FROM THE RED LION TO THE CENTRAL LINE

After heavy overnight rain, we were up at 7.00 a.m. to be greeted by grey skies but no more rain. Having dropped cars off at Epping and Chipping Ongar, seven of us set off from the Red Lion at Margaretting at 9.45. Our route took us along the St. Peter's Way. We passed the Cricketers, far too early for a drink, walked through Beggars Green and some beautiful countryside and on to Blackmore.

By now, the skies were starting to lighten and as we neared the village green, we heard the roar of motor bike engines and saw the gleam of lovingly-preserved chrome – a showing of vintage motor bikes. With collecting box in hand, Ted and Allan were soon amongst the riders who donated generously to our cause. Meanwhile, the rest of us sat on the bench by the side of the duck pond and had a well-earned rest.

The walk from Blackmore to Ongar took another 1½ hours and included several fields of wet clay. After one field with boots caked with mud, we scraped as much mud as we could off on the curb edge to be met by insults from the first floor of a nearby house. A few moments later, we heard the sound of someone running and thought that he was coming to give a donation, but no, he wanted to throw his weight and mouth around – but sense prevailed. Soon we were at the Two Brewers for lunch and the collecting tin was soon full.

After the team photo in the pub car park, 3 of the walkers took to the car and the remaining four of us continued to Toots Hill and then Epping. The sun appeared and the afternoon became warm – a far cry from the weather forecast. Through the forest, the path was very muddy in places, slowing our progress but after passing the Theydon Oak, Dan and Ted arrived at Epping station at 4.45. Theresa and me continued out of the town and towards Loughton. We finished on the edge of Epping Forest after 19.5 miles and another excellent day.

Back at the Red Lion, we had a celebratory drink and decided that it has been an easier walk than yesterday and as I write this diary, my legs are not quite so sore.