Couple walking their dogs in summer at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire — Get those walking boots on and enjoy nature's beauty on your doorstep | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Walking in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

From long wanders taking in the beautiful views from Dunstable Downs to the perfect stepping-off point to explore the Essex Way at Paycocke’s House, here are some of the best walks around Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Tree and landscape at Hatfield Forest, Essex

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Hatfield Forest walk

An easy 1.7-mile circular walk through the ancient woodlands at Hatfield Forest, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve.

Trees in autumn mist at Hatfield Forest, Essex

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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.

A path snaking through woodland at sunset with orange light dappling through the branches

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Danbury Common to Lingwood Common walk

An easy, 1.5 mile walk through wetlands, wooded glades and open heathland, that makes an ideal family walk.

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Lingwood Common to Blakes Wood walk

A 3.5-mile circular walk, ideal for families, through mixed woodland between Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common.

A view over the Blackwater Estuary at Northey Island, Essex

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Northey Island circular walk

Discover the remote Northey Island in the Blackwater Estuary, a walk that's the closest you'll get to true wilderness in Essex.

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Grange Barn and Paycocke's House circular walk

Enjoy a 3-mile circular walk into the Essex countryside from Grange Barn along the River Blackwater and by Paycocke's House.

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Bourne Mill pub tour

This circular, 3-mile walk will take you to some of the most celebrated inns in Colchester, Essex, as well as some of the area's historic landmarks.

Summer view of Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire

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Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk

Suitable for more energetic families, the Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk offers wonderful views across the Downs.

View of Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire. The Downs are popular with air sports enthusiasts because of their height.

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Dunstable Downs countryside walk

Follow this moderately difficult circular route through Dunstable Downs, discovering diverse wildlife, ancient tracks and burial mounds.

Sheep grazing on Dunstable Downs, with grassy fields below

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Dunstable Downs Five Knolls wildlife and heritage walk

An accessible, waymarked, out-and-back route highlighting the downs' history and the rich variety of birds, insects and plant life that you'll see up here.

The garden at Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire

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Wheathampstead to Shaw's Corner circular walk

Walk in the footsteps of the playwright George Bernard Shaw and visit his former home on the Wheathampstead to Shaw's Corner circular walk.

Duke of Burgundy butterfly on the Ivinghoe Hills walk, on the Ashridge Estate

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Ivinghoe Hills butterfly walk

Discover how many butterflies you can spot on this easy circular route on the Ivinghoe Hills at Ashridge Estate.

View down a lush green grassy valley, lined with trees starting to take on autumn colour

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In the footsteps of Capability Brown

Discover the Golden Valley, a hidden gem of the Ashridge Estate, on this 4.3-mile walk. Designed by the famous 'Capability' Brown this masterpiece ranks among his finest works.

Woodland at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire

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Duncombe Terrace walk

Enjoy a gentle walk along the popular Duncombe Terrace, taking in the historic Bridgewater Monument, as well as Ashridge Woods with its ancient trees and varied wildlife.