The best walks and hikes around Herongate And Ingrave
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Hikes around Herongate and Ingrave explore a landscape of rolling farmland, ancient woodlands, and managed parklands in the Essex countryside. The area is part of the Thames Chase Community Forest and features numerous public footpaths and bridleways. Most routes are characterized by gentle terrain, passing through open fields and established woods like those found in Thorndon Country Park.
Best hiking trails around Herongate And Ingrave
- The most popular hiking route is the Old Hall Pond – Pond at Thorndon Country…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.9
(13)
144
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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19
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
8
hikers
7.78km
02:04
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Walk down the public footpath to get a great view of this magnificent building. Built between 1764-1770 by the architect James Paine, it was originally owned by Baron Petre of Writtle, one of Britain's wealthiest land owners. The house is now private luxury apartments and cottages.
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Built in 1734, this Grade II listed, originally Norman church was designed by 8th Lord Petre. The 16th century Tudor octagonal font from the original St Nicholas church is still in use.
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Thorndon Old Hall burnt down in the 18th century, leaving behind ruins and Old Hall Pond. The pond is now a fishing lake and a popular spot for recreation. Make sure you pop out of the woods at the south west corner of the pond for incredible views over the Essex countryside to the south. It is easy to see why they built a mansion here.
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Now luxury apartments, Thorndon Hall was built in the late 18th century as the Petre family's country mansion. The house is set in a medieval deer park through which a footpath leads so it's possible run straight through the country estate.
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From this vantage point on the hill above Childerditch Pond you can enjoy beautiful views of the valley to the south west and also across into Thorndon Park to the north east. A lovely place to stop for a rest.
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Located in close proximity to Thorndon Old Hall which burnt down in the 18th century, the Pond is also known as Old Hall Pond. It is now a fishing lake and a popular spot for walkers. Make sure you pop out of the woods at the south west corner of the pond for incredible views over the Essex countryside to the south.
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At the edge of Thorndon Country Park South you are rewarded with incredible far reaching views to the south. The ruins of Thorndon Old Hall are just behind you and it is easy to see why this spot was picked for the location of a country mansion. It was badly damaged by fire in the early 18th century and a new estate house was built a short distance to the north close to Ingrave.
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From this vantage point on the hill above Childerditch Pond you can enjoy beautiful views of the valley to the south west and also across into Thorndon Park to the north east. A lovely place to stop for a rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks available around Herongate and Ingrave?
Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many trails loop through Thorndon Country Park and the surrounding farmland, allowing you to start and end in the same place. A good example is the Pond at Thorndon Country Park – Old Hall Pond loop from Herongate, which offers a comprehensive tour of the park's landscape.
What are the trails like in Thorndon Country Park?
Thorndon Country Park features a diverse network of trails through ancient woodlands, open parkland, and around serene lakes like the Old Hall Pond. The paths are generally well-maintained, catering to various abilities from gentle strolls to more moderate hikes. The park is a central feature of most walks in the region.
Are the hiking trails suitable for families with children?
Definitely. The area is very family-friendly, with many easy walks available. The most popular attraction for families is the Gruffalo Trail located within Thorndon Country Park, which features sculptures of the book's characters along an accessible path, making for an engaging walk for young children.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, Herongate and Ingrave are great for dog walking. The extensive network of public footpaths and the wide-open spaces of Thorndon Country Park provide plenty of room for dogs to explore. It's always recommended to keep dogs under control, especially near farmland and wildlife.
Are there any easy-access or pushchair-friendly walks?
While many trails follow rural footpaths across fields, some of the main paths within Thorndon Country Park are more established and may be suitable for sturdy pushchairs. The Gruffalo Trail, in particular, is designed to be accessible. For a very short and easy option, consider the Pond at Thorndon Country Park – Old Hall Pond loop from Little Warley.
What is the general difficulty of the hikes in this area?
Most hikes around Herongate and Ingrave are rated as easy to moderate. The terrain is largely flat with some gentle rolling hills, making it accessible for most fitness levels. There are over 20 trails to choose from, with the majority being easy strolls and a handful offering a more moderate challenge.
Are there any pubs on or near the walking routes?
Yes, several traditional village pubs are conveniently located for a post-hike refreshment. The Boars Head and The Green Man in Herongate are popular choices and can often be incorporated into the start or end of a local walk.
What do other hikers enjoy about the Herongate and Ingrave area?
The komoot community rates the area very highly. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful and varied scenery within Thorndon Country Park, the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodlands, and the well-marked network of paths that make exploring the Essex countryside straightforward and enjoyable.
What historical points of interest can I see on a walk?
The region is rich in history. Many routes offer views of the magnificent Thorndon Hall, a grand 18th-century Palladian mansion. You can also find remnants of the much older Heron Hall. The Thorndon Hall – Childerditch Pond loop from Herongate is a great choice for seeing the historic hall.
How do I get to the main hiking areas by public transport?
The primary hiking area, Thorndon Country Park, is accessible via public transport. Bus services run from Brentwood, which has a mainline train station with connections to London. It's best to check local bus timetables for services stopping near the park entrances on The Avenue or the A128.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Yes, Thorndon Country Park has several official car parks, including at the Thorndon Park North and South entrances. These are the most convenient places to start your walk and are typically pay-and-display. Some routes may also start from villages like Herongate where on-street parking may be available.
Most popular routes around Herongate And Ingrave
Most popular attractions around Herongate And Ingrave
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