Walk 229: Baldock NE Loop

7.4 miles (12 km) with 102m of ascent

The bridleway alongside Cat Ditch between points 14 & 15

This is an excellent walk for those who like wide open uninterrupted views across undulating countryside. For most of the way the route follows well-defined tracks, although there are a few sections where footpaths cross arable fields which might be tough going after ploughing and before the paths are reinstated.

Walk 228: Tring Long Loop

10.2 miles (16.5 km) with 210m of ascent

The route between points 26 & 27

This is a wonderful loop around the town of Tring. The route has a bit of everything. You will walk alongside canals, through woodland, climb to excellent view points, and follow quiet country lanes. The first quarter is flat, the second is almost all uphill, the third quarter is a mix of up and down, and the final leg is flat.

There is a pub at the start and finish point, one along the way, and two a short detour from the route. Those wanting to access this walk via public transport could catch the train to Tring Station, which is 300m from point 5 in the directions.

Walk 227: Great Hormead North-East Loop

5.5 miles (8.8 km) with 75m of total ascent

The footpath between points 4 & 5

This is an excellent walk, one which we both agreed is up there with the best in our growing collection. There are wide, open views across the north Hertfordshire countryside, a great pub at the start and finish point and another gem of a local a short detour from the halfway point. We saw a herd of wild deer, a flock of fieldfare, buzzards and kites, and we walked through a woodland carpeted with snowdrops. What was particularly noticeable was the silence. It is one of those Hertfordshire spots that is out of earshot of the main roads and motorways; it's like stepping back in time. The paths are clear and well-maintained throughout.

Walk 226: Knebworth to Welwyn North Linear

5.2 miles (8.4 km) with 110m of total ascent

The view approaching point 9 in the walk

This linear walk from Knebworth station to Welwyn North station crosses the A1(M) twice then weaves its way south-west then south-east to the outskirts of old Welwyn where you can take a short detour for refreshments at one of the many pubs, restaurants and coffee shops. Because of the proximity to the motorway you will be aware of the noise of traffic, particularly between points 3 & 5 and 12 & 17, but, if you can try to ignore the sound, the views are rewarding.

Walk 225: Rushden North Loop

4.4 miles (7 km) with 72m of total ascent

The bridleway 24 between points 5 & 6

This walk explores the countryside N of the village of Rushden following well-defined paths over rolling countryside. It includes stretches of woodland and some lane walking. There are opportunities for refreshments at a pub and at a garden centre cafe along the way. Signs have been erected along some stretches asking dog owners to keep their pets on a lead. The starting point for the walk is 5.3 miles SE from Baldock Station by road.

Walk 224: Ayot St Lawrence West Loop

4.4 miles (7 km) with 65m of total ascent

Kimpton footpath 11 between points 3 & 4

This is a really nice walk exploring a section of the countryside W of Ayot St Lawrence. The route crosses rolling countryside with some great views N following well-defined paths and bridleways. Regular users of our walks will notice that the route revisits rights of way we have used before, but this time walked in the opposite direction.

The route is possible thanks to a landowner allowing a permissive path to link two public rights of way so that walkers can avoid walking alongside a road. The walk starts and finishes at The Brocket Arms in Ayot St Lawrence then passes The Cross Keys at Gustard Wood two thirds of the way round. There is also the possibility of a short detour close to the halfway point to visit The Boot at Kimpton.

Walk 223: Sherrardspark Wood Loop

3.7 miles (5.9 km) with 79m of total ascent

One of the footpaths through Sherrardspark Wood

This is a lovely walk exploring Sherrardspark Wood, a 75-hectares site of ancient woodland within walking distance of Welwyn Garden Station. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Local Nature Reserve. There are many trails through the woodland making it a great place to just wander and explore. We have chosen some of the prettier paths and created a loop which we hope you enjoy.

Walk 222: Kimpton South-West Loop

5.3 miles (8.4km) with 105m of total ascent

Kimpton bridleway 5 after point 14

This walk explores the rolling countryside to the SW of Kimpton, offering wide, open views. You will cross two arable fields which, when we tested this walk in November, had not yet been reinstated after cultivation. The route also includes two lengths of lane walking where there are no pedestrian pavements, but both sections have grass verges where you can step to one side if traffic approaches, and both sections were quiet when we tested the route. The walk starts and finishes outside The Boot pub/restaurant on Kimpton High Street.

Walk 221: Patmore Heath East Loop

5.3 miles (8.5km) with 105m of total ascent

Bridleway approaching Farnham

This walk starts and finishes in the car park at Patmore Heath, a Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust nature reserve. It then heads E before crossing the Hertfordshire and Essex border then passing through the village of Farnham before looping back across rolling countryside offering some great views.

Walk 220: Stapleford North Loop

4.6 miles (7.4 km) with 85m of total ascent

Sacombe footpath 18 alongside the River Beane

For this walk we explored the countryside between a couple of existing routes in our collection in order to create a new loop. It involved walking along rights of way (ROW) we have not visited before, as well as revisiting some footpaths that we have featured in the past, but this time walked in reverse.

The result is a lovely route that has a bit of everything; woodland tracks, riverside paths, rolling countryside with great views, and the benefit of a short detour at the half-way point to Watton-at-Stone for those who want refreshments.

Walk 219: Furneux Pelham South Loop

5.1 miles (8.2 km) with 106m of total ascent

The footpath turning at point 10

This is a really lovely walk which we have added to our personal favourites list. It starts in the village of Furneux Pelham then passes through woodland and crosses arable fields before reaching the Patmore Heath nature reserve close to The Catherine Wheel pub/restaurant at Gravesend, Albury about a third of the way round. The countryside is undulating and there are great wide open views. The Brewery Tap pub restaurant at Furneux Pelham is close to the start/finish point.

The starting point for this walk is 5.2 miles ESE from Buntingford town centre by road. We didn't cross any livestock fields on this walk.