Our partners

ESSEX, BEDFORDSHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE

Capability Brown walk at Hatfield Forest
This circular trail explores the Georgian highlights of Hatfield Forest and the influences of the renowned landscape architect Capability
Brown had on it. The forest was acquired in 1729 by the Houblon family. They immediately set about turning the medieval forest into their
own 'pleasure ground', easily reachable from their main residence at nearby Hallingbury Place. Their first move was to create the lake and
Shell House. Then, in 1757, Brown provided a plan for the Houblon's forest and lake, which was partially implemented.

A summer walk
This is a route best enjoyed from April to October. Parts of the trail can be very muddy during the winter months.

Information Total steps: 7

Address: Shell House car park, Hatfield Forest, Bishop's
Stortford, CM22 6NH
OS map: Explorer 183
Activity: Walking
Easy: Level grassy and woodland paths. For further
details, please see Terrain section.
Dog friendly: Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Keep
them on leads near livestock, around the lake, and
wherever signed.
Full trail: Miles: 1.9 (km: 3.04)
Access: Challenging
Duration: 1 hour - 2 hours
Terrain
This route follows level ground along grassy plains and
woodland paths. There are tree roots and gates to
navigate, and parts of the trail can be muddy after wet
weather.
Start point: Shell House car park, Hatfield Forest, Bishop's Stortford, CM22 6NH. Grid ref:
TL539197
1. From the car park head towards the lake so you're stood in front of the café. Now, turn
right, keeping the lake on your left.
2. Follow the path around to the left and across the dam along the edge of the lake
towards the woods.
3. Head into the wooded area along the boardwalk. After about 55yd (50m) take the left-
hand path towards the jetty and then turn right to head along a trail through the trees
a little way in from the lakeside. The trail emerges into a small open space with the
clump of Scots pines on the right. Keep walking until you reach the road.
4. Cross the road at the bridge and follow the grass track across the hill, rising gently to
the right and passing between two small clumps of trees. Keep heading south-west,
past a water trough, and then follow an unmade road, passing a plantation of mature
horse chestnut trees on your left. Then turn left into Cedar Ride and continue towards
the lone cedar dominating the skyline at the end.
5. Continue towards the cedar and then walk across the grassy area to the estate road.
Turn right and head along the road towards the car park and then diagonally across to a
small metal gate on the far side.
6. Go through the metal gate and follow the path through the trees, emerging by a
wooden bench with the Decoy Lake to your left. Follow the path back into the trees,
 across a trickle of water, and then take a left at the fork.

7. The path now heads towards the main lake, passing by two yew trees. On reaching the
main lakeside area, walk back the car park and the end of the trail.
End point: Shell House car park, Hatfield Forest, Bishop's Stortford, CM22 6NH. Grid ref:
TL539197