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Walk 2747 - printer friendly version

Nazeingwood Common from Epping Green Walk

Author - Barry Mackie

Length - 4.5 miles / 7.3 km

Ascent - 250 feet / 76 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference TL434055
Lat 51.729881 + Long 0.075009588
Postcode CM16 6QL (approx. location only)

This is a circular walk through the Essex countryside with some superb views over the gentle rolling landscape that is Nazeingwood Common. On a hot sunny day, the two pubs at the start-finish and another at the half way point will provide plenty of choice for refreshments

At the northern outskirts of the village of Epping Green, there is off road parking between the Cock and Magpie and the aptly named Travellers Friend (grid ref TL434055). From here, head southwest into the grassed area which is described both on the OS map and a nearby fingerpost as Epping Long Green. Also there is an information board here that identifies this vicinity as a part of Epping Forest.

Follow the path through some fairly long grass and alongside the trees and bushes, in a fairly straight direction for about a kilometre and then take the right turn towards some woods as the path descends into a dip (grid ref TL423049). Go through these woods for a short distance and as you come out onto open ground, in front of you, the open scenery makes for an unexpected, but very pleasant surprise. This will be the first sight over the Common and the previously hidden rolling slopes of the cornfields combine to offer some wonderful views.

Take the path northwest by the edge of the field and then take the left fork over the small wooden footbridge spanning the ditch alongside you (grid ref TL421 051). The route continues to follow hedgerows alongside fields for about one kilometre, as you head in a westerly direction to reach the road at Bumble Green, where directly in front of you is the King Harold's Head pub.

Go along the road to the left of the pub to the gate in front of the Golf Clubhouse further along the lane. Cross the stile on the left side (TL410052) and then keep left to reach the hedge along the far side of the fairway. Follow the footpath alongside this hedge to reach the ditch that crosses back over the fairway at the bottom of the slope. Continue along the line of this ditch, now on a surfaced track to reach a wider stream joining from the left. This is Nazeing Brook and is marked on the OS Explorer map at grid ref TL408059. From here, head northeast with the trees and ditch on your left, to leave the golf course via a wooden stile and a short distance later to reach the minor road.

Cross the road to the next stile and by standing on this stile you should be able to see the top of a house in the distance looking east northeast. If (like it was for us) this section is completely overgrown and no evidence of the path to be seen, aim for the left of the house or take a compass bearing of 72 degrees to reach the path alongside the house and then onto the road at the front of it. Ahead of you is a minor track (also marked on the OS Explorer map) and this looks an obvious shortcut instead of walking left along the road and then right at the t-junction; and this was the route we took. Oddly though, at the other end of this track there were signs requesting us to keep out, so it is probably best to follow the map and take the slightly longer route along the road.

Whichever path you take, you will soon come out to the junction with the main road. Cross straight over and continue on the well made farm track towards Lodge Farm, with those marvellous views across the Common now reappearing to your right. The track leads past the farm and then continues alongside the edge of the fields in a southeast direction for about 1 kilometre and returns you back to the starting point of the walk.

Walk 2747 Route Map

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