Journey out of Epping
Tomorrow is the anniversary of when John Clare began his 80 mile walk out of Epping from Lippitts Hill. The walk is now approximately 120 miles due to the extension of the road network, although it is still possible by crossing the M25 at Waltham Abbey keeping to the Lea Valley trail. I have undertaken nine recces so far to find the best route from Loughton, Theydon Bois, Chingford and Epping. The C-19 situation has meant that the bed and breakfast establishments I intended to use were closed, and I am not best suited to sleeping in a ditch unlike Clare. The landscape changes little around Epping, although a few things are evident: there may be a reduction in larch due to Phytophthora ramorum, which can spread to the ancient beech trees; cattle used for grazing may have changed to breeds such as the Longhorn's they use at Copped Hall; some animal and plant species would be different as he wouldn't have seen muntjac deer, which are tame forest animals. ...