Connaught Water

Connaught Water is one of the most popular lakes to walk around in Epping Forest, largely because of its wildlife and close proximity to Chingford.

Things to do at Connaught Water

• Take a walk around the lake on our easy access path
• Head to the lake with your rod for a spot of angling, depending on the time of year - see our fishing page for details
• Set down with your binoculars and watch the ducks, geese, swans, herons and grebes that live here
• Pick up our circular Willow Trail for a longer walk around the water and to Fairmead

Easy access trail

Our easy access trail at Connaught Water provides visitors with the opportunity to see plenty of the birds that call Connaught Water their home, from swans and mandarin ducks to great crested grebes.

• The trail has a level, firm, non-slip surface and is 1km (0.6 miles) long with benches and passing places for wheelchairs at regular intervals
• Interpretation is available at the beginning of the trail and is large print and accessible and readable from a seated position
• The trail is easily accessed via a hard, level path from Connaught Water Car Park
• A purpose-built fishing platform for wheelchair users is also present on the path
• Maps, large print literature, disabled parking and a unisex accessible toilet are available at our Visitor Centre in Chingford (0.6 miles away) during opening hours
• Refreshment is available near the Visitor Centre at several establishments.

Parking and travel info

By bike

The car park at the Connaught Water has several Sheffield-style bike racks for you to lock your bike to. 

By train

Barn Hoppitt is a 1.5km (0.9 mile) walk from Chingford station on the London Overground line.

By bus

The 97, 179, 212, 313, 379, 385, 397, 444 and N26 buses all serve Chingford station, which is a 1.5km (0.9 mile) walk away.

By car

Parking is available at these car parks:

Please visit our car parking page for opening and closing times for each of our car parks.