Escape London's hustle and bustle with a shaded three-mile circular walk through Hainault Forest, a 400-acre ancient woodland straddling the Essex and London border, just an hour from Central London. The trail, which passes a zoo housing Shetland ponies and meerkats, is accessible via the London Underground and offers a largely shaded route ideal for avoiding the direct sun.
Route Details and Terrain
According to All Trails, the route departs and concludes at a 'lovely spacious pub', winding past a golf course and meandering through breathtaking woodland scenery. The walk commences at the Two Brewers Pub, heading towards Camelot Crossroads, before passing through the section of forest maintained by Redbridge Council as a country park, ultimately arriving at Fox Burrow. From there, the route winds towards the lake, taking walkers past rows of terraced cottages and a zoo that's home to Shetland ponies and meerkats.
Widely regarded as an 'easy' route, it's a particularly popular trail amongst birdwatchers, hikers, and runners alike. While the terrain is 'relatively flat', walkers should expect a few 'gentle slopes' along the way. All Trails also cautions that the path can become somewhat muddy underfoot, but given the weather, that's unlikely. Four-legged companions are equally welcome throughout the country park.
Wildlife and Natural Diversity
En route, visitors will come across a lake, a zoo, and picturesque hedgerows. The forest serves as a sanctuary for no fewer than 158 recorded bird species, amongst them nightingales and turtle doves. During the warmer months, walkers are treated to the delightful sight of butterflies dancing through the woodland. Depending on the time of day, there's also an array of mammals to look out for, including badgers, voles, and bats.
The forest further boasts a remarkable diversity of trees and fungi. From ancient oaks to wild garlic, an abundance of plant species are waiting to be discovered. Once the exclusive woodland of Royalty as a hunting ground, these ancient woods are now open for all to explore, teeming with the wildlife that inhabits them.
Getting There and Practical Information
To reach the forest, take the London Underground to either Hainault or Grange Hill stations. From Grange Hill, it's roughly a 30-minute walk to the starting point of the trail at the Two Brewers Pub. Those who prefer to travel by bus can board the number 150 from Hainault Underground Station to Lambourne Road, from where it's a leisurely ten-minute walk to the pub.
Most walkers will complete the route in roughly an hour and 15 minutes. The final leg of the journey brings you back to your starting point, where a well-earned pint at the local pub awaits. The complete route can be found on the All Trails website.
