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Woman in red waterproof jacket and man in blue puffer jacket walking with a small black dog on a woodland path
Get those walking boots on and enjoy nature's beauty on your doorstep | © James Beck

Walking in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

From long wanders taking in the beautiful views from Dunstable Downs to the perfect stepping-off point to explore the Essex Way at Paycocke’s House, here are some of the best walks around Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Top walks in Essex

Tree and landscape at Hatfield Forest, Essex
Trail
Trail

Hatfield Forest walk 

An easy 1.7-mile circular walk through the ancient woodlands at Hatfield Forest, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.7 (km: 2.72)
Trees in autumn mist at Hatfield Forest, Essex
Trail
Trail

Hatfield Forest and Flitch Way walk 

Enjoy the splendour of a medieval hunting forest, passing through ancient trees on the Hatfield Forest and Flitch Way walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6)
A path snaking through woodland at sunset with orange light dappling through the branches
Trail
Trail

Danbury Common to Lingwood Common walk 

An easy, 1.5 mile walk through wetlands, wooded glades and open heathland, that makes an ideal family walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)
Summer sunset at Danbury Common, Essex
Trail
Trail

Lingwood Common to Blakes Wood walk 

A 3.5-mile circular walk, ideal for families, through mixed woodland between Blake's Wood and Lingwood Common.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3.5 (km: 5.6)
A view over the Blackwater Estuary at Northey Island, Essex
Trail
Trail

Northey Island circular walk 

Discover the remote Northey Island in the Blackwater Estuary, a walk that's the closest you'll get to true wilderness in Essex.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.8 (km: 4.48)
Grange Barn, Essex
Trail
Trail

Grange Barn and Paycocke's House circular walk 

Enjoy a 3-mile circular walk into the Essex countryside from Grange Barn along the River Blackwater and by Paycocke's House.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Man drinking beer in a pub
Trail
Trail

Bourne Mill pub tour 

This circular, 3-mile walk will take you to some of the most celebrated inns in Colchester, Essex, as well as some of the area's historic landmarks.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Top walks in Bedfordshire

Autumn colour at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Trail
Trail

Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk 

Suitable for more energetic families, the Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk offers wonderful views across the Downs.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
Autumn sunset at Dunstable Downs
Trail
Trail

Dunstable Downs countryside walk 

Follow this moderately difficult circular route through Dunstable Downs, discovering diverse wildlife, ancient tracks and burial mounds.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6.5 (km: 10.4)
A couple walking at Dunstable Downs with autumnal colours in the trees
Trail
Trail

Dunstable Downs Five Knolls wildlife and heritage walk 

An accessible, waymarked, out-and-back route highlighting the downs' history and the rich variety of birds, insects and plant life that you'll see up here.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.9 (km: 3.04)

Top walks in Hertfordshire

The garden at Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire
Trail
Trail

Wheathampstead to Shaw's Corner circular walk 

Walk in the footsteps of the playwright George Bernard Shaw and visit his former home on the Wheathampstead to Shaw's Corner circular walk.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7.6 (km: 12.16)
Duke of Burgundy butterfly on the Ivinghoe Hills walk, on the Ashridge Estate
Trail
Trail

Ivinghoe Hills butterfly walk 

Discover how many butterflies you can spot on this easy circular route on the Ivinghoe Hills at Ashridge Estate.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
View looking north west from the Golden Valley. Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Trail
Trail

In the footsteps of Capability Brown 

Discover the Golden Valley, a hidden gem of the Ashridge Estate, on this 4.3-mile walk. Designed by the famous 'Capability' Brown this masterpiece ranks among his finest works.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.3 (km: 6.88)
Visitor enjoying an autumnal walk through woodland on the Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Trail
Trail

Duncombe Terrace walk 

Enjoy a gentle walk along the popular Duncombe Terrace, taking in the historic Bridgewater Monument, as well as Ashridge Woods with its ancient trees and varied wildlife.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
The Pitstone Windmill on the Ashridge Estate against a blue cloudy sky with vivid green grass in the foreground.
Trail
Trail

Bridgewater Monument to Pitstone Windmill circular walk 

Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

The Bridgewater Monument to Pitstone Windmill circular walk combines two of the best reasons to visit the Ashridge Estate.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 7.5 (km: 12)

All walking in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire