Strawberry Hill Ponds and Earl's Path Pond
Circular
Best car park: Lincolns Lane Car Park
Epping Forest
Epping Ancient woodland Excellent off lead Endless routes Wildlife spotting
Covering thousands of acres, Epping Forest is one of the most iconic dog walking destinations in the UK. With ancient woodland, open glades and countless trails to explore, it's a place where no two walks ever feel quite the same.
Local tip: Don't worry about sticking to a single route. The best part of Epping Forest is simply exploring. If your dog enjoys off-lead freedom, some of the quieter woodland tracks away from the main car parks offer miles of adventure.
At a glance
Honest ratings, so you can decide in seconds whether it suits your dog.
★★★★☆
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ Busy, narrow paths, dogs everywhere
- ★★☆☆☆ Often busy, few escape routes
- ★★★☆☆ Mixed, depends on time of day
- ★★★★☆ Generally quiet with space to move away
- ★★★★★ Excellent visibility and lots of space
★★★★☆
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ Long, difficult, overwhelming
- ★★☆☆☆ Not ideal for young dogs
- ★★★☆☆ Fine with breaks
- ★★★★☆ Great starter walk
- ★★★★★ Perfect for puppies
★★★★☆
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ Long and strenuous - tough for older dogs
- ★★☆☆☆ Some demanding stretches or rough ground
- ★★★☆☆ Doable at a gentle pace, with a few harder bits
- ★★★★☆ Mostly easy going with places to rest
- ★★★★★ Short, flat and gentle - perfect for seniors
★★☆☆☆
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ Impossible
- ★★☆☆☆ Some sections manageable
- ★★★☆☆ Mostly accessible
- ★★★★☆ Easy with care
- ★★★★★ Fully accessible
★★★☆☆
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ No water
- ★★☆☆☆ Water but difficult access
- ★★★☆☆ Small streams/seasonal water
- ★★★★☆ Good swimming spots
- ★★★★★ Destination for water-loving dogs
★★★★★
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ Lead essential
- ★★☆☆☆ Very few opportunities
- ★★★☆☆ Some suitable areas
- ★★★★☆ Mostly suitable with recall
- ★★★★★ Excellent off-lead freedom
★★★★★
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ Completely exposed
- ★★☆☆☆ Limited shade
- ★★★☆☆ Some shaded stretches
- ★★★★☆ Mostly shaded
- ★★★★★ Woodland cover throughout
★★☆☆☆
How we rate this
- ★☆☆☆☆ Bring a towel and spare clothes
- ★★☆☆☆ Expect muddy paws most of the year
- ★★★☆☆ Mud after rain
- ★★★★☆ Occasional puddles
- ★★★★★ Trainers stay clean
Walk Routes
Wake Valley Pond and High Beech Kiosk
Circular
Best car park: Wake Valley Car Park
Epping Forest and Debden Green Circular
Circular
Best car park: Broadstrood Car Park
Wake Valley Pond, Bellringer's Hollow and Great Monk Wood Circular
Circular
Best car park: Wake Valley Car Park
Willow Circular
Circular
Best car park: Connaught Water Car Park
Epping Forest and The Deer Sanctuary
Circular
Best car park: Piercing Hill Car Park
Epping Forest, Connaught Water and Chingford Plain Circular
Circular
Best car park: Hill Wood Car Park
Getting there
Paid car park; approx. 10 spaces.
Paid car park; approx. 4 spaces.
Paid car park; approx. 10 spaces; beware the holes in the ground; signal is not great, buy a ticket before arriving with RingGo.
Paid car park.
Paid car park; signal is not great, buy a ticket before arriving with RingGo.
Paid car park; signal is not great, buy a ticket before arriving with RingGo.
Paid car park; beware the holes in the ground; signal is not great, buy a ticket before arriving with RingGo.
Paid car park.
Free car park.
Paid car park.
Paid car park.
Click a car park above to open it in Google Maps
Make a Day of It
Already heading to Epping? These are the best nearby dog-friendly places to visit before or after your walk.
Carpino Lounge
3.0 mi • 9 minsA welcoming café bar next to Epping Forest serving everything from brunch and coffee to tapas, cocktails and family-friendly meals.
The Royal Forest
3.2 mi • 9 minsA classic Epping Forest pub where muddy paws are welcome, perfect for food and drinks after a woodland walk.
Cafe Casa Bar
3.5 mi • 10 minsA welcoming neighbourhood café and restaurant serving speciality coffee, home-inspired dishes and relaxed all-day dining.
BOBO & WILD - Chigwell
3.9 mi • 11 minsA relaxed neighbourhood café serving all-day brunch, freshly baked pastries, signature banana bread and house coffee in the heart of Chigwell.
Explore Nearby
Other dog-friendly walks within easy reach of Epping Forest.
Hainault Forest Country Park
Hainault Forest Country Park
Explore Walk → Thames Chase Forest Centre
Thames Chase Forest Centre
Explore Walk → Hatfield Forest
Hatfield Forest
Explore Walk →
Hylands Park
Explore Walk →
Langdon Nature Discovery Park
Explore Walk →
Langdon Hills Country Park - Westley Heights
Explore Walk →Community tips
From local dog owners who've walked it.
★ This walk doesn't have any community tips yet.
Know something that would help another dog owner?
- Is there a quieter entrance?
- Does it get muddy after heavy rain?
- Where's the best place for a swim?
- Any livestock or seasonal hazards?
- Is there a hidden picnic spot?
Help keep this guide up to date
We'd love your help keeping Dogs of Essex accurate and up to date.
Official Information
Managed by City of London Corporation.
- City of London Corporation website →
- Check for seasonal updates, conservation notices and temporary closures.