Posted on Monday, 19th September 2022

As you probably know, I am a counsellor based in Walthamstow. I am also a huge advocate of getting outside in order to improve our mental health. Walthamstow has lots of great areas to do just this and I’m going to share some places I would recommend for going for a walk- short or long.

Walthamstow Wetlands

Walthamstow Wetlands is a 211 hectare site which includes open access nature reserves. There are many different walks you can enjoy here, either by yourself, or by joining one of their guided walks.

Epping Forest- High Beech

Epping Forest is vast, with many options. A popular area is High Beech. There is good parking available and from there you can go for walks of varying distance.

Epping Forest- Hollow Ponds

This is the quickest area of Epping Forest to get to from Walthamstow Village. It has a mix of wide open spaces, and more sheltered forest areas, with loads of wildlife to spot in the big pond (lake!).

Wanstead Park

Another lovely place to walk around, with several ponds and rivers to punctuate your route.

Lloyd Park

Lloyd Park is big enough to get a good walk in if you cover the whole of it. With a beautifully planted walled garden, the circular pond, and large fields, it makes a very interesting and pretty walk.

Walthamstow Village

Less green open space here, but Walthamstow Village itself is lovely to walk around. Taking in the ‘Ancient House’, the pretty graveyard of St Mary’s Church and the many pretty residential streets, walking round Walthamstow Village can be a lovely way to get some fresh air.