A rogue bull has forced the closure of a popular reserve and walkway in Central Hawke's Bay.

Attempts to capture the wayward animal in the Monckton's Scenic Reserve area have been unsuccessful.

A farmer tried to confine the bull, but it escaped by walking over fences and returning to the reserve, along Ashley Clinton Road.

DOC has now closed the reserve and walkway until the bull is caught.

Conservation Services Manager, Dave Carlton says parts of the reserve have quite steep bluffs alongside the track, and families could be at risk if they encountered the bull.