Ah - a wonderful break with my beans on toast. Those paths through the fields are magical. Fond memories of going over to Epping Forest and around with my Mum in our tank-like Hillman Minx back in the 70s . . .
The mystery crop you came across was flax, it is making a comeback earlier the the year it has pretty blue flowers. Flax as a thread has been used for thousand's of years. It's seeds are also used as a food supplement. If you had crossed the road by that massive carpark you would have discovered a number of interesting sculptures dotted about the town centre, however you may well have missed your train.
+Jacqueline Paddock thanks Jacqueline, looks so beautiful in that late summer state. I must go back to Harlow in daytime for a wander and a look round the sculpture trail
Love the views; love the close ups of plants; love the atmospheric music; love the interesting commentary. This is a very special video. John, if you have a few minutes, I would be interested in your views of my Medmenham walk video which I posted yesterday- it includes an iron age hill fort at the end. Thanks.
I spent my early teens living in Harlow and now find I am an elderly man living in Western Australia. These videos are an absolute delight. As a New Town dweller back in the day I never realized just how much countryside there was all around me. Great work John.
Almost a parallel life. I’m Basildon 70s and 80s and now I’m Sydney NSW. I definitely took for granted the beautiful countryside around me and totally miss it now.
John I have only just discovered your fascinating and evocative series of walks. Thank you. I grew up in Harlow in the 70's and can only recommend that you give it another look. There is a series of cycle-tracks throughout the town that mostly (if not wholly) are the remnants of the old lanes that connected the hamlets that Harlow has been built over. Then there is the site of a Roman temple, a manor house garden site (now Harlow Museum) plus many beautiful churches (St Mary at Latton is my favourite). All in all, plenty evocative places to explore!
Enjoyed the film as usual. Great to hear mention of the Woodcraft Folk. Was a member in late 50's early 60's. Did loads of walking around the Wirral. We used to sing rousing folk songs on the bus ride back home. Great days.
I walked from Epping to Harlow on roughly this route for the first half of the walk yesterday. I saw that water tower in the distance and had a sense of dèja vu, even though I'd not been there. I realised then that i must have seen it in a John Rogers video. Anyway, I was drawn to the water tower but, just before i got really close to it, at a sharp bend in Rye Hill Road, I stumbled across Gate Number 1 of Epping Forest, and I couldn't resist walking down the long corridor behind it, that is similar to Epping Long Green. Reaching Harlow was almost immediately depressing, which is very interesting psychogeographically. A bland, sterlie dump is how i would describe Harlow, although i did see a huge, spectacular new green building that it said was the future home of Public Health England (so what it will be now that has been scrapped recently is anyone's guess). I then walked on to Roydon and onwards to cheer myself up after Harlow. I have been taking secateurs out with me recently to help cope with those overgrown paths...it does make a difference. Anyway, just watched this video again this morning to confirm my dèja vu suspicions.
Hey Mr Walking Man, I am very familiar with that old road leading to Epping Long Green from the water tower. I used to ride it often when I was growing up in that area. It used to go from Waltham Abbey through Epping Long Green to Latton Priory, now a farm. The big barn at Priory Farm is formed from some medieval part of the old priory. I suppose it was demolished during the reformation. We moved to Harlow in 1955, and I watched as the town spread all over the old fields and farms. Many of the bike paths were the remains of country roads that existed before the town was built. Personally I don’t think the cheap houses and concrete buildings have aged well. Depressing does kind of say it all. People complained endlessly when I was growing up and only wanted to return to their old neighbourhoods in London. They hated the country.
Great stuff John. I've watched so many of your films, and make a point of showing "The London Perambulator" to my students every year. Personally I think Harlow is marvellous, Britain's first New Town, built in the 1950s, I hadn't realised how close to Epping it was. I might go this way next time I visit Harlow.
