The best walks and hikes around Chigwell
4.4
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8,661
hikers
10
hikes
Hikes around Chigwell explore the green spaces on the border of Essex and Greater London. The landscape is characterized by ancient woodlands like Epping Forest and Hainault Forest Country Park, alongside the river valley of the Roding. The terrain consists of gentle hills and well-established footpaths through forests and meadows, offering accessible nature escapes from the city.
Best hiking trails around Chigwell
- The most popular hiking route is Hainault Country Park and Chigwell Row Wood loop, a 4.1 mile (6.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This easy route combines paths through the expansive country park and adjacent woodland.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Strawberry Hill Pond – Little Stream in Epping Forest loop from Loughton, a moderate 7.7 mile (12.4 km) path. The trail navigates through the ancient Epping Forest, passing ponds and streams.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the View of the London Skyline – Redwood Grove Path loop from Lambourne, a 7.2 mile (11.6 km) trail leading through varied woodland, often completed in about 3 hours 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Chigwell is defined by ancient woodlands, river valleys, and expansive country parks. The network of trails provides options for different ability levels, from short family-friendly walks to longer, more involved hikes.
- The routes in Chigwell are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 7,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Chigwell's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
5.0
(22)
27
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
20
hikers
7.78km
02:05
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
19.6km
05:13
210m
210m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Chigwell
Tips from the Community
A spacious area featuring a lake, playground, outdoor exercise equipment, walking paths, and stunning views of the city skyline.
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This is a delightful little woodland made up of numerous ancient oaks and hundreds of veteran hornbeam pollards. It's very similar to neighbouring Hainault Wood, but a bit smaller and probably a lot less busy. It's a great one to visit all year round, but particularly beautiful during the spring and summer months, when you get bursts of bluebells and that lovely yellow-green hue of autumn.
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Lambourne Church was built in the 12th century, but almost entirely reconstructed in the 13th century. It's a white-painted building with a beautiful weather boarded belfry and a lead covered broach spire that soars out the top. It's in a really peaceful spot in the rural Essex countryside and in close reach from London.
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Hainault Forest is an ancient forest home to an array of beautiful plant and animal species. There's a canopy of oak and hornbeam and a burst of seasonal bluebells in spring, accompanied by an impressive display of around 158 bird species! The views from within the forest of the surrounding area are fantastic. There's also a boating lake, miniature henge and café to explore.
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Hainault Forest trails feature a number of sculptures fashioned out of the woodland.
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You'll find the Boating Lake in Hainault Forest Country Park, a little slice of peaceful, green paradise away from the urban sprawl. The London LOOP trail goes past it, so if you're walking and fancy a chance at seeing the area from the water, why not stop and take a boat out? You can hire traditional rowing boats by the hour. If you're happy on land, the lake is a nice place to stop for a snack.
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If your bike can hack a bit of dirt and gravel take this short cut and you won't go wrong!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Chigwell?
Yes, there is a wide variety of options. You can explore over 500 hiking routes in the Chigwell area, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks through ancient woodlands and along river valleys.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in Chigwell?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the easy access to expansive green spaces like Epping Forest and Hainault Forest, and the mix of well-marked paths through peaceful woodlands and open meadows.
Are there any good circular walks starting near Chigwell?
Absolutely. Circular routes are very common in the area. For a moderately challenging loop through Hainault Forest, consider the Hainault Forest loop from Chigwell Row. It offers a great way to experience the park's diverse scenery without needing to retrace your steps.
Can I bring my dog on hikes around Chigwell?
Yes, the Chigwell area is very dog-friendly. The extensive networks of paths in Epping Forest and Hainault Forest Country Park are popular with dog walkers. Just be mindful of local signage, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock, such as Roding Valley Meadows.
What are some good family-friendly walks in the area?
Hainault Forest Country Park is an excellent choice for a family day out. It features walking trails, an adventure play area, and a small zoo with a cafe. The paths are generally gentle and suitable for all ages. Chigwell Row Wood is another local favorite for an enchanting family walk.
How can I get to the trails using public transport?
Many trails are accessible via public transport. Chigwell station, on the Central line, provides good access to the Roding Valley Meadows. For Epping Forest, nearby stations like Loughton or Debden are convenient starting points for many walks.
Are there any long-distance hiking trails that pass through the Chigwell area?
Yes, sections of major long-distance paths are accessible from Chigwell. Both the London Loop and the Three Forests Way wind through parts of Epping Forest nearby. For a more demanding trek, you could tackle a challenging section like the Epping Forest – Strawberry Hill Pond loop from Debden, which covers a significant portion of the forest.
What kind of scenery can I expect in Roding Valley Meadows?
Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve offers a peaceful landscape distinct from the surrounding forests. You can expect to find wildflower meadows, a beautiful Silver Birch wood, and tranquil paths that follow the River Roding. It's a great spot for a gentle walk and wildlife spotting.
Where are the main places to go hiking near Chigwell?
The hiking is centered around two major green spaces:
Epping Forest: A vast, ancient woodland to the west, known for its mix of woods, ponds, and grassy plains. It's a highly-rated favorite for its extensive trail network.
Hainault Forest Country Park: A large park to the east offering a mix of woodland, open fields, and a lake. It's particularly popular with families.
You can also explore the quieter trails within Roding Valley Meadows and Chigwell Row Wood.
Is there a specific walk focused on the local countryside?
Yes, the Chigwell Country Walk is a well-known local route of about 3 miles. It's a great introduction to the countryside immediately surrounding the town, though sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after rain.
Are there any trails with views of the London skyline?
Yes, some routes in the area offer surprising views. The View of the London Skyline – Redwood Grove Path loop from Lambourne is specifically known for providing a distant panorama of the city from its higher points.
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