Walk 136: Shenley West Loop

Rolling countryside between Shenley and Radlett

Long: 6.5 miles (10.4 km) 510 ft of ascent
or
Short: 4.7 miles (7.6 km) 320 ft of ascent

Shenley bridleway 38 soon after the start of the walk

There are two versions of this walk. The longer version (6.5 miles) involves more residential roads and some walking alongside main roads (on pavements) and close to a railway line (along footpaths and bridleways).

If you prefer less residential and main road walking we have a shorter version (4.7 miles), although the truncated version does cut out a couple of stretches of really nice countryside which we enjoyed. Both routes pass two WWII pillboxes, which were part of the Outer London Defence Ring.

This is the second of two walks that start in Shenley Park. The first was Walk 135: Shenley East Loop (5.7 miles). Both the short and long version of this walk share two sections of walk 135 but walked in reverse.

There is a car park and a cafe The Cafe in the Orchardat the start/finish point. You can check opening times on the park’s website.

Walk 135: Shenley E Loop

Exploring rolling countryside east of Shenley

5.7 miles (9.2 km) with 400 ft of ascent

Shenley bridleway 38 towards the end of the walk

This walk starts in Shenley Park, which has a car park and a Cafe in the Orchard. A sign states that the park is open all year round, but best check opening times on the park’s website. This walk includes a 2.2km section of another walk in our collection, Walk 133: Ridge W Loop (5.1 miles), but in this walk that shared section is walked in reverse, so you can enjoy it from another perspective. Along the way you pass two WWII pillboxes, part of the Outer London Defence Ring.

Walk 134: Furneux Pelham W Loop

Rolling countryside with great views

6.8 miles (11km) - 270 ft of ascent

 

This is our second walk from Furneux Pelham, this time exploring the countryside to the west. The previous walk, number 130 in our series, explored the countryside to the north and east of this picturesque Hertfordshire village. As with the first walk, refreshments can be taken at The Brewery Tap pub/restaurant, 500m from the start and finish point. This route shares a short section with another walk in our series, Walk 129 Braughing NE Loop.

Walk 133: Ridge W Loop

Open views from Ridge to St Albans

5.1 miles (8.2km) 370ft of ascent

The path between points 1 and 2

This is a good walk for those who enjoy wide open views - this time across the Colne Valley to St Albans. It starts and finishes close to The Old Guinea pub/restaurant in Ridge and follows footpaths and byways across fields and through woodland with a fair bit of up and down along the way.

Walk 132: Sandridge SW Loop

Woodland decked in bluebells in the spring

8.1 miles (13km) with 440 ft of ascent

 

A walk from Heartwood Forest in Sandridge heading south through the fruit farm at Hawkswick Lodge, on down to Batchwood, across the golf course, up through Childwickbury and back via the Magical Wood and Langley Wood. This walk offers a mix of walking through woodland, parkland, and across fields with wide open views on all sides. There is the option of refreshments at three pubs in Sandridge at the end of the walk.

Walk 131: Frithsden E Loop

Woodland, rolling hills, fairy doors and two pubs

4.9 miles (7.9km) and 600ft of ascent

Great Gaddesden footpath 67 crossing Nettleden Road (point 8)

This is the second walk in our collection that starts and finishes at The Alford Arms in the hamlet of Frithsden. The other, Walk 116: Frithsden NW Loop (5.9 miles), explores the countryside to the west, this one explores the footpaths and byways to the east. It’s a hilly walk, so be prepared for some serious ups and downs, but it’s worth it for the views.

Walk 130: Furneux Pelham N Loop

Wide paths, woodland, and open views 

7 miles (11.3km) - 310 ft of ascent

The bridleway between points 9 and 10

This is a great loop if you like walking along wide winding paths, passing through woodland, and crossing countryside with wide open views. There are two pubs, one soon after the start and the other just past the halfway point. 

There is one section approaching point 3 where the track can be waterlogged at a ford, but we were shown a short detour by a local walker which avoids the muddy bit and which we have incorporated into the walk.

Walk 129: Braughing NE Loop

Well-defined paths with open views

5.5mi (8.8km) and 360ft ascent

A footbridge over Braughing Bourne

A circular walk from the village of Braughing along the attractive Braughing Bourne, across open countryside with views on all sides, through shady woodland following winding footpaths, and along byways and bridleways. Towards the end children, dogs and adults have the chance for a paddle in a clear running river at a ford. There are two pubs in the village.