London Loop Walk 1:
Enfield Lock to Chigwell
14 January 2006
The London Loop (London Outer Orbital Path) is, as its name says, a path around
the outside of London of around 240 kilometres (150 miles). Officially it starts
at Erith on the south bank of the Thames, but I decided that I would start at
Enfield Lock, our nearest official stage starting point. If I do all of it, I
don't want to finish at Coldharbour Point, which sounds anticlimactic, and
finishing back at Enfield, through some familiar territory, sounds interesting. I
also started at Enfield Lock itself, rather than at the railway station, as that
isn't an inspiring finishing point, either. Whether I will walk it all remains
to be seen, but it is an interesting project.
The 24 stages vary from 6 to 17 kilometres each - this morning I did two of the
shortest stages: most of section 18 from Enfield Lock to Chingford, and section
19 from Chingford to Chigwell.
![London Loop sign](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-083303_small.jpg)
As I leave the car park, the first of many London Loop signs points the way
towards Sewardstone.
![](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-083326_small.jpg)
![King George's reservoir, Enfield, from London Loop path](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-090123_small.jpg)
Having crossed Sewardstone Road, we climb Barn Hill, with views on this hazy
morning across King George's Reservoir.
![King George's reservoir, Enfield, from London Loop path](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-090633_small.jpg)
These reservoirs together supply about a quarter of London's drinking water.
![Sign at Scout Association's national headquarters, Gilwell Park](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-091917_small.jpg)
This varied route takes us through the site of the Scout Association's national
headquarters
![Green lane on Yardley Hill on London Loop path](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-093217_small.jpg)
Green lane on Yardley Hill
![Fungi on Yardley Hill](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-093322_small.jpg)
Fungi on Yardley Hill
![Golfers on Chingford golf course](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-095311_small.jpg)
Golfers on Chingford golf course. By ancient law, all golfers on this course
must wear bright red.
![Royal Forest pub, Chingford, Epping Forest](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-101106_small.jpg)
The rear of the modern Royal Forest pub
![Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge at Chingford in Epping Forest](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-101212_small.jpg)
The much more ancient
Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge at Chingford dates from 1543
![Horse ride near Chingford in Epping Forest on London Loop](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-102709_small.jpg)
Looking back down the ride from Chingford
![Houses in Buckhurst Hill on London Loop](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-103848_small.jpg)
Houses on the northern edge of Buckhurst Hill
![Dogs on London Loop path](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-104209_small.jpg)
George meets a tricolour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, called Rupert, who
had escaped from his owner.
![Central Underground line on London Loop](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-105235_small.jpg)
To prove it is still London, we cross the Underground - Central Line.
![lake formed from gravel pit near M11 on London Loop](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-110459_small.jpg)
This lake next to the River Roding is a flooded gravel pit created during the
construction of the nearby M11 motorway and now forming part of a recreational
area with walks and sports fields.
![M11 motorway near Chigwell on London Loop](../../images/2006/2006-01/2006-01-14-112036_small.jpg)
Crossing the M11 as we approach Chigwell.
Section 18: 6.1km, 1 hour 30 minutes, 127 metres of ascent
Section 19: 5.9km, 1 hour 40 minutes, 92 metres of ascent
An enjoyable morning, and enough to make me want to do the next stage.
Havering
here we come!
![Previous London Loop walk](hikerleft2.jpg)
|