This 14-mile circular walk in Epping Forest offers a wonderful opportunity to spot mushrooms and explore one of London's most beloved ancient woodlands. Starting at Theydon Bois Underground Station, this route will take you through a variety of habitats, including dense woodland, open heathland, and grassland, providing an excellent chance to encounter diverse fungi species along the way.
Starting at Theydon Bois Station, we will head east into the forest, following the main path that leads into the heart of Epping Forest. The forest is known for its ancient oak, beech, and hornbeam trees, which create a perfect environment for mushrooms to thrive.
As we walk deeper into the woods, keep an eye out for different types of fungi growing at the base of trees, in leaf litter, or on decaying wood. Common species in the area include fly agaric, shaggy inkcap, and various types of bracket fungi. Look carefully near fallen logs and stumps, where many mushrooms are found.
Please note that foraging for mushrooms in Epping forest is strictly forbidden and it can be dangerous as some varieties common in the uk are deadly, so photo's only please!)
It is likely to be muddy and uneven in places so please wear sturdy waterproof footwear.
As we will be limited to 50 people please only RSVP if you're certain to attend.
Walk starts promptly at 9.45am from Theydon Bois Underground station.
Walk ends approx 4.30 pm at Theydon Bois underground station
We will walk at a medium pace to allow time to search for mushrooms and take photos. If you're looking for a fast paced walk please don't join this walk. Pub stop for lunch. Bring a packed lunch.
How to join?
- The walk is entirely free of charge;
- You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
- Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
- Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
- Please answer the RSVP question; Guests with missing or incorrect answers will be removed from the list!
What to bring
- Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended
- Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk
- Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case
- Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy
- Spare socks
- Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-)
- Yourself...
- ...and your camera!
- Cash for train ticket
- Cash for pub at the end of the walk?
Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!
IMPORTANT
Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.
Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".
Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.
Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-)
By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.
Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:
https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE
Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.
As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.
Any questions, feel free to ask below or send a private message!