Thanks Michael - wonderful to hear about Perambulator being shown to your students. I really want to go back to Harlow during the day for a proper look, not a great time at the end of a country walk in the dark and rain looking for the station. Definitely worth walking across the fields to Epping, a few different routes you can take. The path from the Water Tower towards the Lea looks enticing too
well John this is certainly different. You left all the huge London buildings and found peace and tranquillity in the countryside only to end up in a housing estate. Must say that I really enjoyed it. Thank you
Great video John. I live in Roydon near Harlow. Next time try going from Epping to Roydon and you would not see anything but fields and farms and would land up at Roydon station to take you back into London. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Tim - passed through Roydon on my walk along the Stort (there's a video on here) and was very tempted by a foot path leading over the fields. That's definitely a walk for this summer
John Rogers Thanks John, just enjoyed your video now you are very knowledgeable. If you decide you want to do the walk from Roydon to Epping over the fields perhaps my girlfriend and I could join. Thank you and take care.
As a resident of Harlow I make the journey by car through the lanes from Epping quite often and although a keen walker, never realised just how may footpaths there were. thoroughly enjoyed the video but have to say that Harlow isn't that bad, there's actually a lot of great cycle paths that help to get you from one side of the town to the other (if you have a map)! I will definitely be exploring some of those fields myself now. thanks for posting
Thanks Dave - I hope you enjoy the walk as much as I did. Definitely want to return to Harlow during the day for a proper look around - planning on walking along the Stort at some point
The development of Harlow can be researched from 'Harlow: The Story of a New Town' with contributions from Frederick Gibberd, Ben Hyde Harvey and Len White amongst others. This book was published by Publications for Companies in both hardback and paperback in 1980. The Town Park is very extensive and worth a visit, which is essential if you want to understand how the masterplan for the town and the 'cluster neighbourhoods' was developed.
Many thanks - I might give the Stort trail a go - say a map in the station. Thanks also for the wheat clarification - I should really know this stuff growing up in Bucks but it seems to have slipped away
A cornfield is a field planted with cereal crops. It's an old word that predates maize/corn in the English language. It's correct to call a field of wheat a cornfield. Anyway. Interesting video. I walked from Epping Station towards Ongar and beyond about a month ago, and it's surprising just how nice Essex is to walk through.
Martin Cleary Thanks for that Martin. I really want to head back out towards Ongar - you're right, Essex is full of surprises for the walker - out along the Estuary is good as well
@@MrBlaxjax I just watched this and commented on how we always used the word “corn” to describe wheat. However, even if you’re a Brit, when you end up living on the Canadian prairies, surrounded by wheat fields you call it wheat like everyone else here!
That is just lovely to look at the countryside when in Saskatchewan where I live now it’s snow and we don’t have any lovely country walks like that. One of the things I miss about England. My sister lives in Essex and I have a photo of her walk through the woods as the wallpaper on my phone. Interesting that you mention “corn fields”. We always talked about the corn fields when I lived in England but I think they are actually wheat fields. Is that a throw back to when “corn” was the word for all grain in England? Yes, you are holding a piece of wheat and you called it “corn” when talking about the straw bear.
Wowsers! I grew up in the centre of Harlow in an old farmhouse, and watched the new town being built. I often rode around that whole area of your walk. The water tower supplies Harlow with water and was built for that purpose at the top of Rye Hill Rd. You missed the ancient trackway which goes from the water tower to Epping Long Green, and beyond to Waltham Abbey. It was the ancient road from Waltham Abbey to Latton Priory, maybe further. Thanks for making this video and thanks for posting. I have watched your other videos but this was wonderful I now live in BC Canada.......so different to the Essex countryside.
Wow this so remind me of our own Midwestern states where he won can drive hundreds of miles through corn if you can believe it I have to get wild again every time I drive across the Greenbelt on my way to the west thanks for the good luck around you’re showing me London’s that I don’t know
I was born in Harlow. It defiantly has some interesting features, cycle paths and walkways. It is like a series of miniature towns all joined together by roads and roundabouts. And yeah, can be a little frustrating on foot. But I've done it plenty of times!
Water Towers in London eh..? There is an absolute beauty on the edge of Trent Park, up the road from Cockfosters Station. I trudged through thick snow, and hidden mud, to make its personal acquaintance... and then scrubbed my jeans clean under a running tap in the park, from the knees down, next to a a small muddy dog who was enjoying the process rather more than I. It was worth it for the photos though. I will send you a link to mine via Facebook.
