ITS TOPOGRAPHY
41
the Valley of Hangboy Slade, and, continuous with
it, a ride ascends the opposite slope to the Wake
Arms on the London and Epping road. Dulsmead
Hollow, which falls into Hangboy Slade from the
west, 200 yards farther to the left, may be followed
instead of this ride, and leads into the Loughton
road, close to its junction with the London road
at the Wake Arms. From here take the road by
Woodredden Hill to Honey Lane, or else follow for
500 yards the High Beach road, which also branches
from the Wake Arms, and then turn to the right
through the thicket. In a few yards the crest of
the hill is reached, which overlooks the valley of
the Lea. Below, at the foot of the hill, lies the
green opening of Honey Lane Plain. Descend
the hill through the thicket, which is rather dense
in this part ; and, at the corner of the green, by
the covered drinking-trough, take the road to
Waltham. With the exception of one or two
spots this walk also is generally dry.
ROUTE P
LOUGHTON TO HIGH BEACH BY BALDWIN'S HILL
51/4 miles to complete the circuit to Loughton
To any one who desires a very dry walk through
the best part of the Forest, I can recommend the fol-
lowing circuit by High Beach. It follows the road
nearly the whole way, but keeps the highest ground,
and commands charming views of Loughton Manor,
the distant Kent Hills, and the Lea Valley. On
leaving Loughton Station, pass through the village
to Staple's Pond ; here turn to the right along the
road for 200 yards. By the pound ascend the
grass slope on the left to a group of fir-trees at the
top. From here a lane leads along the crest of
Baldwin's Hill for half a mile, and commands an
extensive view of the densely wooded Loughton
Manor. This would be still more interesting if it
were not for the unsparing pollarding to which
nearly the whole of this otherwise beautiful wood
was formerly subjected, and which gives it the