It’s another day off and I’m heading to Epping Forest for a hike. I started the walk from Theydon Bois Station, and the route was around 11 kilometres.
Epping Forest stretches for almost thirteen miles from East London into Essex and covers more than 8,000 acres of woodland, grassland, ponds and historic landscapes. A walker stepping off the Central line at Theydon Bois can spend a whole day here without seeing anything a family day-tripper at Chingford would recognise.
The Walk, Leg by Leg
Leg One: Roads Before Woods
The walk started with quite a bit of road and residential areas, which honestly wasn’t my favourite part. It felt like I was spending more time walking along the roads than actually being in the forest. It was a really warm day, and after just about 1 kilometre, I was already thinking about when I was going to eat.
Leg Two: A Surprise, Then the Green Starts
I did come across some horses along the way, which was a nice little surprise. After a while, though, I finally started getting into the greener parts of Epping Forest. Once I was surrounded by trees and open countryside, the walk became much more enjoyable. It was quiet, peaceful and felt completely different from the roads at the beginning.
Leg Three: The Picnic Clearing
Eventually, I found a really nice big clearing that was perfect for a picnic. I stopped there, had something to eat and relaxed for a while. It was exactly what I needed.
Leg Four: The Best Four Kilometres
After the picnic, I felt much more refreshed, and I still had around four kilometres left before getting back to the station. The rest of the walk was really lovely. There were lots of trees, greenery and quiet paths, and it was nice to just take my time and enjoy being outside. There were other people out walking too, but it never felt too crowded. I really enjoyed this part of the forest.
Which Epping Forest Do You Want?
This particular route sits in the quieter Theydon Bois section of the Forest, but Epping Forest is far too large to describe as one single day out. Choosing the right section matters more here than in a compact city park.
Visitor information, Tudor history, family trail and an accessible lake circuit.
ChingfordBeech trees, longer trails, Iron Age earthworks and a more immersive forest walk.
High BeachFewer family attractions, longer walking and a more rural northern atmosphere, like this route.
Theydon BoisAn easier southern day built around a lake, seasonal rowing and open grass.
Hollow PondLakes, old estate remains, woodland, bluebells and The Temple.
WansteadThe Old Trees Are Not Background Scenery
Epping Forest is internationally important for its veteran pollarded trees, particularly ancient beech and hornbeam. Pollarding involved repeatedly cutting branches above grazing height, which over centuries produced many of the hollow trunks and distorted crowns that give parts of the Forest their distinctive appearance today.
A hollow tree is not necessarily a neglected one. Cavities, dead limbs and decaying timber can provide valuable habitat for fungi, bats, beetles and nesting birds.
Wild Deer and Horses: Possible, Never Guaranteed
Fallow and muntjac deer live in and around Epping Forest, with larger fallow groups more strongly associated with northern sections like the one this route passes through. Horses are also grazed in parts of the Forest, which explains the surprise encounter early on this walk.
Both should be treated as a fortunate part of the walk rather than something promised in advance.
Navigation and Ground Conditions
Signal and Waymarking
Official waymarked trails like The Oak Trail remove much of the uncertainty, but phone reception can be poor in parts of the Forest. Download the route before setting off.
Underfoot
Natural clay paths can become muddy after rain. On a warm dry day, the roads at the start stay firm but the woodland floor can still be soft in shaded sections.
Getting There
Theydon Bois
Central line. The most practical start and finish for this quieter northern route, with roads to walk through before reaching the woodland proper.
Loughton
Central line. An alternative approach for High Beach, Loughton Camp and classic woodland walking if a different route is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Theydon Bois circular route?
Around 11 kilometres, taking roughly four hours including a picnic stop and time to relax along the way.
Is the start of the walk through the forest?
Not immediately. The route from Theydon Bois begins with residential roads before reaching the greener, woodland sections of the Forest.
Can you see wildlife on this route?
Sightings are possible but never guaranteed. Horses were spotted along this particular walk, and fallow and muntjac deer live in the wider northern Forest.
Is Epping Forest muddy?
It can be very muddy after rain. Natural clay paths and shaded woodland can remain wet after surrounding urban areas have dried.
Research Method
This guide is based on a personal circular hike from Theydon Bois Station through Epping Forest, combined with independent research. Photographs on this page are original. Facilities, trails, wildlife and access information for the wider Forest were checked against City of London’s official Epping Forest visitor information.
Official & Useful Sources
- City of London: Epping Forest
- City of London: Walking and Running in Epping Forest
- City of London: Chingford Visitor Centre
Last checked: 10 September 2026
Author
Steve visits every park featured on Ekskluzivet Park in person, checking practical details against councils, park operators and official sources. Every guide is based on a personal visit, and the photographs published with it are his own.
About Steve