Heartwood Forest
Departure from Sandridge (Hertfordshire)
A walk through the largest continuous new native forest in England. We’ve chosen a route that features some of the best scenery throughout the year and has a magnificent display of bluebells in spring.
St Albans Abbey Station to Hertford East Station
Departure from St Albans (Hertfordshire)
The stage starts at St Albans Abbey Station. Soon joins River Ver Path for 0.65 miles. Climbs to join the Alban Way (old railway line) all the way to and thru' Hatfield. Passes Mill Green Mill and follows Welwyn Centenary Walk thru' a golf course & The Commons Nature Reserve, then joins the Cole Green Way (old railwayline) to Hertford. Goes thru' the old part of this county town, taking in the castle and grounds, then joins the River Lea Navigation to just north of Hertford East Station.
Harpenden to the River Ver and back via Childwickbury
Departure from Harpenden (Hertfordshire)
A pleasant walk from Harpenden Common down to Redbournbury Mill, along the River Ver and then up to Childwickbury Manor and back to Harpenden.
Redbourn and Redbournbury
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
A route to the South of Redbourn with gentle hills, good views and pleasant walking through the Ver Valley and water meadows. On a fine day you might see families taking a dip at the ford! A minor detour is possible to look at Redbournbury Mill.
The Holly Brush, Redbourn
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
Easy walking with some mild hill climbs and busy road. This is the Route 1.
The Holly Bush - Route 2
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
Easy level walking and solid underfoot throughout.
The Holly Brush - Route 3
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
Adventurous walk with steep hill climbs and a winding woodland path.
Ayot St Lawrence
Departure from Kimpton (Hertfordshire)
Explore the landscape and history of a special corner of Hertfordshire. Starts in Kimpton and includes two 12th century churches, a neoclassical church, a park designed by Capability Brown and the house of a famous playwright and author.
Kimpton Farmland and Nature, Chilterns
Departure from Kimpton (Hertfordshire)
The parish of Kimpton is criss-crossed by an extensive of public rights of way, some of them dating from
pre-Roman times. This walk explores the farmland north of the village which is rich in wildlife and there are
outstanding views.
A Sense of Dacorum
Departure from Dacorum (Hertfordshire)
This walk demonstrates that modern Hemel Hempstead and its environs have much more to offer than cynics would have you believe.
Wild Flowers from Cassiobury Park
Departure from Watford (Hertfordshire)
This beautiful walk takes you from the outskirts of Watford into the depths of the countryside to see a host of wild flowers.
Knebworth
Departure from Knebworth (Hertfordshire)
A walk around Knebworth taking in Rabley Heath nature reserve.
A short circular walk that includes a section through woodland of Rabley Heath Nature Reserve. Refreshments can be found at The Robin Hood and The Lytton Arms which has a large selection of real ales.
Hertford East Station to Cheshunt Station
Departure from Hertford (Hertfordshire)
Follows River Lea Navigation thru' Ware, St Margarets, Rye House, Dobbs Weir and Broxbourne, to finish on the River Lea Path a short walk east of Cheshunt Station. It's almost impossible to go off-course, unless you make a decision to jump into the canal or take a path away from it.
From Hemel Hempstead station
Departure from Dacorum (Hertfordshire)
Starting from Hemel Hempstead Station this is a walk which can be enjoyed without a car. The station is right on the edge of the town so virtually all the route is through the open country, much of it through Boxmoor Trust land, on the plateau of the Chilterns and along the Grand Union Canal. There are lots of reminders of the history of the area from 1594 through WWII. If you are lucky you may see a couple of rare farm breeds kept on Trust land and some interesting birds along the canal.
Dollis Valley Greenwalk - Mill Hill To Hampstead
Departure from London Borough of Barnet (Greater London)
Don't want to venture too far from London to find a countryside walk? This is when the Dollis Valley Greenwalk makes an entry. This decently long walk through Barnet and Finchley is that good surprise as it takes you through what is left of former countryside fields in the Capital city.
Cuckolds Cross and Whitwell from St Paul's Walden
Departure from St Paul's Walden (Hertfordshire)
This Hertfordshire walk mainly uses old green lanes to go through a varied landscape of fields, woods and hedgerows to arrive at the Holt and then by footpaths to Cuckolds Cross. After that there is a section of larger arable fields where you join the Hertfordshire Way to reach Whitwell, an expanded village with an interesting older centre. The final leg passes through a rare breeds farm and The Bury, birthplace of the late Queen Mother.
Chipperfield to St Albans Abbey Station
Departure from Chipperfield (Hertfordshire)
Starts at Two Brewers Inn, Chipperfield. Passes thru' Kings Langley where we join the Grand Union Canal for a short distance. Then thru' Bedmond & Potters Crouch before descending past the Roman wall into Verulamium Park and past St Albans Cathedral to finish at St Albans Abbey Station.
Chipperfield and the Chess Valley, Chilterns
Departure from Chipperfield (Hertfordshire)
A rewarding, scenic country walk exploring several commons and villages along with an attractive river valley. Good pubs!
Trains, Planes and Quiet Lanes
Departure from Borough of Luton
Walk from Luton Airport Parkway station along the disused railway to Welwyn before climbing to Chiltern Green and returning via a ruined Tudor castle and the airport perimeter.
Great Gaddesden from Jockey End
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This short Hertfordshire walk explores the pleasant countryside to the south east of Jockey End and follows the Hertfordshire Way to descend into the Gade Valley and the village of Great Gaddesden. The return route leaves the valley following the Chiltern Way for the return to the start.
Gade Valley Nature Walk
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
Gordon Beningfield was an artist with an international reputation for his beautiful depictions of the natural world. He spent many happy hours walking through the countryside with his close friend, naturalist and broadcaster Dennis Furnell. This walk, one of their favourites, is described by Dennis.
