City to the Trails: Top Trail Routes on London's Doorstep

Hi, I’m Karina Patel, a seasoned trail runner based in London, Essex, on the doorstep of Epping Forest, quite literally. An intentional runner, forever discovering hidden woodland paths just a stone’s throw from the city. As a personal trainer, fitness and run coach living with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 14, my journey through the chronic condition has shaped my philosophy on movement: that the trails are not only a place for endurance and performance but also for healing, resilience, and empowerment. My escapism. A place of expression and character building, you can be whoever you want to be without judgment, just basking in the ambience amongst the sounds of nature.

I love sharing the joy of trail running and helping others find their rhythm in the trails. Whether you're seeking a leisurely loop to clear your mind or a challenging path to test your endurance, here are ten varied runs in Epping Forest that start near public transport and offer something special around each bend.

Top 10 Trail Routes in Epping Forest

1. Oak Trail (Approx. 10 km / 6.2 mi)

Nearest station: Loughton (Central Line)

Highlights: Flat, shaded woodland loop; easy to follow and perfect for summer runs. 

2. 2× Oak Trail Loop (Approx. 22.7 km / 14.1 mi)

Nearest station: Theydon Bois

Highlights: Double loop of the Oak Trail for a longer outing—great isolation and still beginner-friendly. 

3. Connaught Water Loop from Debden Green (Approx. 8 mi / 12.8 km)

Nearest station: Debden (Central Line)

Highlights: A scenic wooded lake circuit, moderate terrain, smooth trails. 

4. Fallen Tree / Green Ride from Epping (Approx. 10.5 mi / 16.9 km)

Nearest station: Epping (Central Line)

Highlights: Mixed-skill trail, elevated and rewarding views, paved paths interspersed with forest. 

5. Strawberry Hill Ponds Loop from Debden Green (Approx. 7 mi / 11.3 km)

Nearest station: Debden

Highlights: Beautiful ponds, manageable distance, tree-lined paths—ideal for mid-week escapes. 

6. Running Loop from Sewardstonebury (Approx. 3.1 mi / 5 km)

Nearest station: Chingford (then short bus or walk)

Highlights: Short, easy, perfect for a quick morning spin or warm-up. 

7. Highams Park Lake—Woodford & Connaught Water Loop (Approx. 8.2 mi / 13.2 km)

Nearest station: Highams Park or Woodford (Overground/Central Line)

Highlights: Mixes lakeside serenity with rolling forest—moderate challenge with varied scenery. 

8. Walthamstow – Tottenham Lock – Chingford / Woodford Centenary Trail Loop (Approx. 23 km / 14.3 mi)

Nearest stations: Walthamstow Central, Chingford, or Woodford

Highlights: A long cross-forest tour combining riverside paths, woods, and urban fringe—excellent for a full-day adventure. 

9. 40 km Epping Forest Trail Run (Approx. 40.5 km / 25 mi)

Nearest station: Various access points—e.g. Loughton, Chingford

Highlights: True ultrarunner’s challenge through undulating forest terrain; immersive and expansive. 

10. Epping Loop (Approx. 12 mi / 19.3 km)

Nearest stations: Chingford or Loughton

Highlights: A lightly trafficked, easy trail loop featuring gentle climbs and authentic woodland running. 

A few top tips

Most start near Central Line stations (Loughton, Epping, Woodford, etc.), making them easy to reach from central London.

Terrain ranges from friendly, paved forest loops to longer, semi-technical ultramarathon terrain.

If you're planning around scenic features such as ponds, Iron Age landmarks (like Ambresbury Banks near Loughton), opt for mid-distance runs; for a swift, energizing route, try Sewardstonebury or Highams Park loop.

Why These Trails Matter

Epping Forest offers more than running routes. It's a quick wilderness escape from London with ancient trees, ponds teeming with life, rolling grassy plains, hidden historical gems, and unforgettable wildlife. Whether you're chasing a quick 30-minute morning loop or planning a 10km forest adventure, there's a trail for every mood and skill level which I can never get bored of. 

Strava is a brilliant way to sync these trails, great for mapping and recording your runs. In case you didn't know, Strava Premium’s “Suggested Routes” can tailor options based on distance, terrain, and location which is perfect for discovering fresh routes near you, forever exploring the adventurer in you.

Discover the explorer in you 

Whether you’re introducing friends to trail running or prepping for your next solo adventure, these routes showcase why Epping Forest is a runner’s dream, ancient woodland, wildlife, and just enough challenge to keep you inspired. Go out of your way to learn more about yourself, find yourself in new places, go solo or with some friends, either way you can never run alone in such wilderness. Trails have far more to offer. That's why you'll see me here during most of my summers.