Exploring the M11 and M25 on Foot

John's 2002 guided London walk

11 a.m. Saturday 4 May 2002

We're not actually walking on the motorways ... ! Explore the margins of Epping Forest and the lovely valley of the River Roding. About 8 miles walking with stops at pubs on the way. There are several rail and tube stations on the way for those who need to leave the walk early.

Report on the walk

Fifteen of us gathered in Epping to start the walk. Fortunately (after an appalling week of rain) the weather stayed dry and fairly warm. The route goes round the clover-leaf junction of the M11 and M25, under the motorway twice, and over it once.

We made good time to Abridge, the first pub on the route, and another non-walker joined us there for lunch. Unfortunately we were told to stop eating our picnics at the tables outside the pub. So we finished our drinks and continued eating by the river bank, leaving people rather reluctant to move on.

A less interesting but quick walk took us to Debden, where we entered the best part of the walk, the Roding Valley natural park. Lots of trees and birds and views of the river and lakes. When we got to Buckhurst Hill I gave people a choice: take the tube to Woodford and have afternoon tea, or walk 3 miles to Woodford and miss tea. Surprise, surprise, they chose tube and tea! An excellent day out.

The original details of the walk

Several people have commented that this walk sounds awful because of its being close to the motorways. Now, it's true that you can hear the motorway from all parts of the walk, but there are long stretches where the scenery is entirely rural, and you can't see the motorway at all.

Car drivers - be sure you know how to get off the M11 or M25 to Epping! Parking is available (paid) at the station, and (free) on single yellow lines in streets opposite the station road; allow time to find a parking space.

Bring with you: this information; boots, wellies, or comfortable shoes (not your best - the paths may well be muddy!); friends, relatives, children; sunglasses / sun-cream / waterproofs / umbrella (as this is England, you're likely to need all of these in the same day!); camera, binoculars; a bottle of water, snacks, money, and A-Z. Most importantly, bring food for lunch (we'll be stopping for drinks, but not a meal, and there are no shops after we leave Epping until Abridge).

If you're late, or miss us, phone my mobile (07946-090105) and we'll arrange to meet you elsewhere.

It's not absolutely essential, but it would be useful to know who is expecting to come on the walks. Please email John Dawson, or phone 01462-893410.

There is no charge for coming on these walks; if you wish to contribute to a charity, my choice is the Cambridge Cancer Help Centre.