@@JohnRogersWalks The Water Tower Appreciation Society did a great gazetteer book a few years ago. There are a few around the fringes. It is worth a purchase, direct from the WTAS website... I recall emailing & posting a cheque off to the chap who runs it.
I used drive fm south woodford to harlow via epping new road and b181 182 from epping to epping long green to Roydon then to Harlow at its best in summer on a motorvycle... Harlow Town Station as you found out isnt in thr middle of the town.... But down by the river...
Lovely. Please, is Harlow on the big ley line between Norfolk down to Cornwall or is it situated just above it, please?Maybe that's why Epping forest is so haunted as well
The intro on the tube took me right back to the old punk days- discharge!!!! must be the crying children ??? the blast wave of a thermonuclear device has been likened to a enormous door slamming in the depths of HELL
The kibbo kift never existed in Scotland. Certain William books mentioned the green shirts. Reference to the kibbo kift in a novel ? I was reading, might have been a Kate Atkinson. Hadnt a clue what it was on about.
Probably not your greatest walk, but I really enjoyed. By the way that part of Essex has loads of water towers and even more moats. As far as I can work out from the video, I believe this is your moat historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1016799 It's classified as a Scheduled Monument, so that's really important stuff. You need to scroll to almost the bottom of the link at Historic England to read specific details. I hope this is helpful.
Hi John, thank you for the great films, I thought you might like to know about Chris Halton-Haunted Earth tv, on you tube, An interesting mix Historical information with a little honest paranormal investigation. give it a go, it's beautifully filmed.
Always better to leave Harlow than travel there. It is indeed a sh*thole. I can say that with confidence, as I have the unfortunate honour of having it listed as my place of birth on my passport. It is graced with some great public art; courtesy of many sculptures by Henry Moore gracing its public parks.
John Clare, the Peasant Poet, lived in the village of Helpston, Northamptonshire, a few miles from Peterborough . He died in a mental asylum, St Andrews, Northampton (in 1864 I think?). His cottage remains standing and can be visited.
Not sure if this is your thing John, but I'm a big fan of Rolf Nylinder and the films he makes about fly fishing. Try this one about the Japanese Shaku Hunters th-cam.com/video/eQ3Nfr_Sy98/w-d-xo.html
Ah - a wonderful break with my beans on toast. Those paths through the fields are magical. Fond memories of going over to Epping Forest and around with my Mum in our tank-like Hillman Minx back in the 70s . . .
The mystery crop you came across was flax, it is making a comeback earlier the the year it has pretty blue flowers. Flax as a thread has been used for thousand's of years. It's seeds are also used as a food supplement. If you had crossed the road by that massive carpark you would have discovered a number of interesting sculptures dotted about the town centre, however you may well have missed your train.
+Jacqueline Paddock thanks Jacqueline, looks so beautiful in that late summer state. I must go back to Harlow in daytime for a wander and a look round the sculpture trail
A late friend who flew light aircraft decades ago said you never say you are lost, what you say is,I am temporarily uncertain of my position.
Another fantastic film. The ambient music always adds a great atmosphere John. Many thanks.
Thanks Dave - had some great walks this summer - it's a pleasure to be able to share them
Love the views; love the close ups of plants; love the atmospheric music; love the interesting commentary. This is a very special video. John, if you have a few minutes, I would be interested in your views of my Medmenham walk video which I posted yesterday- it includes an iron age hill fort at the end. Thanks.
Thank you very much - will check out the vid - sounds like you may have been near my childhood stomping ground
I love this stuff. Thank you John.
Thank you for watching - I love making and sharing it
I spent my early teens living in Harlow and now find I am an elderly man living in Western Australia. These videos are an absolute delight. As a New Town dweller back in the day I never realized just how much countryside there was all around me. Great work John.
Almost a parallel life. I’m Basildon 70s and 80s and now I’m Sydney NSW. I definitely took for granted the beautiful countryside around me and totally miss it now.
John I have only just discovered your fascinating and evocative series of walks. Thank you.
I grew up in Harlow in the 70's and can only recommend that you give it another look.
