Activities in Epping Forest

As you can imagine there are a multitude of activities that take place in the Forest.
Here are some of the main ones (information updated Feb 2004):-
Walking
Running with the Epping Runners or with The Orion Harriers - A Cross Country Running Club, based at the rear of the Royal Forest Hotel, Chingford.
Running, cycling and swimming - with Tri Sport Epping which is a triathlon and duathlon club with members of all abilities. You'll find us swimming, cycling and running in and around Epping Forest and rural West Essex in the east of England.
Epping Cricket Club
Cycling
Horse Riding
Orienteering - Chigwell Epping Forest Orienteering Club
Mountain Biking - Epping Forest Mountain Bike Club
Motor Cycling
Model Aeroplane flying
Golf
Scout Camping at the Gilwell Park Campsite
The Elms Caravan and Camping Park, High Beach
And of course refreshments at High Beach

Walking is done by individuals and groups of many kinds.

The various Ramblers clubs visit the Forest from time to time. They all get together for the traditional Epping Forest Centenary Walk. This takes place annually on the fourth Sunday in September usually passing the Green Man, Leytonstone at 10.00 a.m. and finishing at Epping at about 5.00 p.m.
The West Essex Ramblers have many walks in the area (Rambles Secretary: Len Duffin 020 8478 0747, Publicity: Ted Ward 020 8530 4044) as do the Epping Forest Holiday Fellowship who go out every Sunday usually starting and finishing at one of the tube stations (phone 020 8504 1329),

We prefer to walk on our own and avoid using the wide soulless 'rides' that go through the forest. We find walking by the compass or by the sun enables us to explore the magnificent scenery much more effectively.

Our favorite destination in the forest is the Green Tea Hut at High Beach run by Carl and Margaret where drinks and food can always be found at very reasonable prices (tea 35p, rolls 75p).

Several of the local cycle shops Heales Cycles and Top Banana Sports and the Epping Forest Mountain Bike Club share our opinion, as their organised mud spattered parties of mountain bikers are to be met supping Carl and Margaret's brew several times a week (try Sunday mornings at 9.30a.m.).

Horse riders from local stables share our destination - the horses being very partial to the delicious bread pudding that is on offer.

There is also a very popular cafe, here at High Beech, offering more substantial cooked food to go and The Kings Oak has the comforts of Pub fare and children's play areas.

Down the short road is the Epping Forest Conservation Centre ( 020 8508 0028) providing information, maps, books, cards, displays and advice on the area.

Motorcyclists don't come into the forest but the Tea Hut in Fairmead Road, just off from the Robin Hood Pub, down the road from High Beach is a favorite meeting place for bikers from miles around.

Model Aeroplanes are flown on Chigwell plain.

Nearby is the Royal Epping Forest public Golf Course (020 8529 2195) and down the road is West Essex private Golf Course (020 8529 7558) to the East is the Theydon Bois Golf Club (01992 813 054) and nearby in Epping is the friendly Epping Golf Club and no doubt many more if you look around.

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