Join the annual celebration, walk the length of Epping Forest in one day
Epping Forest Big Walk is our annual celebration walk where we walk the whole length of the Epping Forest from Manor Park in East London to Bell Common in Epping in one day. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning walker, join people from all walks of life to walk through the wonderful Epping Forest, get to know this rare surviving piece of ancient woodland, and celebrate its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture and heritage.
Walkers at Wanstead Flats during Epping Forest Big Walk 2023
Epping Forest Big Walk will return in September 2025! Please watch this space.
About Epping Forest Big Walk
Previously known as ‘The Centenary Walk’, the route covers the whole length of the Forest starting from Manor Park in Newham and going all the way to Epping in Essex. It was first established in 1978 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Epping Forest Act in 1878. It is now one of the biggest annual events celebrating Epping Forest and its heritage.
Organised with support from the Corporation of London Epping Forest team, the Big Walk enables you to walk the length of Epping Forest, in a day. Everyone is welcome to join this celebratory walk!
What’s happening on the day?
Guided by our volunteer walk leaders, you will walk the 14 miles from Manor Park in Newham to Bell Common in Epping, with talks about the Forest along the way, as well as three refreshment breaks. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to join the walk, although you will need to be reasonably fit.
There will be refreshment and toilet breaks along the route, and we’ll take our lunch break at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge.
Anything interesting along the route?
The route covers the whole length of the Forest starting from Manor Park in Newham, across Wanstead Flats and then north towards Highams Park, Chingford Plain, High Beach and all the way to Epping in Essex.
It will take us through some of the most iconic locations and ancient monuments in the Forest, as well as provide the chance to experience the mosaic of habitats the Forest encompasses, from grass plains, heathlands and ponds to wood-pasture and ancient woodlands.
There will be short informative talks along the route about the wildlife, conservation, history and management of the Forest.
What attendees say about the Big Walk
My first time walking the Epping Forest Big Walk. I was amazing. I would certainly do it again. Well organised and just a lovely bunch of people
Walking through the forest with a sociable group of people. Appreciated the excellent organisation.
Walking the full length of the forest gave me a practical awareness of the true size and beauty of this wonderful natural resource
Find out more about Epping Forest Big Walk
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the Big Walk.
History of the Big Walk
The story of the ‘Epping Forest Centenary Walk’ and the booklet produced in 1978 for the first walk.
Epping Forest Big Walk 2022
After a 3-year break because of the pandemic, the Epping Forest Big Walk took place on Sunday 25th September, with over 200 people participating.
Request a Free Map
Get a free copy of Epping Forest Big Walk Map
Download Epping Forest Walks app
You can walk Epping Forest Big Walk with the easy-to-navigate app, alongside other iconic walking routes to explore. Available on android and ios.
Sections of Big Walk
How to walk the Big Walk in smaller sections and local information
Epping Forest Big Walk 2023
We welcomed a fantastic group of people, familiar faces as well as new ones, to the Epping Forest Big Walk on Sunday 17th September.