Waltlou two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 80.00% of reviewers

In the depths of Winter this was quite a muddy route, although it wasn't ever very deep. There is a nice café on route at Higham's Park boating lake. It is very well served by public transport at both ends. I'd recommend giving this a go as it is a surprisingly tranquil green walk with lots of nature on the fringes of London. We got a bit lost by the allotments at Forest Road but I think this route Waltlou two skirts them to the South.

This is a good route which is straightforward to follow. The southern half of the route is signposted with wooden signs and white posts.
The route intersects with the London Loop near Loughton and that is also well waymarked. It is enjoyable to walk. Most of it is through green spaces with well trodden paths. When I walked it we had had a long period without rain, so most of it was firm and dry. However boots would be essential in wetter weather.

It is best to go with adequate supplies, although there are several places you can usually obtain refreshments on route in good weather including the Humphrey's Cafe at The Highams Park, clearly signposted and visible just off the route. Supplies are easy to obtain at both Loughton, where there is a large supermarket near the station and at Woodstreet and Walthamstow Central, for those on longer journeys who need to restock.

The route intersects with, or passes near to public transport regularly.

Most of the route is popular with local cyclists in good weather, but presents a challenge in wetter conditions. The footbridge over the central line near Loughton is step access only and so if cycling it requires a diversion along the main road to Loughton.

I walked from Loughton to Walthamstow using the OS app on my phone. I wandered off the route on one or two occasions but easily found my way back - in places, there are intersecting paths. It was a pleasure to bump into the London Loop on occasion.

A very enjoyable and varied route on a summer's day. The start is easily accessible by public transport, namely the Central Line. There were walkers and cyclists enjoying the route.

There are stiles, kissing gates and a foot bridge over a railway line. Some elevation but nothing hectic. The route is safe so eg road crossings are minimal, there are no major roads to cross and the map is very accurate.

There is not much by way of facilities along the way so go prepared.

Walthamstow has excellent transport connections, a range of facilities and some great record stores.

I walked from Walthamstow to Loughton.
Even in the middle of June on a sunny day there are still a few patches of mud, but not enough to spoil a lovely route through green spaces. The mud has left hard rutted uneven ground with roots, steep (33%) in places, so care should be taken. Popular with mountain bikers but difficult for wheel chairs.
From the shopping centre and through 'quaint Walthamstow' to Wood Street station past suburban roads to the beginning of a green thread which takes you to Epping Forest. First follow fingerposts to 'Lake' along wooded and open paths. There is a café by the Lake (but was closed on this Sunday). Then follow finger posts to Whitehall Plains. This takes varied paths through woods past golf greens and open spaces , very nice. You pick up the London Loop for a while before walking along residential roads close to Loughton. There are passages to bring you to Loughton station. The Snack bar in the station provided free sandwiches to this weary traveler (she was closing) and is well worth a visit.
A varied walk avoiding roads and traffic well, with a variety of green natural settings, lovely.

Overall a good route that I walked from Loughton to Walthamstow. But very very muddy in places, which definitely slowed me down as I needed to back track a lot. It starts off by leaving Loughton along some streets, and intersection with the LOOP. But then soon it turns into mud season following the river Ching and through Whitehall Plain. The section around Higham Park was very pleasant again, and a lot easier to walk. Around the North Cicular, it was more mud until arriving on the outskirts of (Upper) Walthamstow. From there on there was pleasant enough street walking.

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