ITS TOPOGRAPHY
43
the open grass field, where the remains of ridge
and furrow show that it underwent a period of
enclosure and cultivation before it was restored
to the Forest. Where the thicket is entered, at
the farthest corner of the field, a tiny stream
leaves it. Follow this up, keeping it on the right.
Whenever the valley divides into two branches,
which it does twice, follow the fork to the right.
When it comes to an end pursue the same direc-
tion, by compass, until, near some old gravel-pits
known as " Wormleyton Pits," you emerge on a
heather-clad space comparatively free from trees.
From this point the Copped Hall group of Scotch
firs, with a single columnar silver fir towering
above them, to which I have referred in previous
routes, is seen about half a mile in front. Taking
this as a landmark, and steering as straight for it
as the intricacies of the thicket will admit of, it
will guide you past Ambresbury Banks to the point
on the Epping road where the Waltham road
leaves it. Follow the latter past the Copped Hall
entrance gates, and Copped Hall Green to Wal-
tham. This is a tolerably dry walk all the year
round.
ROUTE R
THEYDON TO HANGBOY SLADE
41/4 miles to complete the circuit to Theydon
From Theydon Station take the road to Debden
Green. From its north-west corner a lane leads
into the Forest. At the point where this is entered
the small stream which flows from the valley of
Hangboy Slade leaves it. If the course of this
stream be followed upwards, keeping always near
the bottom of the hollow, it will lead, in about a
mile, to the Theydon road. Crossing this and
the open heathery plain beyond it for 400 or
500 yards, turn to the right into the thicket, and,
keeping a S.S.E, direction, i.e. parallel to the
Theydon road, come out on to Theydon Green
near the church. This very pretty circuit should