First Image
Second Image More images
More (2)
Home> Walks> England> Essex> Theydon Bois to Epping

Theydon Bois to Epping

Recommended by
Our view
"A linear walk to the underground crossing of the M25 tunnel."
Walk directions

Turn left outside Theydon Bois Underground Station, passing The Bull, into Coppice Row. Continue uphill, passing The Green on your left and the Queen Victoria pub on your right. Cross Piercing Hill and soon afterwards you pass the Theydon Bois schoolhouse, built in 1840, followed by St Mary the Virgin Church, with its porch inscribed, 'There is no death'. Pause a moment here to admire the oak tree and the war memorial in the graveyard. Coppice Row changes its name to become Jack's Hill, named after Jack Rann, a notorious highwayman who robbed anything that moved. He was nicknamed 'Sixteen String Jack', because he appeared at the Old Bailey with 'sixteen coloured ribbons streaming from the knees of his breeches'. In Jack's Hill, the Sixteen String Jack pub, complete with inn sign, shows the grinning rogue preparing to meet his death at the gallows. After the church, walk on for 200yds (183m).

Turn right beside a barrier and follow the path left through the forest, now walking uphill, parallel with Jack's Hill. In among the trees and ditches you can picture a posse of highwaymen plotting their next robbery as stage coaches would speed their way along the main London road to and from Aldgate. Continue uphill, with the B172 a few paces away on your left. At the cross-path, with the car park on your left, go straight on.
View all directions
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Forest and grassy tracks, some urban streets
  Landscape  - Undulating ancient forestland, common and town views
  Dog friendliness  - Dog-friendly woodlands and welcoming watering holes
  Parking  - Pay-and-display at Theydon Bois and Epping Underground stations; free off-street parking by The Green, Theydon Bois
  Toilets en route  - Theydon Bois and Epping Underground stations
Walks in Essex Dog-friendly walks in Essex
About the walk
Many parts of Epping Forest are well used, yet as the largest open space in the vicinity of London and Essex it is still possible to find tranquil niches, even during the height of summer. One of these areas is in the northern reaches of the forest at Theydon Bois, where you don’t even need your...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Essex is full of pleasant surprises. It has the largest coastline of any county in England, with its fair share of castles, royal connections and scenic valleys.
Explore Essex
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
The Great Barn
★★★★★
awardaward
"Spacious and well-equipped, with its own games room...."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Linens provided
Self-Catering
The Great Barn
★★★★★
awardaward
"Spacious and well-equipped, with its own games room...."
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Linens provided
Caravan & Camping
Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone
★★★★
awardaward
"Get back to nature on pleasant woodland site in Chingford...."
  • Launderette
  • Ice pack facility
  • Shop onsite
  • Wifi available
Nearby places to stay
The Great Barn
Originally built in the 16th century, this great barn has all mod-cons and sits among the rolling hills of south-west Essex, close to Epping Forest. The forest, a heritage railway, pubs...
★★★★★    Rating
The Great Barn
Originally built in the 16th century, this great barn has all mod-cons and sits among the rolling hills of south-west Essex, close to Epping Forest. The forest, a heritage railway, pubs...
★★★★★    Rating
Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone
Overlooking King George's Reservoir and close to Epping Forest, this popular and peaceful park features good modern facilities and excellent hardstanding pitches, including nine that ar...
★★★★    Rating
Lee Valley Camping & Caravan Park
A pleasant, open site within easy reach of London yet peacefully located close to two large reservoirs. There are excellent gravel access roads to the camping field, good signage and li...
★★★★    Rating
Lee Valley Caravan Park Dobbs Weir
Lee Valley Caravan Park provides much needed camping facilities close to London. Situated on level ground beside the River Lee, the park has a modernised toilet block with good faciliti...
★★★★    Rating
Marygreen Manor Hotel
This 16th-century house was built by Robert Wright, who named the house 'Manor of Mary Green' after his young bride. Public rooms exude character and have a wealth of original features ...
★★★★    Rating
Down Hall Hotel & Spa
Nestled within 110 acres of thriving woodland and landscaped gardens on the Hertfordshire–Essex border, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is a distinguished country house hotel offering a b...
★★★★    Rating
Adagio London Stratford Apartments
Ideally located in a lively residential area, the Stratford Adagio aparthotel is just 5 minutes' walk from both Stratford underground station and Westfield Stratford City shopping centr...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Dog & Pickle
   AA Rosette Award
Down Hall Hotel & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Lizzie's Cucina
   AA Rosette Award
Barge East
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Dog & Pickle
   AA Rosette Award
Down Hall Hotel & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Lizzie's Cucina
   AA Rosette Award
Barge East
   AA Rosette Award
Behind
   AA Rosette Award
Kinaara
   AA Rosette Award
The Market Brasserie
   AA Rosette Award
Rose and Crown
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Route details
1hr 30min
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
4 miles (6.4kms)

Ascent:
217ft (66m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Essex
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
Find more walks in Essex

Theydon Bois to Epping

Recommended by
Our view
"A linear walk to the underground crossing of the M25 tunnel."
Walk details
1hr 30min
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
4 miles (6.4kms)
Ascent:
217ft (66m)
Walk directions

Turn left outside Theydon Bois Underground Station, passing The Bull, into Coppice Row. Continue uphill, passing The Green on your left and the Queen Victoria pub on your right. Cross Piercing Hill and soon afterwards you pass the Theydon Bois schoolhouse, built in 1840, followed by St Mary the Virgin Church, with its porch inscribed, 'There is no death'. Pause a moment here to admire the oak tree and the war memorial in the graveyard. Coppice Row changes its name to become Jack's Hill, named after Jack Rann, a notorious highwayman who robbed anything that moved. He was nicknamed 'Sixteen String Jack', because he appeared at the Old Bailey with 'sixteen coloured ribbons streaming from the knees of his breeches'. In Jack's Hill, the Sixteen String Jack pub, complete with inn sign, shows the grinning rogue preparing to meet his death at the gallows. After the church, walk on for 200yds (183m).
1 of 5

