Just a short walk away from our home is the southern edge of Epping Forest – known as the Wanstead Flats, with plenty of trails for walking, cycling or running. 

Heading north, Wanstead Flats transitions seamlessly into the broader landscape of Epping Forest, a vast ancient woodland stretching across London and Essex. This is where the terrain becomes more varied and engaging for both trail runners and mountain bikers. The forest contains a dense network of trails—over hundreds of kilometres—ranging from smooth gravel bridleways to rooty, winding singletrack through hornbeam and beech woodland.

For runners, this creates an ideal natural playground: long endurance routes on fire roads, rolling climbs near High Beach, and more technical forest loops that reward agility and pacing. For mountain bikers, Epping Forest is especially well known for its fast, flowing XC-style riding, with tight corners, short climbs, and seasonal variation that can range from hard-packed dust in summer to muddy, challenging conditions in winter.

Beyond sport, Epping Forest has deep historical roots as a former royal hunting forest, preserved in the 19th century as protected common land. Today it remains one of London’s largest continuous green spaces, blending biodiversity, recreation, and heritage. Iron Age earthworks, old avenues, and veteran trees sit alongside modern leisure use, creating a landscape where history and outdoor adventure overlap.

Together, Wanstead Flats and Epping Forest offer a rare combination: fast urban-access training ground at the Flats, and expansive, immersive woodland adventure just beyond—perfect for anyone exploring on foot or two wheels.