Walk Report

Essex Explorer, Saturday 1st August 2015
28 walkers, 19 miles - leader Dave Williams
On a near-perfect day for walking we made our way out of Harlow, which unfortunately involved nearly an hour of tarmac pounding on its roads and cycle network before reaching the sanctuary of the surrounding countryside which was a great relief to one & all!
The rest of the morning was spent traversing the pleasant rolling countryside which involved wending our way through & around numerous wheat fields before a delayed morning break.
We reached our intended lunch stop at the Forest Gate Inn just outside Epping at about 12.30pm where we spent a very pleasant hour imbibing some of the local brews!
We set off again, minus one walker who was making her own way back due to work commitments.
However the afternoon was soured by a wilful desertion by a stalwart & usually reliable member, who when contacted only managed to compound his felony with a series of feeble and pathetic excuses!
The rest of us soldiered on past the former stately pile of Copped Hall which has fallen into a rather sad state of repair (somewhat like the leader!) and then through Warlies Park & eventually on into the Lea Valley Country Park before reaching Cheshunt Station at just after 5pm.
I was reliably informed we had covered 19 miles with no complaints or even dark mutterings from anyone, even from the newcomers although the proof will be if they return!

---