Hatfield Forest
Enjoy a cycle or walk around this ancient royal hunting forest in Bishop's Stortford, Essex. There are over 1000 acres to explore on a multitude of peaceful woodland paths. These include two waymarked walking routes and the Flitch Way cycle route which runs along a decomissioned railway line in the northern part of the forest. Cycle hire is available at reasonable rates.
Park highlights include the many resident deer, the large lake where you can hire row boats and the waterside Georgian Shell House where you can get a bite to eat.
The Harcamlow Way, Forest Way and the Three Forests Way walking trails run through the forest.
You can pick up these long distance trails to continue your walk.
Postcode
CM22 6NE - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Hatfield Forest Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hatfield Forest Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hatfield Forest OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hatfield Forest Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The on site Forest Cafe is well stocked with a good range of drinks and meals. There's lots of outdoor seating where you can sit and relax on warmer days.
Dog Walking
The expansive forest is ideal for dog walking so you'll probably see plenty of other owners with their pets. They are allowed in all parts of the forest except the "Dog Free Zone" between the Shell House and the Decoy Lake.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The Great Dunmow Walk visits the forest from the nearby market town. It follows the Flitch Way from the town centre to the park.
Just a couple of miles to the north east there's some more pleasant trails around Birchanger Wood near Bishop's Stortford. Just north of here there's the interesting village of Stansted Mountfitchet. The village includes a number of interesting local attractions including a church dating from the 12th-13th century, an 18th century windmill and a toy museum which claims to be the largest in the world. There's also the noteworthy Mountfitchet Castle which is now run as a wonderful Living History Museum where you can experience life as a villager in 1066.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Essex Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Autumn trees by the lake
The Shell House, Hatfield Forest. Jacob Houblon III built The Shell House in about 1754. It was attached to a cottage by his new lake and was occupied by a housekeeper who kept poultry and peacocks. The cottage was later demolished. The Shell House has recently been restored by The National Trust.
Walkers on a nice wide surfaced footpath in the forest
Lakeside walk Hatfield forest
View of the on site car park
Lakeside picnic spot
Autumn view
Pollarded hornbeam