Boating Lake Circular
Circular
Best car park: Hainault Forest - Main Car Park
Hainault Forest Country Park
Chigwell Ancient woodland Mostly off lead Lakeside walks Café nearby
Hainault Forest combines ancient woodland, open meadows and lakeside trails to create one of the most varied dog walks on the Essex border. With plenty of space to explore and a choice of routes, it's ideal for everything from a quick stroll to a longer adventure.
Local tip: Although Hainault Forest has several lakes, dogs aren't permitted to enter the water. If your dog loves a swim, consider West Mersea Beach instead.
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
Paid car park; plenty of space.
Paid car park; plenty of space.
Free car park; fairly small.
Free car park.
Click a car park above to open it in Google Maps
Make a Day of It
Already heading to Chigwell? These are the best nearby dog-friendly places to visit before or after your walk.
BOBO & WILD - Chigwell
2.5 mi • 7 minsA relaxed neighbourhood café serving all-day brunch, freshly baked pastries, signature banana bread and house coffee in the heart of Chigwell.
The Royal Forest
5.1 mi • 15 minsA classic Epping Forest pub where muddy paws are welcome, perfect for food and drinks after a woodland walk.
Cafe Casa Bar
5.4 mi • 16 minsA welcoming neighbourhood café and restaurant serving speciality coffee, home-inspired dishes and relaxed all-day dining.
Carpino Lounge
5.9 mi • 17 minsA welcoming café bar next to Epping Forest serving everything from brunch and coffee to tapas, cocktails and family-friendly meals.
The Reservoir Dogs Cafe
7.0 mi • 20 minsA dog-loving vintage tea room serving coffee, cakes and special treats for four-legged visitors.
The Jobber's Rest
7.2 mi • 21 minsA welcoming country pub with cosy snugs, a large garden, seasonal food and a dedicated dog menu for four-legged visitors.
The Garden Coffee Shop & Diner
7.6 mi • 22 minsA dog-friendly café at Damyns Hall Aerodrome serving breakfast, lunch and coffee with outdoor seating overlooking the airfield.
The Leather Bottle
9.7 mi • 28 minsA welcoming restaurant and bar in historic Blackmore, serving locally sourced British dishes with a modern twist.
Explore Nearby
Other dog-friendly walks within easy reach of Hainault Forest Country Park.
Epping Forest
Epping Forest
Explore Walk → Thames Chase Forest Centre
Thames Chase Forest Centre
Explore Walk →
Langdon Nature Discovery Park
Explore Walk →
Langdon Hills Country Park - Westley Heights
Explore Walk →
Langdon Hills Country Park - One Tree Hill
Explore Walk →
Hylands Park
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 London Borough of Redbridge.
- London Borough of Redbridge website →
- Check for seasonal updates, conservation notices and temporary closures.