Great Notley Country Park Circular
Circular
Great Notley Country Park
Braintree Mostly off lead Free parking Pushchair friendly Open parkland
Great Notley Country Park is one of Essex's most accessible dog walks, with wide paths, open spaces and plenty of route options. Whether you're looking for a quick everyday walk or a longer outing, there's plenty of room for dogs to stretch their legs.
Local tip: If your dog enjoys a good run, head away from the play areas and visitor facilities towards the larger open meadows. There's plenty of space to explore and some of the quietest sections of the park can be found further from the main entrance.
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 Route
Getting there
Large; paid car park.
Click the car park above to open it in Google Maps
Make a Day of It
Already heading to Great Notley? These are the best nearby dog-friendly places to visit before or after your walk.
Prince Louis
0.5 mi • 3 minsContemporary village pub overlooking Notley Green, serving rotisserie chicken, cocktails and local beers.
The Fowler's Farm
2.8 mi • 8 minsHistoric country pub serving hearty favourites, seasonal dishes and traditional pub classics.
Compasses Inn
3.4 mi • 10 minsAward-winning country pub renowned for its real ales and famous 'Huffers', making it a perfect stop after a countryside walk.
The Rayleigh Arms
4.5 mi • 13 minsA family-run village pub serving fresh, locally sourced food, local real ales and cocktails, with a warm welcome for dogs.
The Tavern KelvedonSponsored
8.2 mi • 24 minsAn award-winning family-run pub on the River Blackwater, serving traditional homemade food made with locally sourced ingredients.
The Sun InnSponsored
8.3 mi • 24 minsNestled in the charming Essex village of Feering, The Sun Inn has welcomed travellers, locals and wandering souls for centuries.
The Angel
8.0 mi • 23 minsA historic Elizabethan pub serving seasonal British dishes, local ales and a spacious garden for relaxing with family and friends.
The Green Man
8.7 mi • 25 minsA traditional country pub overlooking Little Braxted village green, serving homemade pub classics with a large beer garden and cosy log fires.
The Red DogSponsored
9.3 mi • 27 minsThe Red Dog is a quality burger and breakfast restaurant based in the small village of Inworth, close to Tiptree, Feering and Kelvedon.
The Horse & Groom
9.2 mi • 26 minsA charming country pub with a scenic beer garden, hearty Sunday roasts and easy access to the surrounding Essex countryside.
Explore Nearby
Other dog-friendly walks within easy reach of Great Notley Country Park.
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 Essex County Council.
- Essex County Council website →
- Check for seasonal updates, conservation notices and temporary closures.