Up and over what counts for a hill in Essex - on our circular walk from Waltham Abbey - another from the Short Walks around Epping Forest book. Spells of nice sunshine - but very cold and rather windy. Can't believe I nearly decided not to take my (windproof) waterproof.
A later start than normal as Dave wanted to get his run in before. Drove to Waltham Abbey unsure about what parking was like, but found some uncontrolled roads just over the M25 which was handily on the walking route.
Excellent 6 miles from Waltham Abbey south eastwards towards High Beach and doubling back towards the Lea flood relief channel and over to the towpath and back north towards the town. A mix of fields, woodland, waterside, the odd hill, an intriguing hedge tunnel, and not too many patches of boggy mud. Signs were as usual appalling but wayfinding wasn't too bad.
Managed to get my feet caught in a bramble and fell face down onto the ground - soft landing more or less apart from my hands picking up some bramble thorn splinters. Irritating. And I'd been fine over the muddy patches. I'd forgotten to bring a stick again - next time for sure. Birds were trilling nicely and we saw a bird of prey a couple of times, but we'd decided against the binoculars.
At Waltham Abbey, we popped into the rather lovely church - where Thomas Tallis had been organist when the abbey was dissolved in the 16th century. Lots of nice things - 19th century painted ceiling with zodiac signs, Burne Jones windows and a doom painting. Plumber called while we were in there - he can start Tuesday.
We toured the rather dismal looking high street for something to eat - and settled on the rather fabulous Ting Tang Thai Cafe at the end. Prawn crackers, tempura prawns, spring rolls and pad thai - just us other than a couple of families with kids - and sitting among all their Valentine's Day accoutrements that they've got in early for next week.
Drove home for a lovely chilling evening reading and relaxing.
