Camping And Walking In Epping Forest Essex

Camping And Walking In Epping Forest Essex

Camping in Epping Forest, for me, conjures up images of finding a secret spot next to a stream where I can pitch up my gear and spit roast a wild squirrel on my fire. Now, that's never going to happen for several reasons; I don't like camping, I'm scared of the dark and I can't hunt.

This type of 'wild camping' is illegal in Epping Forest, as it is anywhere in England unless you have special permission from the land owner. Wild camping with motorhomes is also not allowed and you will be moved on by the forest rangers regardless of whether there is a 'No Camping' sign or not. The main parts of Epping Forest do get busy in to the early hours so you're not likely to get much peace if you camp in close proximity to your transport but you may be fine if you just have a canopy, or make use of one of the many bivouacs in Epping Forest, and don't light a fire. In Scotland wild camping is far more acceptable and very popular. 

The most sensible and safe option is to camp nearby and enjoy Epping Forest during the day with plenty of walks in Epping Forest trying to track down some of Epping Forest's native Fallow Deer or, failing that, a trip to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.

Here is my quick guide to camping in Epping Forest for your walking holidays.

Debden House Centre 

Debden House Centre is situated in Loughton, Essex, and right next to Epping Forest. They have 7 fields, including 4 fire fields, with over 300 pitches, many with electric hookup for caravans and campervans. You have to fill in an enquiry form on their website for more details.
Debden campsite is open from 1st May to the 30th September yearly.

Woodland Camp

Woodland Camp is situated a short drive from Epping Forest in Romford, Essex. They have assorted areas for camping within a Woodland Valley, with one of the larger Woodland Plateau camping areas featuring a "camping shelter" large enough for 30 people, an outdoor BBQ and a campfire location. Their website is easy to use, very informative and includes a video and image gallery. Woodland Camp is open all year round.

Lee Valley Campsite

Lee Valley Campsite is situated in Sewardstone, Chingford, Essex and offers a perfect location in Epping Forest. They have 1,000 acres for tents and caravans, or you can choose to stay in a cosy cocoon or family cabin. They have a very comprehensive website and you can book online quite easily. Lee Valley Campsite open all year round.

Here is a full list of walks in Epping Forest

Click on the link for the latest Epping Forest Map 2012 with up to date news, visitor centre details and information on Epping Forest walking routes. There is also a very good Epping Forest walking map available at the Epping Forest shop at the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge in Chingford so that you can plan your own special walking routes in and around the ancient royal hunting grounds of Epping Forest. Click here for Camping in Epping Forest.

Easy Short Walks

Easy walks that are suitable for all of the family, mostly up to 5 miles which should take a leisurely 2 to 3 hours to complete. Epping Forest can be quite muddy so it is advisable to wear a good pair of walking boots or waterproof walking shoes. Facilities can be quite limited in Epping Forest with High Beach being the most central location for refreshments and toilet facilities. 

Gunpowder Park Walk
A simple 2 mile circular walk in Gunpowder Park offers leisurely walking routes in an area of conservation near Waltham Abbey.

South Woodford Walk
An easy 3 mile linear walk from South Woodford to Chingford following the Epping Forest Centenary Walk.

Willow Trail Walk
A simple 3 mile classic family circular walk following The Willow Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, around Connaught Water.

Epping Forest Family Walk
A 3 mile family stroll randomly around the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest from High Beach.

Holly Trail Walk
A simple 3 mile classic family circular walk following The Holly Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, starting in Chingford.

Chestnut Trail Walk
A simple 4 mile classic family circular walk following The Chestnut Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, starting in Wanstead.

Wanstead Park Walk
A gentle 4 mile circular walk in Wanstead Park, lakes and woodland on well maintained walking routes, tracks and paths.

Gifford Wood Walk
A good 5 mile official Epping Forest walking route from Lodge Road to Copped Hall, Upshire and Warlies Park to the new Gifford Wood and back.

Family Favourite Walk
An awesome 5 mile circular walk from Chingford taking in all of the best sights of this part of Epping Forest. Following the main walking routes this walk starts at Chingford Plain and takes you to High Beach, Loughton Camp, Kate's Cellar, Strawberry Hill Ponds, Connaught Water and the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge.

Moderate Longer Walks

These walks are typically between 5 to 10 miles long and can be quite challenging. These types of walks can take between 3 to 5 hours to complete at a good walking pace. Epping Forest has a myriad of pathways so always make sure you have a paper or digital map with you and take refreshments and plenty of liquids with you to keep hydrated. There are plenty of Epping Forest Fallow Deer, Muntjacs and other wildlife to be found on these walking routes so it is always worth keeping as quite as you can to avoid scaring them off before you get to see them!

Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge Walk
An easy 6 mile circular walk from Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge to High Beach and back via the Epping Forest Green Ride walking routes.

Chingford Walk
An easy 6 mile circular walk from Chingford to the famous Epping Forest Bikers Cafe.

Pole Hill Walk
An easy 6 mile circular walk from Chingford to Pole Hill Obelisk and back via the Epping Forest Centenary Walk.

Gilwell Park Walk
A good 6 mile circular walk around Gilwell Park, home of the Scout Association, with a Secret Bluebell Wood Video as an extra bonus!

High Beach Church Walk
A simple 7 mile circular walk from Chingford to High Beach Church and back via the Centenary Walk, one of Epping Forest's most well known walking routes.

Oak Trail Walk
A gentle 7 mile circular walk along The Oak Trail, one of the official Epping Forest walking routes, including buffer lands, deer sanctuary and Ambresbury Banks.

High Beach Walk
A good 7 mile circular High Beach walk from Connaught Water in Chingford including a visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge.

Upshire Walk
A good 7 mile circular walk from High Beach, in the heart of Epping Forest, following The Forest Way walking routes through to Upshire and Copped Hall Gardens.

Waltham Abbey Walk
A leisurely 7 mile circular walk from Waltham Abbey through the Epping Forest Lee Valley Park walking routes and the Royal Gunpowder Mills.

Chipping Ongar Walk
A good 7 mile circular walk in Chipping Ongar starting at the unique Log Church in Greensted following the Essex Way walking routes and back via the Three Forest Way to Ongar Castle Motte and Baileys.

Jacks Hill Walk
A good 7 mile circular walk from Jacks Hill in Theydon Bois including a visit to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.

Kates Cellar Walk
A decent 7 mile circular walk starting and finishing in Chingford, exploring Epping Forest's Kate's Cellar at Loughton Camp.

Ambresbury Banks Walk
A solid 8 mile circular walk from High Beach to Ambresbury Banks Fort and then following the main Epping Forest walking routes to Loughton Camp near Loughton.

Essex Way to Epping Walk
A solid 8 mile linear walk along The Essex Way walking routes from Chipping Ongar to the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest.

Deer Sanctuary Walk
A solid 9 mile circular walk starting in Debden following popular walking routes to Abridge, Theydon Bois and then back via the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary at Birch Hall.

Epping Green Walk
An easy 9 mile linear walk starting in Epping Green following The Forest Way walking routes to the Centenary Way and ending at Chingford Plains.

Hainault Forest Country Park Walk
An easy 9 mile linear walk from Hainault Forest Country Park folloowing the Three Forests Way and London Loop walking routes to Chingford.

Waltham Abbey to Epping Walk
An epic 9 mile linear walk from Waltham Cross to Epping Town via Waltham Abbey and Epping Forest following the historic Green Lanes walking routes.

Good Long Walks

These walks are typically over 10 miles where you can really immerse yourself in Epping Forest and try some of the lesser known walking routes and hidden treasures, taking in as many as you can on a day long walk. Always be fully prepared for good long walks and long distance walking routes taking plenty of fluids, refreshments and plenty of plasters just in case!

Copped Hall Walk
A great 10 mile circular walk from Loughton to Copped Hall House, using some of the most popular walking routes in Epping Forest.

Loughton Walk
A solid 10 mile circular walk from Loughton to Jack's Hill and Copped Hall House following well known Epping Forest walking routes.

Gifford Wood Walk - Extended
A good 10 mile official Epping Forest walking route from extended from Theydon Bois to the start at Lodge Road to Copped Hall, Upshire and Warlies Park to the new Gifford Wood and back down to Theydon Bois via the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.

Abridge Walk
An easy 11 mile circular walk from Hainault Forest Country Park to Abridge and back folowing popular Essex walking routes.

