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Best dog friendly hiking trails in Essex
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Best dog friendly hiking trails in Essex

Every dog deserves a day out, right? Grab the leash and hit these dog-friendly trails where your pup can sniff, wag, and explore to their heart鈥檚 content alongside you.

Here are some great trails to explore in Essex.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Northey Island Circular Walk - Maldon - Essex

Essex, England · star 5.0 (3) · 6.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 14 min

2

Easy

Danbury Common to Lingwood Common Walk - Chelmsford - Essex

Essex, England · star 4.0 (1) · 2.4 km · Est. 32 min

3

Easy

Epping Forest Loop

Essex, England · star 4.0 (1) · 5.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 9 min

4

Easy

Lingwood Common to Blake's Wood Walk - Chelmsford - Essex

Essex, England · star 4.0 (1) · 5.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 23 min

5

Easy

Wakering Common and Wakering Stairs Loop

Essex, England · star 5.0 (3) · 7.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 29 min

6

Easy

Willow Park Nature Reserve and Langdon Hills Loop

Essex, England · star 5.0 (2) · 6.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 24 min

7

Easy

Benfleet Downs and Hadleigh Country Park via Saffron Trail

Essex, England · star 5.0 (5) · 6.4 km · Est. 1 hrs 30 min

8

Easy

Tollesbury Wick Marshes Loop

Essex, England · star 4.0 (2) · 9.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 56 min

9

Easy

Marsh Farm Country Park Long Loop

Essex, England · star 4.0 (1) · 6.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 18 min

10

Easy

Grays Beach Riverside Park and Wharf

Essex, England · star 4.0 (6) · 5.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 13 min

Show more hikes

Reviews for dog friendly hiking trails in Essex

Richard Hiking App Deigan avatar

Northey Island Circular Walk - Maldon - Essex

richardD 路 reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Edra Franecki avatar

Danbury Common to Lingwood Common Walk - Chelmsford - Essex

WandererRangefinder93 路 reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Glady Cremin DDS avatar

Epping Forest Loop

DriftwoodBirchwanderer17 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Maude Grant avatar

Lingwood Common to Blake's Wood Walk - Chelmsford - Essex

PathForestrunner36 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Simon Bradley avatar

Wakering Common and Wakering Stairs Loop

Simonbradley 路 reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in Essex

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape.聽

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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