River Lee & Epping Forest Walk

 

Off message. On Sunday, Gill and I took a train from Wanstead Park (Forest Gate). Changed at Blackhorse Road for Victoria line  then one stop until Tottenham Hale. A 10 minute walk from station to River Lea. Then simply go north along the waterway on west bank then cross over by bridge on east bank of river. 

You go past sailing barges and numerous canal boats. Many of which are homes even in winter, with smoke coming out of their chimneys giving off Sunday roast cooking smells. 

This is not a totally peaceful countryside river walk but despite going underneath some busy roads there are quiet and isolated stretches. Some annoying (male) cyclists go past, who think they are competing in the towpath Tour de France, but generally, everyone is polite and considerate. 

We stopped off for coffee and watched a young squirrel misjudge a leap from tree to tree and fall into the water. S/he swam to the bank safely. 

It was also interesting to see the sheep eating the grass on the various fresh water reservoirs that line this route. 

We turned right along the A10 for about 15 minutes, just before KIng George's Reservoir towards Chingford before turning left then right into Pole Hill, Epping Forest. A nice climb to the top, past the pillar that mentions First World War soldier and author, TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) who lived in a hut on this hill for several years. 

Walk downhill alongside the golf course towards our finishing point at Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge. A pleasant linear walk of about 7 miles. Nothing too difficult apart from slight climb up Pole Hill. 

After which we had a pleasant Sunday roast dinner at the Royal Forest Hotel then took train back to Forest Gate. 

Check out more pictures on Facebook  

Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge (Chingford) Forest Walk

 

Today the weather forecast was pretty dire (rain showers all day) but Gill and I decided to take a risk and go for a local walk in Epping Forest. We started off near to the Queen Elizabeth hunting lodge (currently closed). There are usually plenty of parking spaces and it is only 10 minutes walk from Chingford station,

The risk paid off and we had a lovely 4/5 mile walk with only one or two short showers. Because of the weather forecast it was also very quiet since most people had been put off by it. 

There are a mass of walks you can take from this starting point. We started along the Holly Trail then went through various woodland paths that took our fancy. The thing about Epping Forest is that it is very difficult to get seriously lost since eventually you will come across a road. A GPS app such as this one from Ordnance Survey helps (£2.99 per month). 

Due to the mud and puddles thanks to all the rain we had recently it was definitely "Wellie weather" but boots and gaiters would have also worked. 

Highlight of the walk was at the end with my sausage & bacon sarnie at the Butlers Retreat. 

London Marathon 2012 Wk 26: "how will I get through it?"

Now there is less than 3 days to go before the start of the London Marathon 2012. Week 26 of my marathon training finished on Sunday when I did my last long run in Epping Forest. Starting from Queen Elizabeth hunting lodge in Chingford then a 75 minute run around and inside the forest. Epping Forest is the Jewel of East London. The best part of the run was through the forest along the little used paths and trails. You may get lost from time to time but the solitude is well worth it. You would not believe  that this ancient woodland is so close to central London.

Yesterday I registered and picked up my London Marathon 2012 "running pack" from the Newham ExCel centre. On the way into the main Exhibition hall there was this "how will you get through it" message board. All runners were encouraged to write something about how they will get through the run. I made some silly comment on it but the truth of the matter is that for most of us it will just be one long, knackering and bloody painful experience.

I did the London Marathon 10 years ago and afterwards swore that I would never do it again. Of course, eventually I forgot how awful it was and began to think that it wasn't that bad and I should give it another go. So I am. But it is only now that I have been practising the long, long training runs that it all comes to back to me how 'orrible distance running is. But I have committed to run and will hopefully give it some purpose by raising money for a charity set up to prevent young people becoming homeless and helping them out of it if they do.

Check out "Alone in London". Click here to sponsor me on the Justgiving website or click below.

London Marathon Training Wk 11: Epping Forest

I've started getting back into the training programme after crimbo and New Year.  My achilles seems better but still no interval sprints.  I'm using energy sport drinks for distances that take longer than 30 minutes and I think that they do help a little.

The run of the week was in Epping Forest.  It started at the car park opposite the Butlers Retreat cafe (currently being refurbished) in Rangers Road, across Chingford plains and around Connaught Waters (see picture).  Then an anti-clock wise circular route through the forest following various random paths that happen to take my fancy. Coming out of Bury wood into Chingford plains again and ending back at Butlers retreat.  It took around 75 minutes and was a enjoyable but muddy run through some gorgeous scenery.

Next to Butlers retreat there is the 16th Century Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge. I once (for a very short time) had a telesales job in the stables next door.  It was a complete and utter con job.  If you ever get an unsolicitored letter or postcard in the post telling you to ring a number since you have won a prize - don't.

I am running the London marathon in April using the official advanced training programme and will be raising funds for Homeless Youth charity "Alone in London". Click here to sponsor me.

More photo's from run on Facebook here.

Epping Forest Crimbo Walk 2010

Superb Christmas day walk around Epping Forest.  Started off at the Warren Pond car park opposite the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge (below left). 

I once worked right next door to the Hunting Lodge in a telesales call centre "selling" water filters.  I left as soon as I found out it was a complete and utter con job.  Unsolicited mail sent from Eastern Europe saying that you have won a prize (top prize a car) and to claim it you should ring this number!  Yeah right.

It was completely dishonest and criminally fraudulent.  It was openingly recognised and laughed at that no-one who replied would win the car.  Yet the managers appeared to believe that this was a completely legitimate business - ripping off the elderly and the vulnerable. Norman Tebbit was the local MP at the time.  No surprises there.  Red raw capitalism - don't you just love it?

The walk itself was lovely and I recommend a stroll to anyone who lives locally.  Pictures on Facebook