Queen Boudicca Walk
An epic 12 mile circular walk, and one of my Epping Forest favourite walking routes, from Epping Town to Ambresbury Banks and the Queen Boudicca Obelisk with plenty of sightings of the Epping Forest Fallow Deer at Copped Hall.

Theydon Bois Walk
A solid 13 mile circular walk from Theydon Bois following The Essex Way walking routes to the Roman Road and Gernon Bushes Nature Reserve.

Epping Forest District Walk
An easy 14 miles circular walk from Epping Station to Birching Coppice, North Weald Bassett, Hastingwood and back via Thornwood. This is another of my favourite Epping Forest walking routes.

The Forest Way Walk
The Forest Way is a 25 mile long distance linear walk along the walking routes, footpaths and green lanes of Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest.

Walking Routes
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Top 10 Church Walks

Top 10 Church Walks

http://www.walksandwalking.com/walks-and-walking/top-10-church-walks/

A list of the Top 10 Church Walks as compiled by the Churches Conservation Trust (CTT) and some of the most peaceful walks in England. More here http://www.walksandwalking.com/

Spring Walks - Walks And Walking

Spring Walks - Walks And Walking

An easy guide to the best Spring walks in the UK including where to find the best Bluebell Woods. More here http://www.walksandwalking.com/

Walks And Walking - Best Places To Go Walking In Guernsey

Walks And Walking - Best Places To Go Walking In Guernsey

Best Places To Go Walking In Guernsey

With over 28 miles of rural lanes, stunning cliff paths and sandy beaches Guernsey really is a walkers holiday paradise. With so many different areas to explore and places to ramble on this quirky little island, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. Here are the top 3 places to walk in Guernsey with a decent mix of coastal and cliff walking routes for nature lovers as well as a walk for the more history minded that will help you explore Guernsey’s rich heritage.

The South Coast

Without a doubt the south coast is where you will find the most picturesque walks in Guernsey and that is why it is number one on the list. There is so much to see along this cliffy south coast with hidden bays and coves tucked away that make exploring that much more exciting. What makes walking the south coast extra special is stopping off at the little cafes and restaurants along the way and enjoying a slice of traditional Guernsey Gauche and cup of tea. There really are a few absolute must see places along the south coast but don’t miss La Gouffre, Saints Bay or the stunning Moulin Huet.

Lihou Island

Although the walk around Lihou Island is relatively short it is very interesting. The island is accessible at certain low tides where a 750-metre long causeway is unveiled by the retreating sea. Even on the walk across this causeway abundant and diverse flora and fauna surround you. Once on the island you are free to roam at your leisure. However, I would recommend starting off by taking the path to the left of the house to go round the island in a clockwise direction. A few minutes down this path you will be able to walk down to the rocky shore, where you will find the locally famous Venus Pool - a rock pool big and deep enough to swim in. Leave plenty of time to return over the causeway to ensure you are not stuck there overnight!

The West Coast

The west coast is a flatter area of the island and perfect for walkers looking for an easier terrain. Here you will find sweeping bays such as Cobo, Vazon and L’Eree, a number of historical buildings and fortresses and peaceful rural lanes. Fort Grey, more commonly know as the “cup and saucer”, is a must visit on your ramble along the west. It was first built in 1804 during the Napoleonic Wars and has since hosted witches in the 1800’s and Germans during the Guernsey occupation of World War II.

Another historic site worth a visit on this walk is the L’Eree Battery. Again built in the early 1800s this battery originally mounted 18 ponder guns looking over and guarding the bay. The west coast is full of history to uncover. Guernsey makes for a fantastic walking holiday and more information can be found about walking in Guernsey on the This Is Guernsey website here.

Top walking trails in Patagonia

Top walking trails in Patagonia

Top walking trails in Patagonia

If your idea of an unforgettable walking holiday involves spectacular scenery, a highly remote location and a whole new culture to get to grips with, Patagonia is the place to go.

You'll feel as if you're walking to the ends of the earth when you travel here, thanks to the region's position at the southernmost tip of South America and its huge expanses of unspoilt natural beauty.

Here are some great walking trails to consider if you want to go trekking in Patagonia.

1) Torres del Paine Circuit

The Torres del Paine National Park is probably the most popular trekking destination in Patagonia - and it's not hard to see why. Featuring lakes, waterfalls and forests set against a magnificent mountain backdrop, the site offers the perfect way to get to know some of Patagonia's best bits on foot.

