Strawberry Hill Pond – Connaught Water loop from Epping

Hiking trails & Routes

Strawberry Hill Pond – Connaught Water loop from Epping

Hard

4.4

(38)

217

hikers

Strawberry Hill Pond – Connaught Water loop from Epping

06:15

23.7km

200m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 23, 2026

Tips

Includes a short out-and-back section

Your route doubles back at a waypoint. If this isn’t intentional, adjust the waypoint’s position.

After 12.3 km for 108 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

2.49 km

Epping Thicks

Highlight • Trail

The wide section of trail takes you through Epping Thicks, a densely wooded part of Epping Forest. Not far from here is Amesbury Banks, the site of an Iron Age Hillfort, while to the northeast is Bell Common and then the market town of Epping, beyond the busy M25. This part of the forest is explored on both the Oak Trail and the Epping Forest Big Walk.

Tip by

3.58 km

Ambresbury Banks — Iron Age hillfort

Highlight • Forest

An Iron Age hillfort once stood here, in the northern reaches of Epping Forest. The earthworks are still clearly visible and would have protected an area of 11 acres (4.5 hectares). The legend goes that Boudica's last stand against the Romans occurred here, though there's no actual evidence that this is the case.

Tip by

4.14 km

Open Woodland Path in Epping Forest

Highlight (Segment) • Forest

A zone of lighter forestation with patches of open land.

Tip by

6.57 km

Blackweir Pond (Lost Pond), Epping Forest

Highlight • Lake

Blackweir Pond is perhaps better known as the 'Lost Pond', a moniker given by James Brimble, and is often considered Epping Forest's most picturesque and tranquil - a perfect spot for fishing or quiet contemplation.

Tip by

8.30 km

Earl's Path Pond

Lake

8.57 km

Strawberry Hill Pond

Highlight • Viewpoint

Strawberry Hill Pond is located within Epping Forest and provides a peaceful retreat perfect for a rest and picnic following a forest walk.

The pond is enveloped by conifers and sweet chestnut trees and has a very tranquil and pleasant feel to it. There's a little wooden bench next to the water where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere.

Tip by

10.4 km

Connaught Water

Highlight • Forest

This is on the Epping Forest Centenary Walk - an easy day walk is from Chingford to Epping, with plenty of time to sit and admire this beautiful location along the way. Great in June/July with all the young wildlife around!

Tip by

12.4 km

Grimston's Oak (The Monarch of the Forest)

Highlight • Natural Monument

Also known as 'The Monarch of the Forest', Grimston's Oak is estimated to be around 350 years old. It is named after a cricketer, Robert Grimston who played in the 19th century, but is sometimes called Bedford's Oak after JT Bedford in recognition of his work to save Epping Forest in the 1870s.

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