Or quercus ilex at Copped Hall on our Epping Forest short walk.
Dave had suggested we head out early for a walk today. Was wondering if we'd make it after yesterday's late night but we managed to wake up around 8. Decided to do one of the few left in our Epping Forest short walks books - quite a way out starting at the old atmospheric ruin Copped Hall.
As we parked a woman stopped her car and asked us if we were walking and if so, could we walk back and check on two deer she'd seen that she'd been worried about. Never got to the bottom of why she'd been worried as we couldn't see any concerning deer so doubled back and started the walk.
The first part was really impressive - Copped Hall itself with this fantastic tree just in front. The route then went north along a permissive path towards Cobbin's Brook. Saw nobody other than the few around Copped Hall. The permissive path was lovely in the low winter sun and we saw a perky flock of yellowhammers flitting around the stubbly field. Puddles were everywhere after all the rain.
The brook was pretty also - quite a stream not a trickle. But after that the way became less clear and incredibly muddy - making the way hard going especially on a section of the Forest Way uphill. By the time we missed the right turn we were fairlyh fed up of trudging through the mud and just took the shortcut back to the car.
Dave did us an omelette with leftover veg for lunch - very tasty. And we finished off the pink prosecco with added hibiscus flowers. Spent a relaxing afternoon reading, catching up with photos and watching Abba at the BBC and the Have I Got News For You compilation of 2021.
Zoom call in a mo' with Anna, Sophie and the HMs and a pizza supper.