The circuit itself can be tackled over ten days or so, with one key stop being Lago Paine, where you'll enjoy amazing views of the Cerro Tridente, Cerro Oggioni and Cerro Cabeza del Indio mountains.

Other highlights include exploring a huge ancient virgin beech forest, reaching the highest point of the circuit at the John Gardner pass and - finally - seeing the breathtaking spectacle of the Paine Towers for a fitting end to this exhilarating journey. Book your place on the 14-day Explore Worldwide Torres del Paine trekking holiday, with prices starting from £2,580 per person.

2) Chalten Total

The Argentinean village of El Chalten attracts crowds of walkers looking to explore the scenic El Chalten National Park, home to the Fitz Roy mountain range. The Chalten Total trek can take up to a week to complete, and offers a great introduction to the main sights of the park.

You'll see the impressive Piedras Blancas Glacier, climb up to the Bird Pass for an awe-inspiring view of the entire park and brave an icy glacier walk, among other highlights. Be warned, though - you'll probably need to start each day very early and will be on your feet for up to eight hours a day, so a certain level of stamina is required.

Shorter walks are available throughout El Chalten if the Chalten Total seems a bit too intense, but it really is worth attempting the circuit on a once-in-a-lifetime walking adventure.

3) Bahia Lapataia Trail, Tierra del Fuego

Tierra del Fuego near Ushuaia is the southernmost national park on the continent and offers the chance to see some of Argentina's spectacular coastline. The Bahia Lapataia Trail takes walkers on a seaside journey from one picturesque bay (Ensenada) to another (Lapataia).

This is a much shorter walk than the ones above; indeed, you'll easily be able to complete it in just a day. However, this simply means you have plenty of scope to fit this trek into a longer itinerary taking in a wider area of South America.
You'll enjoy amazing views as you follow the coastal path, with mountains and forest on one side and the glittering ocean on the other. There's scope to extend the trek at the end of the trail to do some further exploration of this beautiful national park.

These are just a few of the unforgettable walking trails you can follow in Patagonia - leave a comment below if you have any more recommendations or to tell other walkers about your own experiences in this part of the world.

Matt Cook enjoys travelling and cycling which helps in his role of eCommerce Manager for Adventure Travel company Explore.

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the world's best?

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the world's best?

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the world's best?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a dream for many dedicated hikers the world over, but just what is it about this Tanzanian summit that attracts so much attention? Here are a few reasons why I think the Kilimanjaro trek is one of the best on the planet for mountain lovers.

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the worlds best

It's accessible

As the tallest walkable peak on the globe, it's not hard to see why hiking enthusiasts are keen to have a go at reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. Uhuru Peak (the highest point) stands at 5,895 m, presenting quite a challenge to experienced walkers.

The fact that you don't need any specialist equipment - just good walking gear - means that anyone with a moderate level of fitness has a good chance of reaching the top, especially if they attempt to climb Kilimanjaro with a reputable and experienced tour operator

It's varied

There are actually two facets to this point - the diverse landscapes you pass during a trek and the fact that there are six trails leading to the top.

From the point of view of scenery, you'll experience everything from forests and moorland to alpine desert and snow-covered wilderness, so each day you can look forward to seeing something new.

As there is a selection of trails to follow to the top of Kilimanjaro, you can easily climb the mountain more than once without feeling as though you're covering old ground - and this also gives you the option of choosing a route that is a bit quieter.

The busiest paths (generally) are Marangu and Machame, while the Rongai, Shira and Lemosho tracks are usually less frequented. The Umbwe route also doesn't tend to get crowded, but it is considered to be one of the toughest trails to take due to the quick ascent you make on this path.

What makes the Mount Kilimanjaro trek one of the worlds best - Colobus monkey

It's full of wildlife

Mount Kilimanjaro sits within the Kilimanjaro National Park and is home to a range of creatures that you would usually associate with Africa - leopards, elephants, buffaloes and various species of antelope all inhabit the reserve.

As you walk, you'll have the chance to spot some of these fascinating animals, particularly in the early stages of your ascent when you're walking through the forest. Colobus monkeys are often seen in the trees, while antelopes and buffaloes are sometimes found just above the timberline.

