BGH x Epping Forest Heritage Trust: Family Walk in Epping Forest

BGH x Epping Forest Heritage Trust: Family Walk in Epping Forest

Sunday 17th May 2026

Meeting time: 10.30am for an 11am start

Difficulty: Easy, beginner friendly

Distance: 3 km

Duration: A 45 minute walk to an environmental education centre in Epping Forest (The Hive) followed by interactive nature activities for families, ending with a 45 minute walk back to the Visitor Centre

Meeting and ending point: Outside Epping Forest Visitor Centre, 6 Ranger’s Road, Chingford, London E4 7QH

Join us for a family-friendly spring day out in nature with Black Girls Hike, delivered in collaboration with Epping Forest Heritage Trust.

This walk is open to all. We welcome children and adults of all ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds on this walk - please feel free to bring family and friends along too! Fathers, partners, and all family members are welcome to join in, making this a truly inclusive experience. Kids can explore, discover, and enjoy the great outdoors, while adults soak in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

This event is more than just a walk — it combines a gentle guided forest walk with a forest school–style afternoon of hands-on activities, giving children space to explore, learn, and play in one of London’s most beautiful green spaces, with activities delivered by The Hive. The Hive is an environmental education centre, nestled within 7 acres of blissful woodland and buzzing habitats in Epping Forest.

For those coming with young children, buggies are not recommended due to uneven and muddy nature of the terrain.

We’ll begin at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre in Chingford, walk together through the forest to The Hive, and spend the afternoon enjoying guided woodland activities including pond dipping and learning how to safely start a fire. We’ll then head back through the forest as a group.

This event is delivered in partnership with the Epping Forest Heritage Trust and will be guided by an EFHT team member, with support from Black Girls Hike hosts. It forms part of the Epping Forest Heritage for All project, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project seeks to inspire people from all backgrounds to engage with the Forest’s rich heritage, build a stronger sense of belonging, and encourage shared care for this landscape so it can be enjoyed, celebrated, and protected - now and for generations to come. Black Girls Hike are proud partners in supporting this vision.

Terrain: Woodland paths throughout. Paths may be muddy, especially after recent rainfall, so suitable footwear is essential.

What to bring: Sturdy footwear (waterproof recommended), packed lunch, snacks, water, layers, waterproofs, and weather appropriate clothing.

There are no shops near The Hive, so be sure to bring your own food and water to ensure you don't get hungry!

Accessibility: Forest paths are often uneven and muddy. Buggies are not recommended due to terrain. Hard-surface access routes and accessible toilets / baby-changing facilities are available at The Hive.

Facilities: Toilets available at the start and end of the hike at Epping Forest Visitor Centre, as well as at The Hive.

Transport: Closest station is Chingford Overground Station, Station Road, Chingford E4 6AL.

Parking: Bury Road Car Park, Bury Road, Chingford E4 7AZ. Please arrive early as parking is limited.

This event will be led by an Epping Forest Trust walk leader. Please note that the leader does not hold a Mountain Leader qualification, and participation is therefore at your own discretion and risk.

Photo Disclaimer
Please be aware that photos will be taken during the event. These may be used for promotional purposes, including on our own and our partners' websites and social media platforms. If you prefer not to appear in any photos, please inform a member of the team before the hike begins.

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