Weald Country Park: Chestnut Avenue and lakes

A 4.1 km circuit in Weald Country Park near Brentwood, linking the lakeside paths with Chestnut Avenue and the open parkland beside Tea Cup Pond. Allow about an hour and a half, including time to pause by the water and look at the old avenue. The route has gentle climbs and uses a mixture of surfaced paths, woodland paths and grassy tracks.

Start inside the Visitor Centre car park, near the café. Follow the park path north beside the main lake, then continue towards the woodland and Chestnut Avenue. Walk north along the avenue, turn west on the woodland cross-path, and return southwest through the parkland towards Tea Cup Pond. The southern path brings you back to the lakeside and the Visitor Centre. Follow the plotted circuit at the junctions; it combines established paths shown on the park’s Discovery Trail map.

Park entry is free, with paid parking. The parking machines take card or contactless payment, and MiPermit is available; do not rely on cash. The park opens at 8am and closes at dusk, so check the current gate time before leaving your car. The café and toilets are close to the start, with their own opening hours.

The grass paths can become muddy after rain, and wet leaves can be slippery in the woods. Wear suitable walking shoes and keep away from the water’s edge. Some paths are shared with horses and cyclists: give them space. Keep dogs under control and follow the signs around the deer enclosure and any grazing areas. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid feeding it. The brick footbridge on the west side of the lakeside circuit is currently closed. Follow the signed diversion, which can be wet and less accessible than the usual path.

Route and visitor information checked against Essex County Council’s Explore Essex Weald Country Park Discovery Trail map and current park information: https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go/find-whats-near-me/weald-country-park