Epping’s Top Walking Trails: Routes Ranked By Distance and Difficulty

The growing popularity of outdoor exercise was on full display this weekend, as Epping’s parks buzzed with locals pacing their favourite walking routes. New council maps have just ranked the area’s top trails by distance and difficulty-helping residents target the outdoor challenge that best suits their goals.

With the school holidays underway and sunny weather on tap, families and fitness fans alike are looking for safe, scenic ways to stay active outside. Active Epping, a council-supported wellness group, says the number of queries about local trails has doubled since March as people shun indoor gyms and seek fresh air alternatives. The community focus on wellbeing has never felt more urgent, with official health advice pointing to walking as one of the best all-ages activities for mental and physical health.

Hillcrest Loop and Beecroft Trail Among Favourites

Two walks stand out in the new Epping Parks and Recreation Guide, published this month by the Epping Town Council. The Hillcrest Loop, starting from the Lakeview Avenue entrance of Boronia Park, is a hit for those chasing a gentle 2km stroll. This well-maintained gravel path passes ornamental lakes and mature gums, with several shaded benches along Boronia Drive for resting legs. The loop is pram-friendly and rated 'easy' by council volunteers leading the monthly Sunday Wanderers walking group.

For walkers craving a bit more challenge, the Beecroft Ridge Trail starts near the intersection of Essex Street and Oxford Road. It covers 5.8km through mixed bushland and steep sections-earning it a 'moderate to hard' rating on the guide. Steep stairs at the southern end make it best reserved for the sure-footed. Locals know this route for sweeping district views and the faint scent of wild lemon myrtle that hangs near the upper stretch.

According to the 2025 Community Health Survey, 63% of Epping households reported walking for exercise at least twice weekly along a designated trail. Participation climbs even higher during school breaks, with Boronia Park alone averaging 230 daily walkers in peak season (Epping Parks Directorate, March 2026). The council guide, available free from the Epping Library on Cambridge Street, features distance, surface type and incline details for 11 walking routes-more than double the number listed in the 2022 edition.

Turning Local Walks Into Wellness Habits

With updated signs now posted at every major park entrance, the council plans to launch a 'Step Up Epping' challenge this August. Interested residents can register at Epping Leisure Centre for a free tracker pack, encouraging friendly competition and offering rewards for milestones on local trails. Active Epping group leaders also run guided walks each Saturday morning, starting 8:30am from Boronia Park car park-no registration required.

For anyone new to walking, the council recommends starting with flat routes like Epping Oval’s 1.1km perimeter circuit or tackling Hillcrest Loop with friends. Those looking for a bigger push can train up for the Beecroft Ridge Trail or explore the lesser-known North Epping Gully Walk, a 4km bush track off Boundary Road.

Maps, distances and full trail ratings can be downloaded from the Epping Town Council website or picked up in hard copy at the library and leisure centre. For anyone hoping to make walking a long-term habit, local physiotherapists recommend starting slow and increasing distance gradually to avoid injury. With so many graded options to try, Epping walkers are spoiled for choice this winter.