Some very picturesque holly on our short walk in Epping Forest this morning.
We'd talked about starting up our Epping Forest short walks again last night but I thought we'd never feel up to it - being so tired. But having gone to sleep quite early - I woke just before 6 and felt up for it. So after a cup of tea and a cat lick - we headed out early.
Started at High Beach like the last couple. Quietish obviously for a Wednesday but still a few walkers, runners and people out for a stroll. Weather quite dull and oddly, as we progressed through the morning, it seemed to get darker and murkier - almost like dusk.
A 3-mile loop starting at the closed visitor centre, taking in the Lost Pond, a walk along a stream to Baldwin's Hill Pond, some walking along a the usual broad tracks and then doubling back towards High Beach along another stream.
Most trees have now shed their leaves, though some pretty birch leaves were hanging on. Some incredible pollarded beeches of course, lots of fungi, and quite boggy under foot. The last bit along the final stream was quite tricky with a lot of fallen trees blocking our way - the book instructions were written over 20 years ago - so things have grown up a bit or fallen over a bit since then.
At High Beach - we went to town a bit. Had 6 extremely scrummy oysters each from the seafood shack followed by a halloumi and tomato sandwich with cheesy chips and tea. Top brunch. We were laughed at by the two older women at the next table who were wondering what we were going to have for dessert.
Quieter drive back home (drive out marred by the school run of course) and we chilled out. I started researching my Christmas online shopping options. Dave brought us up some mulled wine at some point - very welcome.
Sounds a wonderful day....we are enjoying walking so much since we moved & it’s been great weather for it. It’s always nicer when you can buy a foods treat while out too! Mulled wine...we started off with that on a walk on Sunday with friends!
