Easter is the perfect time to get out and explore after a long, cold winter huddled indoors - and few will argue if there's a pub involved for some well-earned refreshments. Essex has no shortage of stunning walking routes to choose from - and equally, there's plenty of beer gardens to find along the way.
You'll find both of those things on a beautiful walking route near Chigwell that starts and ends at The Two Brewers pub and will take you around Hainault Forest Country Park - passing through stunning ancient woodland, past a lake and also taking in the sights of a city farm.
Coming in at just under three miles, the circular trail should take you around an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Walking guide Alltrails rates it as "easy" and the route is partially paved, with no stiles or kissing gates and just a few gentle slopes. Be aware though that if it's been raining the first forest section may be a little muddy.
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To start, head to The Two Brewers on Lambourne Road, which has its own car park. You can also park at the car park for the country park close by. Head across the fields and into the woodland, where you'll follow a wide footpath then over Cabin Hill, across the golf course and into another section of forest along a path with some stunning hedgerows.
Keep walking and you'll see the enclosures for Foxburrows Farm, where you could stop to see animals including sheep, pigs, goats, Shetland ponies, alpacas, geese, ducks, peafowl, and rabbits. At the time of writing, admission was free but visitors are asked to make a minimum donation of £1 per child and £2 per adult to support its work. From here, continue on the path around the lake then go back through the forest and you'll return to the car park where you started.
Reviewers on walking guide Alltrails have rated it as a pretty impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars. Cate Green, who tried it last autumn, said: "Great park, lots of trails, car parks busy but didn’t feel that out walking. Nice new cafe by the pond as well."
Alix Gambardella said: "Parked at the pub. Pathway was clear and well maintained. Got some chips from the cafe and sat at lake to eat them. Bit busy in some areas with lots of families but it was bank holiday Monday. Got a roast at the two brewers pub which was lovely, big portion and plenty of gravy."
Geraldine Marris called it a "Lovely hike, short and lovely views" while Rachel Shure gave it five stars but warned fellow walkers she found it "a bit muddy to the end of the loop".
Find the full route here.
