Hainault Forest Country Park
In my blog today i’m going to let you in to a hidden gem which is literally right on my doorstep, and is accessible straight out of my front door!
Hainault Forest Country Park.
Hainault Forest Country Park is a vibrant and diverse natural haven that provides a perfect escape from the urban environment of London, and I’m blessed to have this haven within such easy reach.
Having grown up in the local area I know almost every inch of this incredible forest. As a child, my father took me and my two brothers to Hainault Forest most weekends, where we would play, climb trees, and walk around the lake and the vast woodland. As a parent, I’ve also spent many wonderful days in the forest with my kids and other members of my family.
You could say this place holds some very special memories for me.
To reach Hainault Forest Country Park from my home, I first pass through Havering Country Park, and occasionally i extend my walk from Hainault Forest to return via Abridge & Curtis Mill Green. I have incorporated these additions into this blog.
This is a 25km circular walk, (32km with the Abridge extension).
Ooh, one thing i nearly forgot to mention…my local area is home to thousands of fallow deer. They are a big part of our local community, as they freely roam in the surrounding parks and fields, even brave enough to occasionally venture into our gardens! So expect to see some extra comments during my blog, and Youtube video footage of these magnificent creatures at the foot of this post.
So, as i begin to write this blog, i’m feeling excited to share this magical place with all of you, and give you a sense of where i go to walk in my back yard!
Note: If after reading this you wish me to personally take you around this walk, just give me a shout to organise a guided walk.
Hainault Forest Country Park
Hainault Forest Country Park, located on the border of Essex and northeast London, is a sprawling natural reserve offering a mix of woodland, grassland, and open spaces. This park is rich in biodiversity and history, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and history buffs alike.
Key Features and Attractions
Woodlands and Wildlife:
The park covers around 300 acres of ancient woodland, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter species such as deer, foxes, and numerous birds, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation.
Lakes and Ponds:
There are several water features within the park, including lakes and ponds that provide habitats for aquatic life and add to the scenic beauty of the area. These are ideal spots for picnics, fishing, and bird watching.
Walking and Cycling Trails:
Numerous trails crisscross the park, catering to walkers, joggers, and cyclists. These trails vary in difficulty and length, providing options for casual strolls or more strenuous hikes.
Children's Play Areas:
The park features well-equipped playgrounds designed to entertain children of all ages, making it a family-friendly destination.
Historical Significance:
Hainault Forest has a rich history dating back to medieval times. It was once part of the larger Forest of Essex and has historical landmarks and remnants that reflect its long-standing heritage.
Conservation Efforts:
The park is managed with a focus on conservation, ensuring the protection and sustainability of its natural habitats. Various programs and initiatives are in place to maintain the ecological balance and promote biodiversity.
Visitor Facilities:
Amenities such as a visitor center, cafes, restrooms, and picnic areas enhance the visitor experience, providing comfort and convenience during visits.
Activities and Events
Educational Programs: Regular educational events and activities for schools and groups, focusing on environmental education and conservation.
Seasonal Events: The park hosts seasonal events and festivals, including guided nature walks, bird watching tours, and family-friendly activities.
Fitness and Recreation: Besides walking and cycling, the park offers areas for sports and fitness activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle among visitors.
Accessibility
Hainault Forest Country Park is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. The park is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, with paths and facilities accommodating those with mobility challenges.
Directions: By Tube: Via the Central Line. From London, approx. 30 mins from Liverpool Street, or 40 mins from Oxford Circus. Then by bus: The 150 to Manford Way. By Car: Via the M25. Exit at Brentwood, Junction 28.
Parking: What3Words
Hainault Forest Walking Routes
There are a wide range of trails to suit everyone. All of them are well signposted, so you can find your way even if you’ve not walked it before. All are circular, so you can pick them up from almost anywhere along the trail. There is plenty of on-site car parking available, or there are public transport options, with the 150 bus stopping close by. Here is a list of all trails in Hainault Forest Country Park.
Photo Credit: HainaultForest.Org
Lockwood Trail: 4km / 2.5 miles
Pass through ancient woodland, and grazed wood pastures. Can be muddy, with some long slopes
Buxton Trail: 3.2km / 2 miles
A gradual ascent and descent through beautiful grassland. Path is undulating, with some muddy stretches
Buxton Trail Extended: 3.8km / 2.5 miles
Extend the Buxton walk, an go through ancient woodland, and across the common
Woodland Trail: 2.3km / 1.5 miles
Taking in the Lakes and through a former tree nursery. The path is wide, and mostly flat
Forest Walk: 1km / 0.5 miles
A short walk that links the Buxton and Lockwood Trails. Firm, wide earthy path
Collier’s Walk: 1.4km / 1 mile
This walk circles around the boundary between the ancient woodland and open grassland. Wide throughout.