Having a host of interesting animals to look out for as you wander adds another dimension to this amazing trek.

It's challenging

One of the main reasons to attempt to climb a mountain is for the challenge and, although Kilimanjaro is walkable, that does not mean it's easy. Due to the significant height you'll reach on your ascent, none of the routes are a walk in the park - they all present their difficulties.

Acclimatisation is the key to successfully reaching the top of the peak, so if you are worried about this, pick a route that takes a bit longer and ascends a bit more slowly.

All this means that you'll need to be moderately fit and have some experience of hill and mountain walking if you not only want to succeed on the trek, but also to enjoy it. It's well worth taking the time to prepare properly before you jet off to Tanzania, as this will ensure you can appreciate the scenery and wildlife as you walk.

If you've climbed Kilimanjaro, what do you think makes it so special?

Top 5 countryside attractions to enjoy walking in the north-east

Top 5 countryside attractions to enjoy walking in the north-east

Top 5 Countryside Attractions To Enjoy Walking In The North-East

If you're planning a trip to the north-east of England, make sure that you include a couple of its countryside attractions in your itinerary. There are so many of these to discover that it'd be a shame to miss them - plus, with everything from high ropes courses to spectacular gardens to enjoy, there really is something for everyone.

I've put together a list of my favourite countryside attractions in the north-east. I've tried to include a decent mix, so you should come across options great for families, walkers, history lovers and much more. And, if you fancy finding out more about places you can stay and other pretty spots to visit, you can click here.

Top 5 countryside attractions to enjoy walking in the north-east - Jesmond Dene

1) Jesmond Dene

The first place on my list is the gorgeous Jesmond Dene, which is famous for its natural beauty. Situated in Jesmond, just north of Newcastle city centre, this wooded valley stretches for approximately 3 km, following the River Ouseburn.

An amazing area for wildlife spotting, it is home to fascinating creatures like kingfishers and the rare red squirrel, so I think coming here is an absolute must for nature lovers. What is particularly exciting about Jesmond Dene, in my opinion, is that it sits in the heart of all the hustle and bustle of Newcastle, so one minute you can be in a bar and the next out exploring some incredible landscapes.

2) Beamish Wild High Ropes course

My next top countryside attraction is one that's ideal for families. Beamish Wild High Ropes course is fantastic if you're travelling with adventurous kids aged ten or over - or just if you're off on a break with intrepid friends!

You'll find this attraction in Stanley, where rope bridges, zip wires and a leap of faith await you high up in a forest canopy. And, as an added bonus, when you've finished you can pop next door to the Stables Pub & Restaurant, which has a lovely rustic interior and - more importantly! - delicious ales and food. In fact, there is even a microbrewery onsite where they make their own beer.

Top 5 countryside attractions to enjoy walking in the north-east - Saltwell Park

3) Saltwell Park

Located in Gateshead, Saltwell Park is somewhere that I think all holidaymakers can really enjoy. One of the best examples of a Victorian Park in the whole of the UK, it spans 55 acres and includes a maze, play areas, ornamental gardens and a lake, to name but a few.

So, it's as easy to come here for a relaxing, tranquil afternoon as it is to let the kids burn off a little energy! Highlights of the park include the Rose Garden, which is at its heart, and going boating on the lake - something that's available in the spring and summer months.

4) The Alnwick Garden

Situated, as you may have guessed, in Alnwick, the Alnwick Garden is an absolutely stunning place to explore. Boasting a modern design, it is home to a host of gardens with exciting and different themes.

You'll be impressed as soon as you step through the gate, since you'll be greeted by the endlessly impressive Grand Cascade, which acts as the site's centrepiece. One of my particular favourites, however, is the Ornamental Garden, which is wonderfully tranquil.

Also well worth exploring are the Cherry Orchard, the Poison Gate and, if you're travelling with children, the Treehouse.

Top 5 countryside attractions to enjoy walking in the north-east - Hadrians Wall

5) Hadrian's Wall

Last on my list is one of the nation's most famous attractions. Hadrian's Wall is, arguably, the north-east's most notable and important landmark, snaking through the countryside for 73 miles; so, a list of the region's top countryside attractions wouldn't seem complete without it!

