Hatfield Forest tree walk
Discover ancient oaks, mighty cedars, and special saplings on this gentle circular stroll through Hatfield Forest. The forest is a site of historical and ecological importance and with good reason. It's home to trees of all kinds and ages. This family-friendly trail passes a 1000-year-old maple, a huge cedar that was planted in the 18th century, and an area of reseeded scrub, which is being restored in the vision of the famous landscape gardener Capability Brown.
Total steps: 6
Total steps: 6
Start point
Hatfield Forest main entrance car park, Hatfield Forest Road, CM22 6NE. Grid ref: TL547202
Step 1
From the entrance car park, go through the gate and follow the access road into the forest.
Step 2
Once you reach a field maple tree (C) on your right, take the left-hand turning and head along the signposted boardwalk.
Step 3
Continue on the boardwalk as it bears left, heads through a gate and enters the shaded Gravel Pit coppice. You'll eventually come out beside Hatfield Forest Lake.
Step 4
Follow the path across the end of the lake (dam) until you reach the Shell House and Discovery Room. Skirt around the buildings, go through the gate into the car park and immediately turn right onto the road.
Step 5
Continue on the road from the car park, passing an area of newly restored parkland. The former scrub has been cleared away to open up expansive views towards the lake. Follow the track as it bears right - offering further glimpses of the lake - and right again until you come to a left-hand bend.
Step 6
Follow the track around to the left and soon after take the right-hand turn. Continue straight until you pass the boardwalk on your right and then retrace your steps back to the car park.
End point
Hatfield Forest main entrance car park, Hatfield Forest Road, CM22 6NE. Grid ref: TL547202
Trail map
More near here
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An easy 1.7-mile circular walk through the ancient woodlands at Hatfield Forest, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve.
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Hatfield Forest and Flitch Way walk
Enjoy the splendour of a medieval hunting forest, passing through ancient trees on the Hatfield Forest and Flitch Way walk.
Get in touch
Bush End Road, Takeley, Bishop's Stortford, Essex, CM22 6NE
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We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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