Around St Pauls Walden
Departure from Langley (Hertfordshire)
A circuit around the village of St Paul’s Walden passing through some of the finest woodland in the North Chilterns and the picturesque parkland surrounding the grand houses of Stagenhoe and St Paul’s Walden Bury. The bluebells in Hitch Wood are spectacular in spring!
Hertfordshire Mansions and Parklands - From Great Gaddesden
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This walk is over the undulating plateau of the Chiltern dip slope, through the parklands of some of the 18th Century mansions which dot the Chilterns. Although the land is now more given over to arable agriculture, the landscape is still greatly influenced by the great designers, including Capability Brown. A walk with great views over the Gade valley and a revelation of the life style of baronets and local squires in the 1700s and the lesser houses of their tenants.
From Great Gaddesden to Little Gaddessden
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This walk explores some of the hamlets of the Chilterns which, although close to Hemel Hempstead retain their remoteness in their quiet locations. It goes over the typical chalk uplands of the Gade valley and up to the beechwoods of the National Trust Ashridge estate. It passes charming 17th century cottages, a vineyard, a Buddhist Temple and long established churches. The country truly merits its AONB designation.
The Plough Kings Walden (Pub)
Departure from King's Walden (Hertfordshire)
Discover the serene beauty of Kings Walden on a picturesque walking route through lush countryside fields, where cows and sheep graze amidst stunning village views. Start and end your adventure at the charming village pub, offering ample parking and a perfect spot to unwind.
Preston and Hitch Wood, Chilterns
Departure from Preston (Hertfordshire)
A short circuit from Preston village through Hitch Wood, one of the finest woods in the North Chilterns. Worth following for spectacular bluebells in spring or as a pre-pub leg stretch.
Metro-Land, Chilterns
Departure from Batchworth (Hertfordshire)
This walk visits Rickmansworth and Croxley Green, whose current size and character owe much to the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway. The varied route includes woodland, fields, a moor designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a village green, rivers and a canal.
The Celandine Way - Pinner to Eastcote
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
This is the first section of a 12 mile walking route which follows the River Pinn from Pinner to Uxbridge. Of all Middlesex's 'lost rivers' the River Pinn is perhaps the most visible.
Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp)
Departure from London Borough of Barnet (Greater London)
When the sun makes an appearance, we all want to venture outside. But where to go in London to have a pleasant stroll without melting? Well, a walk around Welsh Harp, also known as the Brent Reservoir, comes as a nice surprise. Not so popular (except if you live locally), the Brent Reservoir offers shade and fresh air. It’s a perfect place for a nice day out with friends and family.
Colne Valley Wildlife, Chilterns
Departure from Batchworth (Hertfordshire)
This walk gives you the opportunity to experience the abundance of wildlife in the beautiful Colne Valley across many different types of habitat. It’s a wonderful location for all ages to explore and enjoy with the possibility of spotting rare migrating birds.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome to Cassiobury Park
Departure from Batchworth (Hertfordshire)
This walk starts at Ricky Aquadrome with its 3 lakes and goes along a delightful stretch of the River Chess, through Whippendell Woods (particularly nice in mid April when the bluebells are out), to Cassiobury Park with its 2 cafes and voted one of the 10 best parks in Britain and along short stretches of the River Gade and Grand Union Canal. Do allow plenty of time for exploring the many interesting features on this walk.
The Wealdstone Brook
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
The Wealdstone Brook is one of the lost rivers of Middlesex. It's a short urban walk, one of my 'lost landscapes' routes around the Harrow area. Ironically, there is no trace of the river left in Wealdstone itself, where it has all been culverted. However, it meanders very prettily through Woodcock Park in Kenton, surrounded by grassy banks and willow trees. This is the best bit! There are further glimpses of it along the route of this walk.
Escape to Lilley, Chilterns
Departure from Borough of Luton
It is surprising how easy it is to escape from urban Luton to quiet open countryside. This walk is a short circuit from Bushmead to Lilley and back.
Particularly lovely late on a June evening, during the summer when the fields are full of ripe crops or in winter to blow away the cobwebs.
The Yeading Brook
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
This is a short urban walk exploring another of the 'lost landscapes of Middlesex'. The Yeading Brook rises at Headstone Manor and can be tracked all the way to Ruislip Gardens. This walk starts and finishes in West Harrow, and follows the most attractive section of the river through two pretty linear parks : The Yeading Brook Open Space and Streamside Recreation Ground.
Great Offley to Charlton
Departure from Offley (Hertfordshire)
A moderate stile-free walk The walk starts in the village of Great Offley, heading south-west along the ridge above Hitchin before descending to the small hamlet of Charlton. From there, there is a steady, scenic climb back to Offley.
Sudbury Hill
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
This is a short urban walk exploring the 'lost landscapes of Middlesex'. I was recently introduced to a secret park which I never knew about, and realised this must be the summit of the original Sudbury Hill before it was swallowed up under the tide of suburban housing. The walk visits Elm Park and also takes you past the Harrow School sports fields. It starts and finishes near Harrow School, Harrow-on-the-Hill.
Caddington and Blows Down, Chilterns
Departure from Dunstable (Central Bedfordshire)
A walk along quiet country paths to Caddington and the ancient woodland of Badgerdell wood before emerging at the top of the steep hillside above Dunstable. Enjoy the extensive views from Blow's Down.
Sundon Hills and Sharpenhoe Clappers
Departure from Sundon (Central Bedfordshire)
A walk that’s attractive at any time of year. The route is quiet and peaceful, with magnificent views looking north into Bedfordshire and beyond. Visit the Iron Age hillfort at Sharpenhoe Clappers.
More walks in Colney Heath
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