As well as giving you the chance to see an important slice of British history, a walk along part of Hadrian's Wall also allows you to plunge yourself into rural life. Hadrian's Wall Path runs for 84 miles, so you could easily spend the bulk of your holiday walking here if you wanted to!

Walks And Walking - Camping in Epping Forest

Walks And Walking - Camping in Epping Forest

Camping in Epping Forest, for me, conjures up images of finding a secret spot next to a stream where I can pitch up my gear and spit roast a wild squirrel on my fire. Now, that's never going to happen for several reasons; I don't like camping, I'm scared of the dark and I can't hunt.

Wild camping is illegal in Epping Forest, as it is anywhere in England unless you have special permission from the land owner. Wild camping with motorhomes is also not allowed and you will be moved on by the forest rangers regardless of whether there is a 'No Camping' sign or not. The main parts of Epping Forest do get busy in to the early hours so you're not likely to get much peace if you camp in close proximity to your transport but you may be fine if you just have a canopy or make use of one of the many bivouacs in Epping Forest and don't light a fire.

The most sensible and safe option is to camp nearby and enjoy Epping Forest during the day with plenty of walks in Epping Forest trying to track down some of Epping Forest's native Fallow Deer or, failing that, a trip to the Epping Forest Deer Sanctuary.

Here is my quick guide to camping in Epping Forest for your walking holidays.

Walks And Walking - Camping in Epping Forest - Debden House

Debden House Centre - click here

Debden House Centre is situated in Loughton, Essex, and right next to Epping Forest. They have 7 fields, including 4 fire fields, with over 300 pitches, many with electric hookup for caravans and campervans. You have to fill in an enquiry form on their website for more details.
Debden campsite is open from 1st May to the 30th September yearly.

Walks And Walking - Camping in Epping Forest - Woodland Camp

Woodland Camp - click here

Woodland Camp is situated a short drive from Epping Forest in Romford, Essex. They have assorted areas for camping within a Woodland Valley, with one of the larger Woodland Plateau camping areas featuring a “camping shelter” large enough for 30 people, an outdoor BBQ and a campfire location. Their website is easy to use, very informative and includes a video and image gallery. Woodland Camp is open all year round.

Walks And Walking - Camping in Epping Forest - Lee Valley Campsite

Lee Valley Campsite - click here

Lee Valley Campsite is situated in Sewardstone, Chingford, Essex and offers a perfect location in Epping Forest. They have 1,000 acres for tents and caravans, or you can choose to stay in a cosy cocoon or family cabin. They have a very comprehensive website and you can book online quite easily. Lee Valley Campsite open all year round.

Walks And Walking - Cornwall Walks Siblyback Lake Walking Route

Walks And Walking - Cornwall Walks Siblyback Lake Walking Route

Walks And Walking - Cornwall Walks Siblyback Lake Walking Route

Siblyback Lake is situated in Liskeard and is more commonly known to me as the big lake I see when I'm out walking on Bodmin Moor. Cornwall walks are amazing but if you are not quite up to negotiating the boggy marshlands and clambering up to the various tors then you can now visit Siblyback Lake Country park walks where there is a new path suitable for walkers of all abilities, cyclists, a Disabled Tramper donated to the South West Lakes Trust by the Countryside Mobility Scheme and complete wheelchair access.

Walks And Walking - Cornwall Walks Siblyback Lake Walking Route

At just under 4 miles and offering a very clear and simple walking route the Siblyback Lake Walking Route offers plenty of time to walk at a very leisurely pace and enjoy the shorelines of the lake and the surrounding woodland areas. And when you're all tired out you can visit the Siblyback Lake Cafe and gift shop which is popular with walkers, families and those that are just there for some lovely food and the splendid views.

Each year we spend a week in Looe and this year we will definately be spending a day at Siblyback Lake but you can spend a weekend at the site where there is a small but friendly campsite on the water's edge.

About South West Lakes Trust - Conservation and leisure working together

According to their website, which you can visit here, South West Lakes Trust is the region's largest combined environmental and recreational charity. Its 50 inland water sites, spread across Devon, Cornwall and West Somerset, attract in the region of 2m visits annually.

