Epping Forest Big Walk was formally known as ‘Epping Forest Centenary 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 1878. It is now one of the biggest annual events celebrating Epping Forest and its irreplaceable biodiversity, culture, and heritage now and for generations to come.
There was a booklet produced for the first Centenary Walk in 1978
Titled Epping Forest Centenary Walk: Manor Park – Epping, the booklet was written by Fred Matthews and Harry Bitten. It illustrated the background of the walk, together with routes, maps, and notes along the walk, as well as facilities information, code of behaviour, and useful associations that attendees can join.
Here is part of the 1978 Centenary Walk booklet
Epping Forest is the remnant of the great forest which at one time covered the whole of the southern part of Essex from Romford Road to Great Dunmow. It was a Royal Hunting Forest and consisted of agricultural land as well as wooded areas. Many of the trees in what, centuries later, came to be known as Epping Forest were pollarded, that is lopped at around 9 feet from the ground. This management practice provided a continuous source of kindling wood and prevented the regenerating tree growth from being browsed by deer and cattle which were present in increasing numbers as centuries went by. Evidence of past pollarding is present everywhere in the woodland. The Forest now covers some 6,000 acres and stretches from Forest Gate (at one time one of the gates to the Forest) to beyond Epping, a distance of over 12 miles. It was saved for our enjoyment by the Corporation of London (the present owners and Conservators of the Forest) who were supported by the Commons Preservation Society and their chief officer, Sir Rober Hunter, who later joined in the formation of the National Trust. As a result of their efforts, Parliament passed the Epping Forest Act of 1878. It was to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the passing of the Act that this walk of some 15 miles through the full length of this beautiful forest was devised.
The route starts in the Borough of Newham, which originated the idea of the Centenary Walk, and is intended as an introduction to the delights of walking in the Forest in all its aspects. From the urban fringe with its playing fields the walk passes through the rather narrow part of the Forest by Highams Park lake to the 16th Century Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge at Chingford.
Beyond Chingford the route becomes both more hilly and tree covered. After passing Connaught Water, one of the largest of the Forest ponds, named after H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught, the first Ranger of the Forest who was appointed by H.M. Queen Victoria, the walk mainly follows the tracks used for horse riding but usually there is room to walk in the Forest beside them using the tracks as a guide. This is not only more pleasant walking but leaves the tracks to the horse riders who in some parts of the Forest are restricted to these rides. The walk connects with the Three Forests Way (a 60 mile walk linking the three forests of Epping, Hainault and Hatfield) at High Beach. Here the Conservation Centre which is open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays between Easter and October and on Saturdays and Sundays during winter months, should be visited for its exhibitions of items of interest in the Forest. The route also connects with the Essex Way, a walk of 81 miles to Dedham which starts at Epping Station.
Fred Matthews,
Secretary, West Essex Group, Ramblers Association,
Glen View, London Road, Abridge, Essex
Harry Bitten,
Countryside Officer,
West Essex Group,
Ramblers Association,
9 Frederica Road, Chingford
View the full copy of the Epping Forest Centenary Walk booklet
You can view the PDF copy of the Epping Forest Centenary Walk: Manor Park – Epping on our website!
Epping Forest Big Walk 2022 will be held on Sunday 25th September.
This will be our first full-scale walk since the pandemic, and we are looking forward to welcoming walkers of all ages and from all walks of life to the wonderful ancient Forest!
Organised with support from the Ramblers’ Association and the Corporation of London, the walk provides the opportunity to walk the entire length of Epping Forest (14.1 miles) in a day.
You can choose to walk the whole length of the route or take part in one of the smaller, local sections.
Click here to book your tickets – tickets are free but donations are welcome.