Roe’s Well Walk: 1.6km / 1 mile
Aptly names after the pond. Look out for the wonderful wood carvings along the way. A great family walk
Woodpecker Walk: 1.3km / 1 mile
A lovely circular walk around the lake. Flat surface, with a wide path
Marc’s 25km Circular Hike
My 25km circular hike starts from the Deer’s Rest Pub car park in Noak Hill. Parking is free. The route passes through: Pyrgo Park, Havering Country Park, Hainault Forest, and Bedford’s Park.
The 25km Noak Hill to Hainault Forest map is below.
Too much? No problem. Alternatively you could start and finish at Havering-Atte-Bower, thereby reducing the hike to approx. 16km. Parking is free adjacent to the stables and Church in Elmer Avenue
Want a bit more? Why not eh? Then choose to extend the hike with the Abridge to Curtis Mill Green diversion (from Lambourne Road). Thereby adding an extra 7km to the hike (total 32km). Click here to jump to the map.
If you’re ready to jump in the 25km Hainault Forest via Noak Hill hike, let’s go!
Blog: Hainault Forest via Noak Hill
Stage 1: The Deers Rest to Havering-Atte-Bower
Distance: 4.5km
The walk starts from Cummings Hall Lane, adjacent to the Deers Rest Pub in Noak Hill.
It’s a short walk up this quiet country lane, until we reach a large signpost towards the top on our right, marking the Havering section of the London Loop. It’s a high stile to climb, but once over, we are on a pleasant track, with fields on our right, and mobile homes on our left.
Crossing over another stile, we enter a private road, passing a few houses. Just before the road bends, looking carefully on our left, almost hidden in the trees, we climb over another lower stile, and enter into the open fields of Pyrgo Park. If you ever come here early in the morning when the sun is rising, the vista is stunning!
Entering Pyrgo Park
Sunrise over Pyrgo Park
It’s always so peaceful here. In all the countless times i’ve walked through these fields, i’ve never seen a soul!
Except of course, for the occasional deer…
As we approach the top of the first field, it bears left, and then on our right is a small, rather rickety small wooden bridge. Crossing over into another field, we follow the track to our left. We get our first glimpse of the Havering tower in the distance.
This short section can get muddy, until the path opens up into where it’s more exposed by the sun. We get great views of London to our left, as we approach the top of the field before it descends down into a small valley.
Rising back up, we weave in between the fields, as we edge closer to the tower, known as the Roundhouse.
We follow the edge of the fields to our right, go through a short, narrow path, where we exit Pyrgo park onto North Road. Turn left, and cross over, we reach the green of Havering-Atte-Bower. St John The Evangelist Church sits proudly on the green. We walk in between the church and the stables in order to reach our checkpoint, Havering Country Park.
Stage 2: Havering Country Park to Hainault Forest (Cafe)
Distance: 5.5km
Stage 2 begins from a delightful spot beside the stable, that overlook a wide expanse of the surrounding countryside of Stapleford Abbots and Lambourne End.
From here we enter Havering Country Park.
Although we take a straight course right through the centre of the park, without diverting to explore this beautiful natural haven, the Giant Sequoia trees that line the forest path are always a sight to behold…no matter what time of year.
We continue down the track for just under 1km, until we come out of the forest to a spectacular view (weather permitting) across the fields with the skyline of London far in the distance.
Standing here always amazes me how i can be so close to London, yet within a blink of any eye be enveloped in the majesty of such magnificent forests such as Hainault Forest or Epping Forest.
Moving on, we head right on the track (Clockhouse Lane), passing by the adjacent fields, with the occasional horse passing by as we walk on. Again, there are very rarely any people passing by, just perhaps the odd jogger, dog walker, or cyclist from time to time.
It’s a gentle track, and easy to follow, as eventually we turn left and into the perimeter of Hainault Forest. As we head along the gravel track, the expanse of the forest looms ahead.