There is a series of cycle-tracks throughout the town that mostly (if not wholly) are the remnants of the old lanes that connected the hamlets that Harlow has been built over.
Then there is the site of a Roman temple, a manor house garden site (now Harlow Museum) plus many beautiful churches (St Mary at Latton is my favourite).
All in all, plenty evocative places to explore!
Thanks Mike - I certainly intend to return for a proper
The old London Road, I just love finds like this, fabulous John.
Enjoyed the film as usual.
Great to hear mention of the Woodcraft Folk. Was a member in late 50's early 60's. Did loads of walking around the Wirral. We used to sing rousing folk songs on the bus ride back home. Great days.
Another enjoyable video John,Always look forward to these.
Thanks Stewart - I really enjoy sharing these walks
There's a water tower at Havering atte Bower, it can be seen from the top of the wheel on the South Bank.
Great video as always John. The landscape shots in this one really make me think of Van Gogh.
Many thanks indeed
I walked from Epping to Harlow on roughly this route for the first half of the walk yesterday. I saw that water tower in the distance and had a sense of dèja vu, even though I'd not been there. I realised then that i must have seen it in a John Rogers video. Anyway, I was drawn to the water tower but, just before i got really close to it, at a sharp bend in Rye Hill Road, I stumbled across Gate Number 1 of Epping Forest, and I couldn't resist walking down the long corridor behind it, that is similar to Epping Long Green. Reaching Harlow was almost immediately depressing, which is very interesting psychogeographically. A bland, sterlie dump is how i would describe Harlow, although i did see a huge, spectacular new green building that it said was the future home of Public Health England (so what it will be now that has been scrapped recently is anyone's guess). I then walked on to Roydon and onwards to cheer myself up after Harlow. I have been taking secateurs out with me recently to help cope with those overgrown paths...it does make a difference. Anyway, just watched this video again this morning to confirm my dèja vu suspicions.
that big green building was Glaxo pharma many years ago. Harlow isnt as bad as you portray it , its has some beautiful green areas if you go off piste
Hey Mr Walking Man, I am very familiar with that old road leading to Epping Long Green from the water tower. I used to ride it often when I was growing up in that area. It used to go from Waltham Abbey through Epping Long Green to Latton Priory, now a farm. The big barn at Priory Farm is formed from some medieval part of the old priory. I suppose it was demolished during the reformation. We moved to Harlow in 1955, and I watched as the town spread all over the old fields and farms. Many of the bike paths were the remains of country roads that existed before the town was built. Personally I don’t think the cheap houses and concrete buildings have aged well. Depressing does kind of say it all. People complained endlessly when I was growing up and only wanted to return to their old neighbourhoods in London. They hated the country.
09:00 and 19:00 - There is a similar water tower beside The Common, Thundersley, Essex.
I want to go and find it now - thanks for the tip David
Very enjoyable John. Reminded me of my teenage years, cycling from Harlow up Rye Hill Road to fish in the ponds in Epping Forest.
Great stuff John. I've watched so many of your films, and make a point of showing "The London Perambulator" to my students every year. Personally I think Harlow is marvellous, Britain's first New Town, built in the 1950s, I hadn't realised how close to Epping it was. I might go this way next time I visit Harlow.
Thanks Michael - wonderful to hear about Perambulator being shown to your students. I really want to go back to Harlow during the day for a proper look, not a great time at the end of a country walk in the dark and rain looking for the station. Definitely worth walking across the fields to Epping, a few different routes you can take. The path from the Water Tower towards the Lea looks enticing too
well John this is certainly different. You left all the huge London buildings and found peace and tranquillity in the countryside only to end up in a housing estate. Must say that I really enjoyed it. Thank you
It certainly is a bit different and a walk I often think back to. I still need to return to Harlow to see it in the daylight
I used to do the reverse walk from halow to epping/loughton into london. The views are breathtaking.
can't wait to get back out there in the summer Mick
@@JohnRogersWalks Love to see the footage when you do. I don't get to that part of the country much these days.
Great video John. I live in Roydon near Harlow. Next time try going from Epping to Roydon and you would not see anything but fields and farms and would land up at Roydon station to take you back into London. Thanks for the video.
