Chimneys

London to Walsingham - stage 03

Follows quiet lanes and field paths through rural Essex with gentle rolling terrain and occasional moderate climbs. Suitable for older children but not buggies due to stiles and uneven field crossings. Dogs welcome on leads near livestock. Part of a historic pilgrimage route offering peaceful countryside, traditional villages, and a sense of stepping back from modern life—ideal for contemplative long-distance walkers seeking heritage and solitude.

Waterside Stortford

Hatfield Forest and Flitch Way Walk, Hatfield Forest

National Trust

Loops through ancient National Trust woodland and along the disused railway line of the Flitch Way. Mostly flat terrain with well-maintained paths, though woodland sections can be muddy after rain. Suitable for families and older children, but narrow forest trails and occasional tree roots make buggies impractical. Dogs welcome on leads. Worth it for the mix of centuries-old coppiced trees, open grassland, and peaceful railway path – plus the lake makes a good picnic spot.

Hatfield Forest Walk, Hatfield Forest

National Trust

Loops through ancient woodland and open grassland on mostly flat, well-maintained paths with gentle undulations. Perfect for families with young children and buggies on drier days, though some sections can get muddy after rain. Dogs welcome throughout this National Trust site. Worth it for the centuries-old pollarded trees, grazing deer, and tranquil lake views – a rare surviving medieval hunting forest offering peaceful woodland walks within easy reach of Essex towns.

Hatfield Forest Buttercup Walk, Hatfield Forest

National Trust

Loops through ancient woodland and open grassland on mostly flat, well-maintained paths with gentle undulations. Suitable for families with older children who can manage the distance, though some sections can be muddy after rain making buggies tricky. Dogs welcome on leads to protect grazing livestock and wildlife. Worth it for the centuries-old pollarded trees, seasonal wildflowers including buttercups in spring meadows, and glimpses of fallow deer in this rare surviving medieval hunting forest