Today I started my Central line tube walk. The Central line is the longest underground line at 46 miles. The East section of the line is not covered by my London A-Z so for this part of the walk I’m relying on the .
Epping to Theydon Bois
After journeying to the end of the line I arrive at Epping.
Epping is a leafy and hilly area. Most of the houses I see as I walk down Bower Hill are small but detached.
At the bottom of Bower Hill I get to a footpath leading up another hill to some farm buildings.
Near the top of this path a small track takes a course around the hill and then towards the M25 motorway. A tunnel provides a route to the other side of the motorway. The tunnel is longer then it initially looks and it is quite dark inside due to its length and lack of lighting.
The footpath goes along the edge of the field – the easiest way to walk it is to follow the tractor tyre marks. There are a few signs to tell you where the footpath is if you spot them. As I walk along the path a farmer in a tractor is busy working the field.
As I get closer to Theydon Bois I pass a derelict building.
A foot bridge takes me over the train track and to the Theydon Bois tube station.
Theydon Bois to Debden
Theydon Bois is a small village, I pass some local pubs, shops and houses as I walk through.
The most direct way for me to get to Loughton seems to walk along Loughton Lane and then Debden Lane. Looking at the map I was doubtful that this kind of road (which goes through an area with no properties on either side) would have a pavement along its length but I decided to try it anyway.
To my surprise the pavement did continue all the way along these road and I soon reach Loughton.
The next part of my route takes me along Pyrles Lane and Rectory Lane. On The Broadway is the shopping street for Loughton.
After passing onto Chigwell Lane I turn left and reach Debden tube station.
Central Line Walk – Day 1 Summary
Today’s walk took about two hours to complete. I could have gone further but I stopped where I did as the Sun was starting to go down.