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A longer circuit through Thorndon Country Park near Brentwood, combining the northern woods with the open pastures of Thorndon South, Jury Hill and Old Hall Pond. The plotted route is about 9.5 km. Allow three hours for walking and pauses, with time to take in the view from Jury Hill and the historic landscape around the old estate.
Start inside the Thorndon North car park beside the countryside centre. Head south through the northern woods and Childerditch Wood, then follow the park’s bridleway and permissive path beside Childerditch Lane towards the southern pastures. Stay on the park route, rather than taking the adjoining road as a shortcut. Continue to Jury Hill, then turn northeast through the historic estate landscape and Ruin Wood. The woodland loop takes in Menagerie Plantation and Old Hall Pond before returning northwest through the Old Park and Deer Park to Thorndon North. Use the plotted route at the many woodland junctions.
This circuit combines established paths on the council’s park map. It includes hills, woodland paths, grassy footpaths and shared bridleways. Expect mud after rain and slippery leaves in autumn; walking boots are useful. Give horses and cyclists space, and watch for occasional authorised vehicles on the old street and estate tracks. Keep well back from the pond edges.
Park entry is free, with paid parking. Parking payment is cashless by card, contactless or MiPermit. Check the dusk closing time at the car park before setting out. Toilets and refreshments are available at Thorndon North during their opening hours. Bring water and a snack, as the South café is currently closed and this route does not pass the South car park facilities.
Keep dogs under control and on leads where livestock are grazing. Follow the grazing-area and forestry signs, close gates, and leave cattle space to move. Council notices list green-waste removal work in Thorndon South from 19 to 30 October 2026, with heavy vehicles and noise possible: follow any diversions and keep dogs on leads around the work.
Route and visitor information checked against Essex County Council’s Explore Essex Thorndon Country Park map and current access notices: https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/thorndon-country-park
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