Whether you have attended the Big Walk before, or are planning to join the celebration walk for the first time, here are some Frequently Asked Questions that may be helpful to know.
FAQs: booking and attending the Big Walk 2024
Is there a fee to join the Big Walk?
The Big Walk is free to join for EFHT members.
For non-members, we are asking for a £5 non-refundable registration fee (exc Eventbrite booking fee) to cover the costs of running the event.
The aim of this walk is for people and communities from all walks of life to get together and celebrate the wonderful Epping Forest. And we want to make this event as accessible as possible. So if the £5 registration fee is a problem please email admin@efht.org.uk if you would like to be considered for a bursary ticket.
Do I have to register through Eventbrite?
Yes.
We are required to get a licence for the event from the City of London, and in order to do that we have to set a maximum number of participants, which in this case is 200 people.
Eventbrite enables us to manage that booking process and ensure we only have 200 people on the walk.
On the day of the event you will be welcomed by one of our staff or volunteers who will check you in on the Eventbrite App
Why is there a maximum number of 200 people on the walk
We want everyone on the walk to have a fantastic time, be able to hear the talks along the way, and walk together as a group. A maximum of 200 people helps us ensure that everyone has a good time.
It also enables our volunteers and the Forest Keepers to manage road crossings to make it easier and safer for everyone on the walk.
I can no longer take part in the Big Walk 2024, do I need to cancel my registration?
Yes, please.
Each of the last two years we have been oversubscribed so if you are no longer able to participate, please cancel your registration through Eventbrite, or email us at admin@efht.org.uk, so that we can give the place to someone else.
The event is fully booked, can I still join?
Please join the Eventbrite waiting list. This means that when there are cancellations and places become available, you will be notified by email and have the opportunity to book.
I have been on the waiting list but still haven’t heard back, can I turn up on the day?
No. Sorry. Unfortunately, we have a maximum number of 200 people for the walk. This is the limit set in our licence for the event from The City of London Corporation.
It is based on wanting to ensure everyone has a good experience of the walk, and our risk assessment for the event taking into account the number of road crossings.
However, do keep an eye on your email. Places will be released when there are cancellations to bookings. Being on the waiting list means that you will be notified if places become available for you to register.
Our other guided walks and the Big Walk next year
We understand that there is now a large demand to come on the Big Walk and will be reviewing whether we may be able to take more people on the Big Walk in future years. Watch this space. Do also check out our regular guided walk programme as there may be other walks in the Forest that take your fancy.
Can I change my mind about walking the whole length or sections of it on the day?
Absolutely. The route is designed in sections. And we want everyone to have a good experience no matter how far they walk
It generally takes about 1-2 hours to walk each section, so there are various opportunities if you decide to leave. If you decide to leave early on the day, we would appreciate it if you let one of our team know so that we will not expect you the next stopping point.
Are there any toilets or water refills along the route?
Yes. These are the stopping points where facilities are available for the Big Walk 2024:
These are the stopping points where facilities are available for the Big Walk 2024:
- At about 11.20 am in Highams Park, where we will stop for our morning break. There are toilets and we will serve cold drinks.
- At about 12:50 pm at Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, where we will stop for lunch for about 50 mins. There is the opportunity to refill your water bottle as well as toilets at the Chingford Visitor Centre.
- At about 2:50 pm at High Beach Visitor Centre. Cold drinks/water refill are available at the Visitor Centre, and toilet facilities are also available.
Can children attend?
Children are welcome but remember it is a long walk. Parents/guardians must always accompany children.
Can dogs attend?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
FAQs: fundraising for us Big Walk 2024
Is fundraising mandatory?
No, it’s not mandatory. You can simply register and join us for a day to walk through the beautiful Forest and meet like-minded people.
However, as a small charity, we rely heavily on people’s generosity to continue our work to preserve and protect Epping Forest. And we are very grateful for any support when the time is right: whether it’s fundraising for us, giving a donation no matter how large or small, becoming a member, volunteering your time, or spreading the word, it all makes a difference!
I’d like to fundraise for you as part of the Big Walk this year, what’s the best way to raise my £100 fundraising target?
You can create a JustGiving page here, and start fundraising immediately. JustGiving make it very easy to set up and share your fundraiser with family, friends and colleagues. Having a JustGiving page is also a great way to keep track of your total. Plus, donations are sent to Epping Forest Heritage Trust directly.
You can also ask your family, friends, and colleagues to sponsor a mile. The length of the Epping Forest Big Walk is 14 miles. So if you get the sponsorship of £10 a mile, that’ll be an amazing £140 already!
Anyone who raises more than £100 before 5th September can pick up an Epping Forest holly key ring at the event. Hand-sawn from Holly removed from the Forest by our conservation volunteers.
How will my donations be used?
All donations from the Big Walk Challenge will be used to support EFHT’s work to preserve and protect Epping Forest and its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture, and heritage now and for generations to come:
- Inspiring and educating people about Epping Forest, including running events like this
- Managing hands-on work to conserve and grow the Forest
- Protecting the Forest through responding to planning proposals and raising awareness of the Forest with politicians and policy-makers.
To find out more about our work, including our strategy, work and impact, please visit: https://efht.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy/
Any more questions?
If you have further questions, please contact us at admin@efht.org.uk, or call us at 020 8508 9061.