LONDON: The Oak Trail, Theydon Bois

We’ll start and finish at Theydon Bois Station, quickly stepping straight from the Central Line into ancient woodland. The route weaves through old oaks, open clearings, quiet lanes and a few unexpectedly storybook corners (the kind that make you forget you’re still inside the M25). With a bit of luck, we’ll notice the earliest stirrings of spring. 10.2 km, but manageable, with just under 100 m of gentle ascent. Expect mud in places, crisp air, friendly people and pauses for seasonal noticing