We keep following the track, until we reach an entry point into the woods, taking the path to our left. The path runs along Hainault Forest Golf Club, a course i hacked my way around on countless occasions throughout my youth!
Entering, you begin to feel you’re in the presence of an ancient woodland, totally in awe of the age and beauty of this magnificent forest.
Coming to a junction we turn left and then left again, and are faced with a series of paths in which to choose. On this occasion we follow the path to our left, that runs alongside the golf course. We follow this path all the way down, until we reach a gate and enter into Fox Burrow Road, which is contained within the boundaries of the forest.
Turning right, we arrive at the new Visitor Centre and cafe. A chance to rest and grab a drink or snack if you choose to.
Stage 3: The Lake to Lambourne End (Miller & Carter)
Distance: 4.5km
Feeling refreshed, or not, we continue along Fox Burrow Road until the public toilets and older cafe, that overlooks the lake below.
Take the path opposite the cafe and head down towards the lake. Once there bear left and follow the lake around to the opposite side.
This is the perfect spot to just take a pause and take in the beauty of the water, and the wildlife. In Spring you’re bound to encounter dozens of ducklings, and goslings. Just be mindful of their ever watchful parents as you’ll often have to mind your step as you walk past.
Continue around the lake, then head back into the forest on your left, then taking the path about 20 yards on the right. We’re back in the heart of the forest, bringing with it a coolness under the canopy of the trees.
This section can get extremely muddy, and being fairly narrow, it’s hard to avoid the squelch underneath your boots! But that’s what they’re for right?
Continue all the way up the path, and then bear left towards the top. Cross over a bridleway, and take an immediate left back onto another bridleway. We now head back down once again in the direction of the lake. I could of course have avoided these paths that lead up and back down. But this way you get to take in much more of the forest.
And it’s also a chance to take a short detour to see the theatrical wood carvings that are dotted around this section of the trail.
Turning right where it’s signposted towards Collier Row open space, it’s a short walk from here to reach the car park.
Option now to extend the hike, taking in the Abridge and Curtis Mill loop.
Or to continue on the 25km trail…
Just before the car park, go through a gate into the open space, and dissect the field, crossing a small bridge over the brook, and head towards the upper left hand side of the field.
Re-enter the forest, keeping to the left hand side, and follow the path through the woods. This leads to a small car park that lies opposite the Miller & Carter restaurant.
Option to take a break and grab a pint? Up to you!
Stage 4: Lambourne End to The Orange Tree
Distance: 6km
With the car park behind you take the path to your left, and follow as it winds round left and slightly uphill. At the top exit onto a narrow track and turn right. Continue down the path, with the forest now on your right, and the Lambourne End Centre for Outdoor learning on your left.
Continue down the track to the bottom of the slope, until you reach Forest House. Re-enter the forest on your right, clearly signposted.
It's a long steady incline that runs in between Three Cornered Plain to your right, and Spurgate Plain on your right.
At the top of the track turn left, following the sign towards Havering Country Park and Bower Farm. Now trace the route back towards Havering Country Park.
Along the way, the hue of the leaves especially in Autumn radiate a golden warmth!
We’re now back on familiar ground, as we exit the woods, and head back up the gravel track we crossed earlier. Follow the route back up towards Havering Country Park.
However, ignore the path to our left at the top of the hill where the London skyline was in full view earlier, and continue along the track, Clockhouse Lane, until the path reaches the foot of the slope. Enter left onto a bridleway, Pinewood Road.
The track heads in a straight line all the way to the exit of Havering Country Park onto Orange Tree Hill, with the aptly named pub on the opposite side of the road.
Stage 5: Bedfords Park to Noak Hill
Distance: 4.5km
Turn left onto Orange Tree Hill, and walk up the road.
Note: If you began your hike from Havering Country Park, finish when you reach Elmer Road.
Otherwise, at the top of the hill, bear right past the green, and turn right into Broxhill Road. Taking great care crossing the road, enter into Bedfords Park.
Walk down the long driveway. The route continues straight, but when you reach the entrance to the Visitor Centre, you have the option to take a detour and explore. It’s definitely worth taking the time to visit the Nature Discovery Centre, and the captive herd of red deer.
Continue down the path that runs to the left hand side of the park. First pass, or visit if open, the Walled Garden. When you reach the wildflower meadow field on your left, enter.
It’s a lovely short detour, especially during the Summer months!
