Essex Walks
This walk follows part of the City of London’s Hornbeam Trail on the edge of Epping Forest, linking woodland paths with open common land and areas shaped by the River Lea valley.
It passes through Gilberts Slade, and Leyton Flats, with Hollow Ponds formed from former gravel workings providing a waterside section before the route finishes near several nearby stations.
Download the Essex Walks App to follow this route with real-time GPS navigation.
At a glance
The walk
This waymarked walk follows the City of London's 'Hornbean Trail' and it heads through the lovely Gilberts Slade, full of ancient hornbeam.
You'll also explore the Canada Plain and Waterworks Wood, whilst also strolling around the Leyton Flats and pretty Hollow Ponds.
Refreshments:
The Lakeside Diner, Leyton Flats
Train Stations:
Snaresbrook
Leytonstone
Wanstead
Wood Street
Navigate the walks
The easiest way to follow this route is with the Essex Walks app. Choose the walk and follow the pointer showing your live position on the route map, so you can see you're on the right path.
The app works without a phone signal, so you can keep following the route wherever the walk takes you.
Explore the area
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Explore the county
See where the walks start, explore the area and tap a pin to find a route for your next adventure.
Search Essex walks