Walks
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Hainult Forest - 3.4 miles
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| A canopy of trees |
IT'S over five years since I last visited Hainault Forest and I intend to remedy my neglect with at least three walks over the next two months or so.
Hainault is very much the junior in size of the Three Forests but, because it is not criss-crossed by roads like Epping and is not overflown like Hatfield it is by far the most peaceful.
Now it has added attractions because the Woodland Trust, which jointly manages the area with Redbridge Council, has purchased and planted some large tracts of adjoining land.
All this means that the woodland walking can be augmented by some exciting vistas across undulating countryside towards Havering atte Bower.
If the weather is bright and this simple walk may well be the one to involve the whole family.
1. Start
Leave the car park by the gate at the rear and go forward on a broad path. (This section is particularly attractive on brightly sunlit early mornings when the wide spacing between the trees allows for the pleasing effects of dappling on the foliage and trunks). Eventually you reach a barrier.
2. 0.4 miles/0.7km
Do not cross, but go left through a metal kissing gate. Soon you are joined by a broader path coming in from the left. (Now you are in an area of older trees which show signs of historic pollarding.)
Through the trees on the right you can see a golf course. After some time the path forks and you will see a low level barrier ahead.
3. 1.1 miles/1.8 km
Do not cross but go left through a metal kissing gate to continue just inside the woodland edge. At the end of this path you reach two bridges.
4. 1.3 miles/ 2.1km
Cross the bridge to the right and go through a metal gate and immediately turn left to walk along the edge of open ground with a fence and hedge to the left. Keep forward through a wooden kissing gate to arrive at a metal one.
5. 1.5 miles/ 2.3km
Turn right onto a wide track - you may need to dodge puddles here. (Over to your left you can see the church of Havering atte Bower and the coniferous trees of Havering Park). Continue until you reach a low barrier with gate on the right.
6. 2.1 miles/3.3km
Go through to enter an area which is now owned by the Woodland Trust. You are now on a wide surfaced path which eventually meanders a little and then swings definitely to the right with a hedge and golf course on the left.
You arrive at a barrier - this is the one you ignored at the start of stage 3.
7. 2.5 miles/ 4 km
Keep forward, retracing your steps. Go right at a fork and swing left to return to the main outward path.
8. 3 miles/ 4.8 km
Turn right and return to the car park.
Factfile
Starting Point: The car park is at Lambourne End, opposite the Miller and Carter (formerly the Camelot) pub on the B173 (the latter is off the A1112 at Chigwell Row)
Distance: 3.4 miles/ 5.5 km
Time: Two hours
Terrain: there are some gradual climbs; the majority of the route is on surfaced tracks and the gates are wide so it should be possible to navigate the walk with a push chair
Suitability for Dogs: This walk is very popular with dog owners (remember that dogs need to be kept under control in fields where there is livestock and at times when birds are nesting)
Stiles: none
Near: Chigwell Row
Refreshments: pub at the start
Public Toilets: none
Public Transport: Underground (Central Line) to Hainault Station, then by (Romford) bus 247, or Main line train to Romford Station, then by (Barkingside) bus 247
Map and Grid Reference: Explorer 174 478 944
5:00pm Wednesday 16th January 2008
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