The ancient forest trail that is officially one of the best scenic walks near London

Sometimes, all you need to put yourself right is a big long walk. Of course, you could spend hours upon hours ambling down London’s cobbled mews, its riverside paths or its pristinely kept parks – there are tonnes of genuinely pretty and peaceful walks in the city itself – but if it’s proper countryside air you’re after, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t really need to venture very far. 

If you’re looking for somewhere scenic to stretch your legs, not too much of a trek from the city, head for the Epping Forest Oak Trail, which is less than an hour away from London Liverpool Street and one of Time Out’s the best walks near London. 

The Oak Trail is the longest of the forest’s 10 official waymarked walking routes. To get to the start, simply hop on the Central line and alight at Theydon Bois Underground station then make the short stroll towards the border of the forest. It’s that simple. 

Marked out by green labelled posts, the route is a slightly challenging 6.6 mile loop around Epping Forest’s secluded northern realms. It guides walkers through the ancient Iron Age earthworks of Ambresbury Banks (where Boudica supposedly battled the Romans) and along the edge the forest’s deer sanctuary. You’ll also go through the hamlet of Bell Common, perfect for picking up a coffee to keep you warm and fuelled. The whole walk normally takes around three to four hours. 

Post-walk, make a beeline for the Queen Victoria on Coppice Row and reward yourself with a hearty roast. Or, go to the heart of the forest towards the Oyster Shack and Seafood Bar, home to one of Time Out’s favourite sandwiches in the world – the bacon, scallops and black pudding roll. 

The top scenic walks near London, according to Time Out.

ICYMI: the riverside trail that is officially the best scenic walk near London. 

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