Walk 187: Ickleford North Loop

6.1 miles (10.3 km) with 165 ft of ascent

 

This is our third walk from Ickleford, this time exploring the countryside to the NW of the village following well-defined footpaths and bridleways over rolling countryside with excellent views. There is one short stretch along a main road, but it is along a pedestrian footpath and takes about five minutes. The walk starts outside The Plume of Feathers pub. There is a second pub, The Old George, a short detour from the start/finish point.

Walk 186: Cadwell Loop

4.8 miles (7.8 km) with 278 ft of ascent

The bridleway between points 4 and 5

This is a lovely walk in June and July because it passes the Hitchin lavender fields on public rights of way. The route follows bridleways and footpaths over undulating open countryside with wonderful views on all sides. There are two pubs at the start/finish point, another close to the halfway point, and a fourth accessed via a short detour when you are about three quarters of the way round.

Walk 185: Wheathampstead W Loop

6.5 miles (10.5 km) with 413 ft of ascent

The route between points 4 & 5

This lovely walk climbs out of the valley of the River Lea from Wheathampstead up to Gustard Wood and then across undulating countryside with excellent views to the south. The route then drops down to pass through the Batford Springs Nature Reserve before heading back to Wheathampstead along the track of the former Hertford, Luton and Dunstable Railway. There are several pubs at the start and finish point as well as one near the halfway point.

Walk 184: Tyttenhanger Green Loop

5.1 miles (8.2 km) with 242 ft of ascent

Colney Heath footpath 38 between points 7 & 8

This walk includes a section of The Alban Way which is the route of the former Hatfield to St Albans branch line. If you are interested in the history of the Hatfield to St Albans branch line we have embedded a video at the foot of these directions. The route for this walk passes close to two pubs, both called The Plough, one in Sleapshyde and the other in Tyttenhanger Green.

Walk 183: Walkern S Loop

7.1 miles (11.5 km) with 380 ft of ascent

Walkern footpath 41 soon after the start of the walk

A wonderful walk through the rolling countryside to the S and W of Walkern, a village which appeared in the Domesday book of 1086 as Walchra. The route heads SW to Aston End and then to Aston before returning along footpaths following the banks of the River Beane. There are pubs at Aston End and Aston and two in Walkern close to the start/finish point.

Walk 182: Hertford to Watton-at-Stone Linear

5.6 miles (9.1 km) with 350 ft of ascent

A field of poppies just after point 9 in the directions below

This lovely linear walk between Hertford North station and Watton-at-Stone station follows the River Beane. The route crosses Waterford Marsh and Waterford Heath, and passes through the grounds of Woodhall Park. There are two pubs close to the finish point, The George and Dragon and The Bull, as well as Crumbs bakery and cafe. A short detour to visit all three is included towards the end of the directions. There is one pub, The Millstream, close the the start of the walk.

Walk 181: Birch Green Loop

5.2 miles (8.3 km) with 260 ft of ascent

 

This walk circles the Cole Green Way, a long distance path which follows what was the track of the now disused Hertford to Welwyn Junction railway line. Our route goes through Panshanger Park, a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust nature reserve, which has some great information boards for those wanting to know more about nature. You will also pass the Historic England scheduled monument, the Baroque gardens at Grotto Wood, with the option to walk through the woods. Another information board will explain what you will see. The walk passes The White Horse pub/restaurant in Hertingfordbury close to the halfway point. Please check for opening times to avoid disappointment.

Walk 180: Cole Green NW Loop

4.8 miles (7.8 km) with 130 ft of ascent

The view after crossing the bridge over the A414

This walk follows The Cole Green Way, a former branch line between Hertford and Welwyn Garden City which is now a long-distance recreational route. Our route starts at the former Cole Green Station, then heads W before looping round through Panshanger Park. There is a pub, The Cowper Arms, close to the start of the walk. Be sure to check opening times.