Hatfield Forest Trails

Hatfield Forest is an excellent place to enjoy a walk. We have a range of trails, from shorter to longer, which allow you to explore the further reaches of the forest. When you have finished, reward yourself with a drink and cake at the forest cafe. Please note, the trails are not way marked.

Lillies on the Decoy Lake, with Capability Brown inset
Hatfield Forest   Essex

Hatfield Forest Capability Brown Trail, Takeley, Essex

Discover some of the sites associated with the development of the central area of the forest as a pleasure ground in the 18th century, including the Brownian legacy.

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A view of Hatfield London Road in May together with buttercups
Hatfield Forest   Essex

Hatfield Forest Golden Boots walk, Takeley, Essex

In May and June, the plains at Hatfield Forest turned into a sea of gold by over 300 million buttercups - an extra special time to enjoy this walk.

Take our buttercup walk
A gate across a track in Hatfield Forest, with autumn mist
Hatfield Forest   Essex

Hatfield Forest Flitch Way and Forest walk, Takeley, Essex

A circular family walk through the Forest and on the Flitch Way, where the ancient trees are like magnificent living sculptures, peaceful giants worn and fragile from centuries of seasons and use.

Feel the atmosphere of the Forest
Ancient oak and hornbeam trees in autumn
Hatfield Forest   Essex

Hatfield Forest tree walk Takeley Essex

On this gentle circular walk around the central area of the Forest you'll pass a variety of interesting trees that make it a site of great historical and ecological importance. Buggy-friendly, mostly hard surfaces.

Discover the secrets of the ancient forest
Tree growing in open parkland in May at Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest   Essex

Forest walk at Hatfield Forest, Takeley, Essex

Discover the sights that make the forest a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with wildlife and wildflowers to spot in summer.

Uncover the wonders of the forest