The best walks and hikes around Hillsborough Forest Park

Yes, Hillsborough Forest Park is a very popular spot for dog walking. The park features well-maintained paths perfect for walking with your pup. Reviews from other visitors frequently mention enjoying walks with their dogs, though it's always best practice to keep them under control, especially around the lake's wildlife.

Yes, there is a free car park available for visitors. However, it can get quite busy, particularly on weekends and during the summer months, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a space.

Absolutely. The park is very family-friendly, with a network of accessible, mostly flat paths. There is also a modern, woodland-themed outdoor children's play area and designated picnic spots, making it an ideal destination for a family day out.

For a gentle and scenic walk, the Hillsborough Forest Park loop from Royal Hillsborough is an excellent choice. This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) circular trail follows well-maintained paths around the central lake and is suitable for all fitness levels.

Yes, you can find Percy's Coffee cart located in the car park, which is perfect for grabbing a drink or snack before or after your walk. The park's location is also just a short walk from the village of Royal Hillsborough, where you'll find a wider variety of cafes, restaurants, and pubs.

The walks vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find short, gentle loops around the lake that are approximately 1.2 miles (2 km), or longer routes that explore more of the forest, such as the 3.8-mile (6.2 km) Hiking loop from Royal Hillsborough.

Yes, the park's network of well-maintained and relatively flat pathways makes it a great location for trail running. The lakeside loops and woodland trails offer a scenic and comfortable surface for runners of all abilities.

Yes, you can incorporate a bit of history into your hike. The Hillsborough Forest Park Lake – Hillsborough Fort loop from Royal Hillsborough is a 2.8-mile (4.4 km) trail that leads you past the historic Hillsborough Fort and an old rath, adding a unique element to your walk through the woodlands.

The park, especially around the lake, is a sanctuary for wildlife. You can expect to see a variety of waterfowl, including swans and ducks. In the woodlands, keep an eye out for squirrels, foxes, and numerous other bird species, making it a rewarding spot for nature lovers and photographers.

The main paths around the lake, such as the Lake Trail, are generally flat and feature upgraded, wide pathways, making them suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. These routes offer lovely views of the water and surrounding nature with an accessible surface.

While the forest park is part of the historic estate, the main walking trails focus on the lake and woodlands. For a route that takes you closer to the castle grounds, consider the Hillsborough Castle loop from Royal Hillsborough, which circles the perimeter.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, which has given the area an average rating of 4.5 stars. Fellow hikers often praise the well-maintained, accessible paths and the peaceful atmosphere of the lakeside and woodland scenery.