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Never tried that path linking Sewardstone Rd to the bottom of Mott Street, only done it from Daws Hill. Might be muddy, might be gated.
The part of route between Whitehall Plain and Hollow Pond is pure SFAB this time of the year.
The canal is not bad early on weekends, especially if going out of London rather than coming back.Not sure how familiar you are with Epping, but the main path is a good one to follow for a first outing on a new bike, route below. Have a look on my RWGPS as well if you want, but bear in mind that routes are very much seasonal in Epping.
Does this route look decent for a first outing on my gravel bike, leaving from Hackney?
https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/1422568/zoom
Guess the canal will be busy if I go on a weekend.