We exit the meadow onto Lower Bedfords Road. From here it’s a 2km stretch of pavement that take us back to the Deers Rest Pub in Noak Hill.
Awesome! You’ve reached the end of our 25km Noak Hill to Hainault loop!
Unless of course you opted for the Abridge extension, which takes you on a different route back to Noak Hill. See below for more details.
Noak Hill via Abridge to Curtis Mill extension
Distance: 7km
We exit Hainault forest via the car park in Collier Row onto Manor Road. Cross the road and turn right, then first left into Millers Lane.
It’s a fairly quiet country road, which then leads us to Gravel Lane, where we turn right. This road is much busier, and we need to take care as we hug the side of the road. Approx. 500 yards down the road, we turn off the road in between some cottages, and head into the open fields once more.
The trail is easy to follow, as we pass through one field, then another, until we reach a natural exit through a gap in the trees, and onto Hoe Lane.
Turning left we continue our walk towards Abridge. It’s about 1.5km until we reach the end of the Lane and enter Abridge village.
Abridge is a quiet, picturesque village located in the Epping Forest district of Essex. Nestled by the River Roding, it offers a blend of historical charm and rural tranquility.
Across the road you’ll find The Bridge Deli (Boardelli’s), where you can relax and take a well earned break from your efforts. I tend to either stop there, or wait a little longer, as there is another cafe further along the trail, which i’ll come to shortly.
We pass the cafe and turn left across ‘the bridge’, and turn right. The path here runs adjacent to the River Roding.
Note - this section lies on a flood plain, and can often get flooded in extreme wet weather. In that scenario, you will need to continue up the Abridge Road, towards Theydon Bois, where the ground runs a lot higher.
It’s the height of Summer, and the path is relatively dry. So i continue. the grass can get quite long, and there is an abundance of wildlife and fauna that brush past me as i walk by.
We reach a stile, and climb over. The track become a little harder to follow due to the tall grass.
Snaking our way around the narrow track, we head up and away from the river, and exit onto Epping Lane. Care is needed whilst we walk along the road, as there aren’t any pavements.
Just before we reach Hobbs Cross Road, at the foot of the Lane, we re-enter the fields on our right. Passing the first field, we enter another via a short bridge.
We work our way back down towards the River Roding. When we eventually reach a spot where the river meets a weir, our journey veers away again leading us back towards Epping Lane.
However, there is the option, if you haven’t had a break, to exit across a small bridge, and cross the Ongar Road, where you’ll find the other cafe i referred to earlier. The Blue Rooms, which sits alongside a garden centre.
This is my favourite cafe, and i’m a bit of a regular. All the staff know me and my friends really well, so much so that they don’t even need to bring me a menu! The owner is Martin, so if you ever visit The Blue Rooms, say hi from me!
Whether you stopped by or not, we continue our journey from the weir across the road.
The track heads up and away from the river. Towards the top, especially during the Summer months, the final section of these fields tends to have extremely tall stinging nettles! Take great care as you work your way through them! that’s where my poles come in handy!
Finally we exit the fields, and we’re back on Epping Lane. Turn right, and continue. The majority of this section does have pavement, which is a relief, as cars can pass through here at high speeds.
At the end of Epping Lane, turn right and cross the road. At the roundabout take the first exit into Albyns Lane, and follow the signs towards Curtis Mill Green.
It’s a quiet country road, with only the distant sound of cars over the M11, for a short while. Bear right at North East Lodge, and continue along Albyns Lane. Turn left where you come across a signpost marking several cottages that are located within the woods.
It’s a pleasant section, and a delight to be walking within this remote section of woodland. We eventually exit when we reach Curtis Mill Lane.
We continue on a long stretch of road walking now, as we then turn right onto Muthering Lane, then left into Tysea Hill, and another left into Goatswood Lane.
Eventually, and to huge relief, we turn off the road, turning right into Patternoster Row. It’s a short walk until we arrive at a stile on our left that we passed towards the beginning of our hike. From here, retrace your steps along the track, eventually reaching the tall stile at Cummings Hall Lane. Turn left, and walk down the road to the Deers Rest Pub.
Awesome! You definitely deserve some refreshment, and what better place to end your hike than a country pub!
I hope you enjoyed reading my blog, and if you’re ever thinking of visiting Hainault Forest and the surrounding countryside, please come and say hi!
Deer of Havering
Check out my YouTube video taken from my back garden, then along the hike to Havering Country Park and Hainault Forest.