Turn right beside a barrier and follow the path left through the forest, now walking uphill, parallel with Jack's Hill. In among the trees and ditches you can picture a posse of highwaymen plotting their next robbery as stage coaches would speed their way along the main London road to and from Aldgate. Continue uphill, with the B172 a few paces away on your left. At the cross-path, with the car park on your left, go straight on.
2 of 5

At the next car park turn right onto the path. This is the Green Ride bridleway from Epping to Loughton. Keep to the main path, which is bounded by coppiced oaks and hornbeams, many with gnarled trunks and grotesque shapes, which all add to the sinister atmosphere of the area. The path dips after 0.5 miles (800m), where to the left, through woodland, is a sign indicating the Iron Age earthworks at Ambresbury Banks. Legend has it that Queen Boudicca fought her last battle against the Romans here, but there is little evidence to support this story. Continue along the main forest path and you will see evidence of the 1987 storm damage, during which many trees were brought down.
3 of 5

At the end of the ride, where the path curves sharply right, keep ahead and bear right at the cricket pavilion along the bridleway to reach Theydon Road. Turn left past Ivy Chimneys Road (on your right) and walk towards Bell Common. Pass the Forest Gate Inn on your right, and opposite this join the grassy path that bears right to run parallel with the High Street. The grassy path runs through Bell Common, which is bordered by attractive 18th-century cottages and houses. Cross Hemnall Street, join the pavement, and you will see the water tower, built in 1872, one of three tower landmarks which stand on a ridge of the main road and which can be seen for many miles around.
4 of 5

At the mini-roundabout by the church continue along the attractive High Street to explore its weather-boarded cottages, cafes and shopfronts. Otherwise turn right along Station Road and continue downhill to Epping Underground Station – the end of the Central Line.
5 of 5
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Forest and grassy tracks, some urban streets
  Landscape - Undulating ancient forestland, common and town views
  Dog friendliness - Dog-friendly woodlands and welcoming watering holes
  Parking - Pay-and-display at Theydon Bois and Epping Underground stations; free off-street parking by The Green, Theydon Bois
  Toilets en route - Theydon Bois and Epping Underground stations
Walks in Essex Dog-friendly walks in Essex
About the walk
Many parts of Epping Forest are well used, yet as the largest open space in the vicinity of London and Essex it is still possible to find tranquil niches, even during the height of summer. One of these areas is in the northern reaches of the forest at Theydon Bois, where you don’t even need your...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Essex
Essex is full of pleasant surprises. It has the largest coastline of any county in England, with its fair share of castles, royal connections and scenic valleys.
Explore Essex

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Self-Catering
The Great Barn
★★★★★
awardaward
"Spacious and well-equipped, with its own games room...."
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Linens provided
Self-Catering
The Great Barn
★★★★★
awardaward
"Spacious and well-equipped, with its own games room...."
  • Total units: 1
  • Private garden
  • Washing machine
  • Linens provided
Caravan & Camping
Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone
★★★★
awardaward
"Get back to nature on pleasant woodland site in Chingford...."
  • Launderette
  • Ice pack facility
  • Shop onsite
  • Wifi available
Nearby places to stay
The Great Barn
Originally built in the 16th century, this great barn has all mod-cons and sits among the rolling hills of south-west Essex, close to Epping Forest. The forest, a heritage railway, pubs...
★★★★★    Rating
The Great Barn
Originally built in the 16th century, this great barn has all mod-cons and sits among the rolling hills of south-west Essex, close to Epping Forest. The forest, a heritage railway, pubs...
★★★★★    Rating
Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone
Overlooking King George's Reservoir and close to Epping Forest, this popular and peaceful park features good modern facilities and excellent hardstanding pitches, including nine that ar...
★★★★    Rating
Lee Valley Camping & Caravan Park
A pleasant, open site within easy reach of London yet peacefully located close to two large reservoirs. There are excellent gravel access roads to the camping field, good signage and li...
★★★★    Rating
Lee Valley Caravan Park Dobbs Weir
Lee Valley Caravan Park provides much needed camping facilities close to London. Situated on level ground beside the River Lee, the park has a modernised toilet block with good faciliti...
★★★★    Rating
Marygreen Manor Hotel
This 16th-century house was built by Robert Wright, who named the house 'Manor of Mary Green' after his young bride. Public rooms exude character and have a wealth of original features ...
★★★★    Rating
Down Hall Hotel & Spa
Nestled within 110 acres of thriving woodland and landscaped gardens on the Hertfordshire–Essex border, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate is a distinguished country house hotel offering a b...
★★★★    Rating
Adagio London Stratford Apartments
Ideally located in a lively residential area, the Stratford Adagio aparthotel is just 5 minutes' walk from both Stratford underground station and Westfield Stratford City shopping centr...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Dog & Pickle
   AA Rosette Award
Down Hall Hotel & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Lizzie's Cucina
   AA Rosette Award
Barge East
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Dog & Pickle
   AA Rosette Award
Down Hall Hotel & Spa
   AA Rosette Award
Lizzie's Cucina
   AA Rosette Award
Barge East
   AA Rosette Award
Behind
   AA Rosette Award
Kinaara
   AA Rosette Award
The Market Brasserie
   AA Rosette Award
Rose and Crown
   AA Rosette Award
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby