8 best dog walks in Essex

Countryside walks, stunning riverside trails, dog-friendly beaches - Essex has it all! If you’re searching for dog walks in Essex, you’re truly spoilt for choice. 

Whether you’re looking for a new hangout for your fluffy family member, or you simply have the pleasure of house sitting in Essex and want to know all the best dog walking haunts, we’ve got you covered (and check out these dog walks in Kent if you're heading there any time soon). Join us on a ride as we journey through the Essex countryside and explore the best dog walks in Essex. Which one will you and your pooch try out first?

8 best Essex dog walks 

1. Wivenhoe Trail
2. Epping Forest
3. Danbury Lakes
4. Hyland Park
5. The Naze
6. Jury Hill
7. Hadleigh Country Park
8. Thorndon Country Park

Best circular walk

Wivenhoe Trail

If you’re looking for a varied, gentle stroll with picturesque views and strolls along the waterfront, you needn’t look further than Wivenhoe.

The Wivenhoe Trail is a great circular walk starting off at the station in Wivenhoe, that’ll take you via the waterside in Wivenhoe, along the River Colne and through lush fields and woods that'll give your pup more than enough space to run, play and sniff to their heart's content. 

The walk on the way back is slightly elevated, but trust us - you'll be heavily rewarded for this final burst of energy with some great views to accompany your walk home! And if you're interested in other circular walks in the UK or you're house sitting up north, check out these dog walks in Cheshire.

Estimated time to walk: 1 hour 30 mins

Distance: 3.5 miles

Nearby parking: Wivenhoe Station car park

Best woodland walk

Epping Forest

We couldn’t write this article without mentioning -  arguably - one of the best places to walk your dog in Essex: Epping Forest. 

With a whopping 6,000 acres of ancient woodland (Hundred Acre Wood? Eat your heart out), Epping Forest is truly a pup's playground.

Epping Forest is a popular choice amongst locals and dogs alike - and with 55,000 ancient trees (think of all the sticks your furry friend will find!) and over 100 lakes and ponds to explore, it’s easy to see why.

If this is your first visit to Epping Forest, we recommend starting at one of the visitor centres. There are three to choose from: Epping Forest Gateway at Chingford, Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and Butler's Retreat at High Beach, and at The Temple, Wanstead Park. 

If you’re thirsty after all that walking, the nearby pub, The Owl, is located just beside Epping Forest and will welcome you (and your pooch) with welcome arms. Best of all, your dog can peruse their dedicated doggy menu, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday, you can treat them to a pooch-friendly Sunday roast. 

Estimated time to walk: anywhere between 2 - 5 hours, depending on your chosen walking trail - check in at the visitor centre for more information.

Distance: up to 5 miles - 10 miles (depending on your chosen trail)

Nearby parking: there are over 30 car parks surrounding Epping Forest

Best waterside walk

Danbury Lakes

A short, gentle walk that boasts breathtaking surroundings. This grade II listed park sure has a lot to offer! Located in the heart of Danbury Country Park, Danbury Lakes is a popular walking trail that will take you just under an hour to complete. 

As you and your pooch stroll, take in the picturesque pair of lakes or stop and watch the many ducks and swans peacefully paddle by. The ducks and swans won’t be the only wildlife you’re likely to encounter, either - watch in wonder as your dog rubs metaphorical shoulders with wild moorhens, coots, grebes, carp and kingfishers! 

You’ll also pass the old ice house - a monument that, once upon a time, formed part of the grounds of Danbury Palace, and was used to keep the ice that would form on the lakes.

Danbury Lakes truly is (if you’ll excuse the pun) a walk in the park - one loved by dog walkers and the locals alike! Our top tip? Take a picnic, and make a day of it! 

Estimated time to walk: Under 1 hour

Distance: 1 mile

Nearby parking: Woods Car Park, Danbury Country Park

Best off leash walk

Hylands Park

​​Sometimes, all your pup needs is to run wild and feel the wind through his fur! And, with 574 acres of land, Hylands Park is truly a pooch paradise. 

While a few of the other picks in this article are happy for you to walk your dog off-leash, we had to give Hylands Park its own special mention. With miles of woodlands, open space and trails, you and your pooch could easily spend hours of fun here - off-leash and free as a bird. (Just be sure to put your pooch back on their leash once you’re near the Hylands House and the Stables Visitor Centre). 

There’s also a cafe nearby where your canine counterpart is welcome to join you in the outside seating area, and the park plays host to a number of dog events and shows throughout the year. 

Estimated time to walk: different trails are available ranging from 30 mins - 2 hours 30 mins

Distance: 7 miles

Nearby parking: London Road car park, The Stables Visitor Centre car park or Writtle car park

Best coastal walk 

The Naze

There are many dog friendly beaches in Essex, but one of the best ones to go walkies? The Naze. Located on Walton-on-the-Naze, The Naze is a great place to head to if you and your pooch enjoy runs along the coast. 

The Naze has something for everyone (and every pooch). Start your journey at the The Naze Visitor Centre and take a stroll among the clifftops, trudge through the marshes or simply enjoy a good ol’ fashioned beach stroll with your furry friend in tow. 

Fun fact? The Naze is brimming with fossils. So keep an eye on your dog's digging - you never know what they may unearth! 

Estimated time to walk: 1 hour

Distance: 2.3 miles

Nearby parking: Naze Car Park on Old Hall Lane

Best walk for great views

Jury Hill

If you’re on the lookout for good dog walks in Essex but also want some of the best views the Essex countryside has to offer, look no further than Jury Hill.

While its name - ‘hill’ - may conjure up images of lots of huffing and puffing, you may be surprised to learn that Jury Hill is a pleasant, moderate walking trail that is mostly flat terrain. 

The hill itself sits at a modest 63 metres high, and believe us when we say you and your pup will be treated to spectacular views along the way - on a clear day, you might even be able to spot the O2 and Canary Wharf! A leisurely walk with 10/10 views, this is easily one of the best walks in Essex. 

Estimated time to walk: Under 2 hours

Distance: 5 miles

Nearby parking: Thorndon Country Park North off The Avenue and Thorndon Country Park South 

Best country park walks

Hadleigh Country Park

For a truly terrific day out in the country, Hadleigh Country Park is just the ticket. With acres and acres of open grassland to explore, there are different trails you can embark on, from a family-friendly and leisurely 1km trails to more challenging routes.

Sightseeing dog walkers will love the chance to walk past the historic Hadleigh Castle, built in 1215. Hadleigh Country Park is a great choice if you’re looking for dog friendly days out in Essex - bring a picnic, bring your pooch, bring the whole family!

Estimated time to walk: Varies depending on trail

Distance: Varies depending on trail - a loop of the park is around 5.6 miles 

Nearby parking: Hadleigh Park car park

Thorndon Country Park

Thorndon Country Park has a lot going for it: acres and acres of forest to explore, vast open spaces, family-friendly trails (like the popular Gruffalo trail), and all the amenities you could need for a fun day out. 

However, the main shining glory of this Essex park? A fully fledged dog activity trail, complete with agility courses! Watch your energetic pup's eyes light up in joy at the 10 pieces of equipment, ranging from hoops, tunnels and more.

We recommend visiting during April and May. This is when the bluebells are in bloom and transform Thorndon park into a true blue wonderland. For the best photo ops of your pup, take a walk along the bridleway through the forest to Childerditch Wood.

Estimated time to walk: Varies depending on trail - and how long your pup plays! 

Distance: Varies depending on trail - the dog activity trail is 500 metres

Nearby parking: Thorndon Country Park North off The Avenue and Thorndon Country Park South 

How many walkies does my dog need? 

Different pooches have different needs. Make sure yours is getting all the exercise they need - find out how often you should walk a dog here.