For more Cornwall walks that are close to the Siblyback Lake walking route click on the links below:

Bodmin Moor Cheesewring Walk

Liskeard to Looe Walk

The Hurlers Bodmin Moor Walk

Bodmin Moor Rough Tor And Brown Willy Walking Route

Bodmin Moor Caradon Hill Walking Route

Spring Walks In Epping Forest

Best New Spring Walks In Epping Forest For 2013

Epping Forest receives nearly 5 million visits each year and Spring is a great time to visit these ancient woodlands. Here is a round up of what is new in Epping Forest for 2013 which make great Spring walks.

Epping Forest - The best place to start your walks

One of the best places to start your walk in Epping Forest is Chingford, Essex, where there are plenty of trains from Liverpool Street Station in central London or Loughton, Essex, which is situated on the London Underground Central Line and only a short walk is required before entering the forest near Loughton Camp and High Beach.

Although High Beach has just redeveloped its areas for car parking it gets extremely busy at the weekends so I find that Chingford is better for parking. There is also a new Forest Gateway complex in Chingford, at Dannet's Hill, including its new and very impressive visitors centre at Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and Butler's Retreat Cafe, where you can sit for refreshments and check out the view over Chingford Plain and surrounding Epping Forest.

Gifford Wood

The Gifford Wood Appeal aims to plant 4,500 trees on a new 5 acre site recently acquired by the City of London in Upshire, extending the forest by planting new trees and creating new woodlands for the benefit of both wildlife and walkers. You can see the full walk here Gifford Wood walking route where I spent an enjoyable few hours in Epping Forest in an area well known for seeing the Epping Forest Fallow Deer.

Connaught Water

There is now a new accessible path around the margins of the lake which is suitable for the whole family to spend a very leisurely hour walking around Connaught Water and not get muddy! Connaught Water is also the start of the Willow Trail walking route which is a fully waymarked easy 3 mile walk.

Epping Forest websites and events for Spring 2013

The Epping Forest District Tourism Partnership launched a new website developed to provide information on places to visit, eat and stay and how to get to the different attractions within the area with a regularly updated 'What's On' section. You can also visit the official City of London website here.

For the full list of best new Spring walks and events in Epping Forest for 2013 click here and visit here for over 30 walks in Epping Forest .

Walks And Walking - Best New Spring Walks In Epping Forest For 2013

Walks And Walking - Best New Spring Walks In Epping Forest For 2013

Best New Spring Walks In Epping Forest For 2013

Epping Forest receives nearly 5 million visits each year and Spring is a great time to visit these ancient woodlands. Here is a round up of what is new in Epping Forest for 2013 which make great Spring walks.

Epping Forest - The best place to start your walks

One of the best places to start your walk in Epping Forest is Chingford, Essex, where there are plenty of trains from Liverpool Street Station in central London or Loughton, Essex, which is situated on the London Underground Central Line and only a short walk is required before entering the forest near Loughton Camp and High Beach.

Although High Beach has just redeveloped its areas for car parking it gets extremely busy at the weekends so I find that Chingford is better for parking. There is also a new Forest Gateway complex in Chingford, at Dannet's Hill, including its new and very impressive visitors centre at Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and Butler's Retreat Cafe, where you can sit for refreshments and check out the view over Chingford Plain and surrounding Epping Forest.

Walks And Walking - Best New Spring Walks In Epping Forest For 2013 - Queen Elizabeths Hunting Lodge

Gifford Wood

The Gifford Wood Appeal aims to plant 4,500 trees on a new 5 acre site recently acquired by the City of London in Upshire, extending the forest by planting new trees and creating new woodlands for the benefit of both wildlife and walkers. You can see the full walk here Gifford Wood walking route where I spent an enjoyable few hours in Epping Forest in an area well known for seeing the Epping Forest Fallow Deer.

Connaught Water

There is now a new accessible path around the margins of the lake which is suitable for the whole family to spend a very leisurely hour walking around Connaught Water and not get muddy! Connaught Water is also the start of the Willow Trail walking route which is a fully waymarked easy 3 mile walk.

Walks And Walking - Best New Spring Walks In Epping Forest For 2013 - Connaught Water

Epping Forest websites and events for Spring 2013

The Epping Forest District Tourism Partnership launched a new website developed to provide information on places to visit, eat and stay and how to get to the different attractions within the area with a regularly updated 'What's On' section. You can also visit the official City of London website here.

For the full list of best new Spring walks and events in Epping Forest for 2013 click here and visit here for over 30 walks in Epping Forest .