A circuit of Gilwell Park

Every Scout has heard of Gilwell Park, the international training and camp centre for the Scout Association. Set on a plateau and flanked by King George's Reservoir in the west and Epping Forest in the east, the 108 acre (43.7ha) wooded estate was bought for the Scout Association in 1919 by a wealthy Scottish publisher, William F de Bois Maclaren.

Through the estate

A public footpath passes through the estate, giving views of the monuments, statues, camp fire circles, Scout huts and in the distance, The White House, now Gilwell Park Hotel and Conference Centre, before descending towards the reservoir. The White House dates back to the 15th century, but was nothing like the grand building you see today. In the mid 18th century it was rebuilt and over the years extended – and renamed – by various owners.

Perhaps the most dynamic occupants were William and Margaret Chinnery, who lived here from 1792 to 1812 and brought new life to the area. They were patrons of the arts, threw lavish parties and were seen in all the right places. But tragedy struck: two of their children died, one aged 12 and the other 21, and shortly afterwards William was dismissed from his Civil Service post when he was accused of fraud. He fled to Gothenburg and never returned, and Margaret moved to Paris.

Scouting for boys

In 1858 William Alfred Gibbs, better known as the inventor of Gibbs Dentifrice toothpaste, became the new owner, but he couldn't afford the upkeep of the house, which was in ruins by the time it was sold to the Scout Association for £7,000. In 1994 The White House was completely renovated, but if you visit today take care; they say that some parts are haunted and that a female ghost walks late at night, lamenting the loss of her children. Some have heard strange rattling chains and clanking footsteps, and others swear they have spotted the figure of Dick Turpin astride Black Bess.

Scouting round Gilwell Park involves some sharp climbs and slippery descents, especially after rain, but the views of north London from the top of Barn Hill are well worth the effort. This walk also takes in the forest paths around Lippitts Hill, where you may hear close-range gunfire and helicopters hovering above a set of army-like buildings. You could be forgiven for thinking that you have accidentally strayed in to an SAS training camp, but the truth is that you are adjacent to the helicopter base of the Metropolitan Police. Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, founder of the Scout Movement, no doubt would have warned his protégés to watch out and, if anything, to 'Be Prepared.'

From the Wilson Way visitor car park, pass to the left of The White House and turn right to pass beside the gates of Gilwell Park, following the yellow waymark. Keep to the wide, grassy path between trees and the Scout Association buildings. At the top of the hill there are panoramic views of the reservoir. Follow the steep downhill path with yellow waymarks, with the wood and the pond on your right, and go through a squeeze stile to emerge beside the village hall at Sewardstone. Turn left into Dawes Hill.

Turn left again into Sewardstone Road. Turn right into Mill Lane, passing houses, and maintain your direction on the downhill track towards King George's Reservoir. Turn right and follow the track, with the reservoir and Horsemill Stream on your left, to the footbridge over the stream.

Do not cross the bridge, but go straight through the gate and turn right onto the waymarked London Loop path, walking east until you reach Sewardstone Road. Turn right, and after 100yds (91m) turn left over the stile, ignoring the London Loop path right. Walk up the steep north flank of Barn Hill, stopping to enjoy the tremendous views over reservoirs, Epping Forest and Waltham Abbey. Continue for another 350yds (320m) and cross the farm track.

Turn right onto the wide Green Lane, and turn left before a house at the second public footpath signpost, marked ‘Lippitts Hill’. Follow the yellow waymark posts across the golf course, bearing left at the fencing surrounding the Police Air Support Unit, where helicopter training takes place.

At Lippitts Hill, turn right passing houses and The Owl pub, the gardens of which afford lovely views across Epping Forest. Fifty yards (46m) after the pub turn right at the public footpath signpost, go up wooden steps and onto the steep downhill path via steps. Maintain your direction between horse paddocks and cross the wooden footbridge and another stile. Follow the path over undulating meadow across the flank of the hill, then downhill to houses on your left. At the public footpath sign to Sewardstonebury, go through the metal gate and follow the yellow waymarks across West Essex Golf Course. Maintain direction across fairways and past houses to emerge via a stile into Bury Road. Turn right and then first left to return to the car park.