local Nature Reserve and the small wood is a remnant of a once much larger ancient woodland called Pluckett’s Wood. Clues to the wood's great age are several rare species of flowers and trees, including the Wild Service Tree and the Midland Hawthorn. Of the wild flowers, Wood Anemone and Bluebell are both survivors of Essex’s ancient woodlands.
A little further on is the entrance to the Roding Recreation Area, consisting of sports field and a large lake. This lake was dug to provide gravel to build the nearby M11 motorway and now is a mecca for fishermen and water birds. It’s a short walk to the adjacent nature reserve.
Roding Valley is Former Site of RAF Chigwell
Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve is situated on traditionally managed hay meadows which, from 1938 to 1968, were occupied by RAF Chigwell. The base provided barrage balloon protection against enemy air raids across North London, Essex and Herts. The balloon squadrons were later replaced by thousands of mobile air traffic control teams training for the D-Day landings in Europe. By the cold war in the 50’s and 60’s, RAF Chigwell became responsible for installing Britain’s coastal nuclear early warning system across southern England. Over 3,000 people lived and worked here in over 100 buildings, which included hangars, a theatre, a post office and a shop. Now demolished, it's hard to believe that this nature reserve, with its peaceful paths and meadows, was once home to such a community.
Largest Flood Plain Grassland in Essex is Home to Kingfishers, Kestrels and Water Voles
The nature reserve is also the largest surviving area of traditional river flood-plain grassland in Essex, unchanged for over 1000 years. Comprising 140 acres, the meadows are home to over 250 wild flowers, grasses and rushes as well as birds such as Kingfishers and Kestrels and animals like the Water Vole. The way exits the car park, crosses the M11 and follows the road to reach Chigwell station.
The Next Section - Chigwell to Havering-atte-Bower
The next section of the London Loop is one of the most rural sections of the entire route, being almost entirely in open country or woodland, apart from an initial road walk at Chigwell. Six miles of delightful tranquillity lead to the pleasant village of Havering-atte-Bower, site of Edward the Confessor’s royal palace.
Rupert Parker - Rupert Parker is journalist, photographer, cameraman and TV Producer. He specializes in factual programming and has worked for the BBC, ...
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