Thanks Tim - passed through Roydon on my walk along the Stort (there's a video on here) and was very tempted by a foot path leading over the fields. That's definitely a walk for this summer
John Rogers Thanks John, just enjoyed your video now you are very knowledgeable. If you decide you want to do the walk from Roydon to Epping over the fields perhaps my girlfriend and I could join. Thank you and take care.
Yes indeed lots of pathways to Roydon from Harlow.
Another great film and I am now doing some reading up on the Kibbo Kift. Looks like you need to take some secateurs on your country walks!
As a resident of Harlow I make the journey by car through the lanes from Epping quite often and although a keen walker, never realised just how may footpaths there were. thoroughly enjoyed the video but have to say that Harlow isn't that bad, there's actually a lot of great cycle paths that help to get you from one side of the town to the other (if you have a map)! I will definitely be exploring some of those fields myself now. thanks for posting
Thanks Dave - I hope you enjoy the walk as much as I did. Definitely want to return to Harlow during the day for a proper look around - planning on walking along the Stort at some point
another great film. Essex skies ..woodcraft Folk still going in East London (and elsewhere).
Many thanks John. I think there's a branch of Woodcraft Folk in Leytonstone as well
The development of Harlow can be researched from 'Harlow: The Story of a New Town' with contributions from Frederick Gibberd, Ben Hyde Harvey and Len White amongst others. This book was published by Publications for Companies in both hardback and paperback in 1980.
The Town Park is very extensive and worth a visit, which is essential if you want to understand how the masterplan for the town and the 'cluster neighbourhoods' was developed.
Another great video. I recommend the walk along the Stort towpath, it has great countryside.
They were wheat fields btw. ;)
Many thanks - I might give the Stort trail a go - say a map in the station. Thanks also for the wheat clarification - I should really know this stuff growing up in Bucks but it seems to have slipped away
A cornfield is a field planted with cereal crops. It's an old word that predates maize/corn in the English language. It's correct to call a field of wheat a cornfield. Anyway. Interesting video. I walked from Epping Station towards Ongar and beyond about a month ago, and it's surprising just how nice Essex is to walk through.
Martin Cleary Thanks for that Martin. I really want to head back out towards Ongar - you're right, Essex is full of surprises for the walker - out along the Estuary is good as well
@@MrBlaxjax I just watched this and commented on how we always used the word “corn” to describe wheat. However, even if you’re a Brit, when you end up living on the Canadian prairies, surrounded by wheat fields you call it wheat like everyone else here!
That is just lovely to look at the countryside when in Saskatchewan where I live now it’s snow and we don’t have any lovely country walks like that. One of the things I miss about England. My sister lives in Essex and I have a photo of her walk through the woods as the wallpaper on my phone.
Interesting that you mention “corn fields”. We always talked about the corn fields when I lived in England but I think they are actually wheat fields. Is that a throw back to when “corn” was the word for all grain in England? Yes, you are holding a piece of wheat and you called it “corn” when talking about the straw bear.
if I ever visit London I must go there
There is a water tower at the top of Essex Way in South Benfleet, You might have seen it when you did your Benfleet to Thorpe Bay walk.
I really want to walk the Essex Way one day
Rewatching. Love the high winds
Wowsers! I grew up in the centre of Harlow in an old farmhouse, and watched the new town being built. I often rode around that whole area of your walk. The water tower supplies Harlow with water and was built for that purpose at the top of Rye Hill Rd. You missed the ancient trackway which goes from the water tower to Epping Long Green, and beyond to Waltham Abbey. It was the ancient road from Waltham Abbey to Latton Priory, maybe further.
Thanks for making this video and thanks for posting. I have watched your other videos but this was wonderful
I now live in BC Canada.......so different to the Essex countryside.
Wow this so remind me of our own Midwestern states where he won can drive hundreds of miles through corn if you can believe it I have to get wild again every time I drive across the Greenbelt on my way to the west thanks for the good luck around you’re showing me London’s that I don’t know
I was born in Harlow. It defiantly has some interesting features, cycle paths and walkways. It is like a series of miniature towns all joined together by roads and roundabouts. And yeah, can be a little frustrating on foot. But I've done it plenty of times!
