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Three Forests Way

59.65 miles (96 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This circular walk links three fine forests in the Essex/Hertfordshire area - Hatfield Forest, Hainault Forest and Epping Forest.
The walk passes Harlow, Loughton, the River Roding Valley, Arbidge, Chipping Ongar, Sawbridgeworth and Chigwell. All three forests have long peaceful walking paths while the route also includes a splendid waterside section along the River Stort near Harlow.
On the way you can link up with the waymarked Epping Forest Centenary Walk.

Three Forests Way OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Three Forests Way Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Old Bell in Sawbridgeworth is a nice place for a pit stop on the route. The historic pub is housed in a 16th Century timber-framed former coaching house. There's a charming interior with exposed beams and a fine open fireplace. Outside there's a pleasant garden area for warmer days. You can find them on Bell Street at postcode CM21 9AN for your sat navs. The nearby Pishiobury Park is also worth exploring in the area. The historic park includes ‘Capability’ Brown style landscape features and riverside paths along the Stort Valley Way.

Photos

Heading south on Three Forests Way - geograph.org.uk - 2923249

Heading south on Three Forests Way in Hainault Forest Country Park near Chigwell.

Tributary to Pincey Brook - geograph.org.uk - 515551

Tributary to Pincey Brook. This area north of Hatfield Broad Oak is called “The Marsh” this stream feeds into Pincey Brook (behind the photographer) the path over it is the Three Forests Way long distance foot path.

Epping Forest, The Three Forests Way - geograph.org.uk - 548867

Epping Forest

Earl's Path Pond - geograph.org.uk - 99315

Earl's Path Pond in Epping Forest. This pond, the remains of 19th-century gravel workings, is beside the Earl's Path and the Three Forests Way The larger pond further south at Strawberry Hill is surrounded by woodland. Much of the woodland here is not "ancient", but has recovered after clearances.

Reservoir Near Ardley End - geograph.org.uk - 515539

Reservoir Near Ardley End

Countryside near Chigwell - geograph.org.uk - 1011869

Countryside near Chigwell

Hatfield Forest - geograph.org.uk - 305648

Hatfield Forest

Chipping Ongar, Essex - geograph.org.uk - 78211

Chipping Ongar, Essex

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Three Forests Way.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Three Forests Way.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)