Hollow Pond is an area of open water on Leyton Flats, which is part of Epping Forest. There is some interesting historical background in this article. The water is not suitable for swimming, but it has a popular boat-hire facility (with small car park) and there is very often an icecream van in attendance. There are two small eating establishments (with large car park): the Lakeside Diner (seating inside and outside, variable hours) and the Log Cabin (seating outside only, 24/7). Nearest pubs are the Sir Alfred Hitchcock and the Toby Carvery.
The whole area is very popular with walkers (with and without dogs, which are excused leads) and with families. (Please take your litter home!) There is extensive bird-life, including ducks, geese and swans. From any car park, you can walk right round the ponds in about 40 minutes, on safe and scenic paths through beautiful mature trees, and deep mud is less of a problem after rain at Hollow Pond than in many parts of the Forest. The third car park on Snaresbrook Road, and immediately surrounding paths are particularly popular with single gentlemen.
The regular 257 bus runs along Whipps Cross Road between Leytonstone High Road and Walthamstow Central, and is a handy way to get to Hollow Pond.
Tip: Zoom out the map below to see the wider area.
Like a pint? See also this.
Want to know more about Epping Forest, including a programme of guided walks? See Friends of Epping Forest.
Note: this page depends on an external service, which is very occasionally slow to respond, so come back later if you can't see the map!