I certainly intend to go back for a proper look around in the daylight
Water Towers in London eh..? There is an absolute beauty on the edge of Trent Park, up the road from Cockfosters Station. I trudged through thick snow, and hidden mud, to make its personal acquaintance... and then scrubbed my jeans clean under a running tap in the park, from the knees down, next to a a small muddy dog who was enjoying the process rather more than I. It was worth it for the photos though. I will send you a link to mine via Facebook.
I remember that one Paul from my London Loop walks that way - so much magic in that area. Wonder if there are any others
@@JohnRogersWalks The Water Tower Appreciation Society did a great gazetteer book a few years ago. There are a few around the fringes. It is worth a purchase, direct from the WTAS website... I recall emailing & posting a cheque off to the chap who runs it.
@@Baphomet-J.-Moon-Fetus that sounds like an essential book - thanks for the tip
Epic video
Wow.
at 13:12 is that Camelina? used for making oil high in omega 3s and possibly for biodeisel.
I used drive fm south woodford to harlow via epping new road and b181 182 from epping to epping long green to Roydon then to Harlow at its best in summer on a motorvycle...
Harlow Town Station as you found out isnt in thr middle of the town....
But down by the river...
Hi John Have a good evening
Thanks Ricci - same to you
Lovely. Please, is Harlow on the big ley line between Norfolk down to Cornwall or is it situated just above it, please?Maybe that's why Epping forest is so haunted as well
The intro on the tube took me right back to the old punk days- discharge!!!! must be the crying children ??? the blast wave of a thermonuclear device has been likened to a enormous door slamming in the depths of HELL
The kibbo kift never existed in Scotland. Certain William books mentioned the green shirts. Reference to the kibbo kift in a novel ? I was reading, might have been a Kate Atkinson. Hadnt a clue what it was on about.
Pity you got lost in Harlow there's much beauty in the town, plus the sculptures. Walk the Stort and the lanes that still exist
well it was a "new town' & like Milton Keynes the town planners did a considerable amount of duplicating.. (plus Roundabouts)
The "Lost World of John Rogers" , to boldly go to a place, he doesn't where it is! To seek out things, and other odds and sods.
Probably not your greatest walk, but I really enjoyed. By the way that part of Essex has loads of water towers and even more moats. As far as I can work out from the video, I believe this is your moat historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1016799 It's classified as a Scheduled Monument, so that's really important stuff. You need to scroll to almost the bottom of the link at Historic England to read specific details. I hope this is helpful.
Thanks Sean - funnily enough of all my walks this is one that I think about all the time (along with the Stort Navigation)
Hi John, thank you for the great films, I thought you might like to know about Chris Halton-Haunted Earth tv, on you tube,
An interesting mix Historical information with a little honest paranormal investigation.
give it a go, it's beautifully filmed.
Thanks for the kind words Lucia and also the tip about Haunted Earth - I'll take a look
Interesting, that looks right up my street Lucia, thanks.
In 1949, I don't think Harlow Town station even existed: maybe what is now Harlow Mill.
Potter Street is where they first built. 50s, 60s and on.
Always better to leave Harlow than travel there. It is indeed a sh*thole. I can say that with confidence, as I have the unfortunate honour of having it listed as my place of birth on my passport.
It is graced with some great public art; courtesy of many sculptures by Henry Moore gracing its public parks.
John Clare, the Peasant Poet, lived in the village of Helpston, Northamptonshire, a few miles from Peterborough . He died in a mental asylum, St Andrews, Northampton (in 1864 I think?). His cottage remains standing and can be visited.
Not sure if this is your thing John, but I'm a big fan of Rolf Nylinder and the films he makes about fly fishing. Try this one about the Japanese Shaku Hunters th-cam.com/video/eQ3Nfr_Sy98/w-d-xo.html
thanks for the tip Martin, I'll take a look
that's a like and a subscribe from me
Thanks Boris
New 70's and 80's housing estates. No. Earlier than that.
Mind the gap please 👍
Looks like you came through thorn wood then rye hill Road... There are better ways. And yes nothing good about Harlow unfortunately.