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Could you find Dick Turpin’s Cave in Epping Forest?

That was the challenge as we headed into the ancient woodland around Loughton Camp, following the trails in search of the legendary hideout of England’s most famous highwayman.

Epping Forest is a fantastic place to walk. Despite being on the eastern edge of London, it can quickly feel surprisingly remote. Ancient woodland, muddy tracks, open rides and twisting paths make it easy to forget that the city is only a few miles away.

And somewhere in this landscape, according to local legend, Dick Turpin once hid.

The Walk to Loughton Camp

For an easier route, start at Broadstrood Car Park and follow Green Ride towards Loughton Camp.

The route is around 1½ miles each way, making approximately a three-mile walk.

The main track is wide, relatively level and well maintained, so this is a good option for families or anyone wanting an uncomplicated introduction to Epping Forest. If you’re walking with a buggy or younger children, this is probably the route I’d choose.

If you’re travelling by Tube, you can start from Loughton station, although you’ll add several miles to the walk.

For something more adventurous, there are plenty of smaller paths and tracks around Loughton Camp. This is where the walk becomes much more interesting.

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Into the Woodland

Leaving the main track, you start to experience a very different side of Epping Forest.

The paths become narrower and less predictable. Tree roots, mud and uneven ground replace the easy surface of Green Ride, so sensible footwear is recommended.

Navigation can also become tricky.

Don’t assume your phone will always have a signal, there is none in the Loughton area of Epping forest. Before setting off, download your map for offline use. An Ordnance Survey map or handheld GPS is even better if you’re planning to explore away from the main paths.

Getting slightly lost—or at least taking the wrong path—is arguably part of the fun.

The further you walk, the easier it is to understand how the Forest could once have provided somewhere to disappear.

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Loughton Camp

Eventually you reach Loughton Camp, an ancient Iron Age hillfort hidden among the trees.

The earthworks aren’t enormous, but once you know what you’re looking at, the shape of the old defensive enclosure becomes apparent.

It’s also a good place to stop for a picnic before continuing your search.

And this is where the question starts:

Where is Turpin’s Cave?

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Searching for Dick Turpin’s Cave

The location of the supposed cave is disputed, and there doesn’t appear to be a clearly identifiable cave waiting for visitors.

We searched around the ridge but couldn’t find anything that convincingly resembled a cave.

Our conclusion was that, if Turpin really did use a hideout here, it may have been more like a dugout, hollow or simple shelter rather than the dramatic cave suggested by the legend.

After nearly 300 years, there’s also plenty of opportunity for erosion and vegetation to have hidden whatever once existed.

So don’t set off expecting to find a large hole in the ground with “Dick Turpin was here” written above it!

The search itself, however, makes a great reason to explore this part of the Forest.

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Wildlife Along the Way

Keep your eyes open as you walk.

Epping Forest is home to a variety of woodland wildlife, with deer being one of the most impressive sights.

Go early in the morning and the Forest can be remarkably quiet, with wildlife moving through the trees before the paths become busy.

It’s hard to believe you’re still within Greater London.

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Is This a Good Epping Forest Walk?

Definitely.

If you want an easy family walk, stick to the route from Broadstrood Car Park along Green Ride to Loughton Camp.

If you’re looking for something more challenging, explore some of the smaller trails around the camp—but take a map and expect uneven and muddy ground.

And if you don’t find Dick Turpin’s Cave, don’t worry.

You will still have walked through an extraordinary ancient landscape and discovered one of the most atmospheric parts of Epping Forest.

We didn’t find the cave.

But that gives us a good excuse to come back and look again.

Quick Walking Guide

📍 Starting point: Broadstrood Car Park
🥾 Distance: Approximately 3 miles return
⛰️ Difficulty: Easy on the main route; moderate if exploring smaller trails
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly: Yes, particularly the main route
🐕 Dogs: Suitable, but keep dogs under control around wildlife
🗺️ Navigation: Download maps before you go
🏰 Highlight: Loughton Camp
🕵️ Mystery: Dick Turpin’s Cave
🦌 Wildlife: Deer and woodland wildlife

Have you found Dick Turpin’s Cave? Or is it one of Epping Forest’s great unsolved legends?

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