Scenery and history in the Albany Park to Chingford walk

Date – Sunday 20th November 2011
Time – 10.00am start
Venue – Meet at Albany Leisure Centre car park, Hertford Road EN3 5XH

It begins at Albany Park and walkers will follow the course of Turkey Brook to Enfield Lock, and then follow the course of the River Lee until Sewardstone Marsh opens up before you. Participants will then cross farmland (Netherhouse Farm) from where they will be treated to a spectacular view of the King George V reservoir.

Carrying on into Epping Forest, walkers will pass the famous Gilwell Park. The Park is well known as a place where Baden Powell frequently visited, and is the headquarters of the Scout movement.

More woodland and breathtaking views are next on the menu as those on the walk pass through Hawk Wood before the stroll ends at approx 2.00pm.

The London Outer Orbital Path or LOOP walk is London’s first official outer orbital footpath and has been called the M25 for walkers. The path goes through public footpaths, nature reserves, public parks, woods and farmland. The first section opened in 1996 and the entire 150 mile path became fully walkable in 2001.

Cllr Bambos Charalambous, Cabinet Member for Leisure said “The Guided Walks programme introduces the parks and countryside of the borough to people who may have never walked that area before, or known its history.

“This London LOOP walk is a very scenic route, which is ideal for a Sunday stroll and takes you through some interesting areas like Enfield Lock and the ancient woodland of Epping Forest. It is a beautiful walk and most recommended.”

Wear suitable footwear as the route can be muddy.  There are also some steep hills and countryside stiles on the walk.

Participants can use Chingford bus and rail station at the end of the walk to either get home or return to the start point if they are parked in the Albany Leisure Centre car park (313 from Chingford Bus Station then 121 from Southbury Road to return to Albany Leisure Centre).

To find out more contact Alan Mitellas, Parks Outreach Officer on 020 8441 8272 or e-mail alan.mitellas@enfield.gov.uk