Markyate walks

There’s a lot of lovely, rolling countryside in and around Studham Common, and dramatic views from Dunstable Downs. This walk visits a tree cathedral and a 16th-century church, and offers the possibility of spotting exotic animals at Whipsnade Zoo.

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.

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.

A hilly route with very fine views from the Downs. It passes through Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and past Whipsnade church.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adventurous walk with steep hill climbs and a winding woodland path.

Easy level walking and solid underfoot throughout.

Easy walking with some mild hill climbs and busy road. This is the Route 1.

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.

A mainly level walk through open farmland to the foot of the Dunstable Downs, with a gentle climb to pick up the Icknield and Chiltern Ways. Great views over the Bedfordshire plain and Ivinghoe Beacon.

This walk demonstrates that modern Hemel Hempstead and its environs have much more to offer than cynics would have you believe.

A walk through lovely Chiltern scenery with lots of interest on the way - a Norman Castle, WW1 trenches, a canal and more.

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.

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.