The Best Dog Walking Routes in Chigwell, Loughton & Buckhurst Hill

Dog owners know one simple truth: a good walk can turn an ordinary day into the highlight of your pup’s week. Walks aren’t just about exercise — they’re about stimulation, exploration, and bonding. The right walk can help calm an excitable puppy, build confidence in a nervous dog, or give a high-energy breed the outlet it craves.

Here in Chigwell, Loughton, and Buckhurst Hill, we’re lucky to have some truly special routes. As a local dog walking and training service, we spend our days exploring the area with dogs of every age, breed, and personality. Over the years, we’ve built up a list of tried-and-tested favourites — places that are safe, engaging, and just plain fun for dogs.

Today, we’re sharing four of the best dog walking spots in our local community. Each one has its own unique character, so whether you’re looking for shaded forest paths, riverside paddling, calm street walks, or big open fields, there’s something here for every pup.

'Beans showing off his new hat!'

1. Chigwell Row Woods – Woodland Trails & Open Fields

If your dog loves the thrill of adventure, Chigwell Row Woods is a must. Tucked away just outside the main bustle of Chigwell, it’s a lovely mix of shady woodland paths and wide, open fields.

• Why dogs love it: There’s an endless variety of scents and textures — from crunchy leaves and mossy logs to open grass where they can stretch their legs. The forest setting offers mental stimulation as much as physical exercise.

• Why owners love it: Unlike bigger, busier parks, Chigwell Row Woods is often quiet, making it a fantastic choice for dogs who are still building confidence, working on recall, or needing a calm environment.

  
  

We often bring dogs here when they need to practise focus and recall in a semi-distracting environment. It’s a natural “training classroom” — rewarding, but not overwhelming. When the session’s done, a run through the fields gives them the freedom they deserve.

2. River Roding by David Lloyds Chigwell – Splash & Play

Some dogs are born water babies. For them, there’s nothing more joyful than a walk along the River Roding, near David Lloyds in Chigwell. This riverside route offers a refreshing change of scenery, with plenty of opportunities for aquatic fun.

• Why dogs love it: They can paddle, splash, or simply enjoy sniffing along the water’s edge. For breeds that love retrieving, it’s the perfect spot for a game of fetch.

• Why owners love it: It’s peaceful, scenic, and a lovely way to cool down on warmer days.

  
  

Whenever we bring dogs here, we always consider water safety — especially with younger pups or breeds that are new to swimming. With the right supervision, it’s a brilliant enrichment walk that combines exercise, play, and sensory stimulation.

3. Bracken Drive – Safe & Scenic Street Walks

Not all great dog walks need to involve mud and grass. Sometimes, a structured street walk can be just as valuable — especially for dogs who are still perfecting their lead manners. One of our favourite spots for this is Bracken Drive, right in the heart of Chigwell.

• Why dogs love it: Wide pavements give them plenty of space to trot comfortably. The area is calm, quiet, and full of interesting smells.

• Why owners love it: With very low traffic and wide open pathways, it’s one of the safest local streets for walking. Plus, the beautiful homes and peaceful environment make it a pleasant stroll for humans, too.

  
  

We often use Bracken Drive for lead training. The space and safety allow us to work on loose-lead walking, calm behaviour around distractions, and even structured heel work. It’s a perfect example of how a simple street walk can still be a powerful training opportunity.

4. Limes Farm Hill – Open Fields & Stunning London Views

For dogs who love to run free, nothing beats wide open space. Limes Farm, just off Manor Road, is one of our go-to locations for exactly that. The area offers rolling fields, plenty of room for games, and one of the most spectacular views of London you’ll find locally.

• Why dogs love it: Space to sprint, chase a ball, and socialise with other dogs. The variety of terrain keeps them entertained.

• Why owners love it: The open layout makes it easy to keep an eye on dogs, and the panoramic view of London is a treat at the top of the hill.

  
  

We often use Limes Farm for group walks and recall training sessions. The open fields give dogs the freedom to roam while still being safe and manageable. It’s also a great place for high-energy breeds to burn off steam in a positive way.

Why the Right Walk Makes a Difference

Every dog is unique. Some thrive in the woods, where every path feels like an adventure. Others prefer calm, structured street walks where they can focus and practise good manners. For water-loving breeds, riverside routes are the ultimate joy.

The important thing is matching the walk to the dog. Too much stimulation can overwhelm a nervous pup, while too little can leave a lively dog frustrated. That’s where professional experience really comes in.

At Richards Local Dog Training & Walking Services, we carefully choose the right route for each dog based on their personality, needs, and progress. A puppy learning recall might start with quiet areas before moving on to busier routes. A high-energy Labrador might join a group at Limes Farm, while a shy rescue may prefer a calm solo stroll along Bracken Drive.

It’s not just about exercise — it’s about creating positive, balanced experiences that support both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

Our Local Advantage

One of the things our clients love most is that we’re not just dog walkers — we’re local dog walkers. We know Chigwell, Loughton, and Buckhurst Hill inside out. We know the safest shortcuts, the quietest paths, and the hidden gems like Chigwell Row Woods that many owners don’t even realise are on their doorstep.

Because we’re in the area every day, we can adapt routes to the weather, the season, and even the dog’s mood that day. Hot summer afternoon? A shady woodland walk. Rainy day? A safer, mud-free street stroll. High-energy group? Open fields with plenty of running space.

That local knowledge, combined with our training expertise, means your dog gets more than just a walk — they get the right walk for them.

Final Thoughts

From the shady trails of Chigwell Row Woods to the riverside fun of the River Roding, the calm, safe paths of Bracken Drive, and the breath-taking open space of Limes Farm, our local area is packed with incredible walking spots for dogs. Each one offers something different, but all of them share the same benefit: happier, healthier dogs and more relaxed, reassured owners.

At Richards Local Dog Training & Walking Services, we love nothing more than helping dogs make the most of these routes. Whether it’s daily dog walking, group adventures, puppy training, grooming, or full-time care for busy professionals, our team of passionate animal lovers are here to make life easier for you — and more enriching for your pets.

👉 Want your dog to enjoy these amazing local walks with professional care and attention? Get in touch with us today to book a walk or learn more about our services.