34
EPPING FOREST.
ments, a ride commences which may be identified
by the distinguishing letter of this route marked
on a pollard tree which stands by the opening to
it. This leads over picturesque broken ground,
and through a dense growth of holly and decidu-
ous trees, in about 3/4 mile, to Hale End Road.
[From this point a pretty path along the eastern
side of Higham Park leads to Woodford Green.]
Crossing the road, enter the Sale, a green lane
skirting the lower side of Mr. Courtenay Warner's
Park, and separated from it by the Ching Brook.
This leads in 1/2 mile to a wide open grass slope,
which separates Woodford Village from Ching-
ford Hatch. The upper portion of the slope com-
mands a striking view over the valley of the Lea.
The stream of the Ching may be followed up on
either side. Its right bank, i.e. its left looking up
stream, is prettily wooded, but the other affords
the driest and soundest walking after wet weather.
Immediately after passing Whitehall Road Bridge,
which must be crossed if one is on the right of
the stream, leave the latter and pass close to the
right of Forestside Cottages. Passing through the
grove of old pollard oaks, near Queen Elizabeth's
lodge and the Forest Hotel, Chingford Station
comes in sight. There are points in this walk
which are decidedly swampy. I should be sorry,
however, to discourage a trial of it, even in winter.
In summer it is generally quite hard.
This route may be varied, by those who want
to take the train at Buckhurst Hill, by diverging
to the right soon after passing Chingford Hatch.
Ascend the hill, and, crossing in succession the
Whitehall Road and the Epping Road into the
Loughton Road, follow this to the north for 100