Hatfield Forest Tree Walk
Circular
Best car park: Hatfield Forest Car Park 1
Hatfield Forest
Bishop's Stortford Ancient woodland Mostly off lead Lakeside walks National Trust
Hatfield Forest is one of the finest woodland walks in Essex, combining ancient trees, open grassland and peaceful lakeside trails. Managed by the National Trust, it offers a fantastic mix of scenery and space, making it a favourite for both dogs and their owners.
Local tip: The main lake is beautiful, but don't stop there. Some of the quietest and most scenic sections of Hatfield Forest can be found by following the trails deeper into the woodland away from the visitor centre.
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
Hatfield Forest Circular
Circular
Best car park: Hatfield Forest Car Park 2
Bedlars Green and the Flitch Way Circular
Circular
Best car park: Hatfield Forest Car Park 1
Getting there
National Trust members park for free; non-members can pay via the Just Park app or by card at the gate.
National Trust members park for free; non-members can pay via the Just Park app or by card at the gate.
Click a car park above to open it in Google Maps
Make a Day of It
Already heading to Bishop's Stortford? These are the best nearby dog-friendly places to visit before or after your walk.
The Toaster
3.7 mi • 11 minsA dog-friendly café serving speciality coffee, brunch and homemade treats in the heart of Bishop's Stortford.
The Three Horseshoes
4.1 mi • 12 minsA picturesque Grade II-listed Tudor pub in leafy Spellbrook, The Three Horseshoes makes a characterful stop for dog walkers exploring the countryside and River Stort nearby.
Compasses Inn
9.6 mi • 28 minsAward-winning country pub renowned for its real ales and famous 'Huffers', making it a perfect stop after a countryside walk.
Explore Nearby
Other dog-friendly walks within easy reach of Hatfield Forest.
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 National Trust.
- National Trust website →
- Check for seasonal updates, conservation notices and temporary closures.