Walk 115: Hertfordshire Marathon Loop

Marathon-length circular ideal for charity fundraisers

26 miles (41.8km)

Rolling fields along part of the Hertfordshire Marathon Loop

Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

We created this walk following a request from friends who asked us to create a 26-mile circular walk through the Hertfordshire countryside which they could use to raise funds for the National Autistic Society  They wanted a marathon-length circular walk along footpaths, bridleways, byways and lanes. The Hertfordshire Marathon Loop is designed for anyone who wants to walk a marathon in aid of charity.

Walk 114: Little Offley Loop

Great views, good tracks, rolling countryside

4.4 miles (7.1 km) - 105m of ascent

The view just before point 2 in the directions below
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This walk starts with a steady climb along a track that runs along the border between NW Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. As you climb you will pass Deacon Hill a site of special scientific interest on your right and then, when you reach the Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit nature reserve, also on your right, you will then turn left staying in Hertfordshire. There is a permissive path out of the car park if you want to explore Deacon Hill after the walk. We have added a detour, in orange, for those with enough energy to take on this extra 1.5 miles at the end of the walk.

Walk 113: Aldbury East Loop

Shaded woodland walking

3.3 miles (5.3 km) - 105m of ascent

This walk starts and ends in the village of Aldbury. The beginning of the walk involves a steep climb and there is a steep descent at the end. The route goes through the Ashridge Estate, a 5,000 acre National Trust property. The route passes the Bridgewater Monument. It's a shaded walk, mostly through woodland on bridleways and footpaths.

Walk 112: Sarratt West Loop

Stunning countryside along the River Chess

5.2 miles (8.3 km) - 130m of ascent

The River Chess from the Chess Valley Walk
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

A lovely walk from the village of Sarratt down to the River Chess then following the river NW and up through woodland taking in parts of The Chiltern Way and The Chess Valley Walk. There is a lot of up and down, so this walk is not for those unable to negotiate steep hills. There are two pubs in Sarratt close to the start/finish point, The Boot and The Cricketers, both serving food, and there is another pub along the way, The Cock Inn, which also serves food.

Walk 111: Gustard Wood E Loop

Parkland, woodland, and two pubs

4.3 miles (7 km) - 40m of ascent

The bridleway between points 1 and 2 belowImage by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

A figure of eight walk from Ayot St Lawrence to Gustard Wood and back crossing parkland, farmland and woodland. The route is mainly flat with good paths along the way. There is a pub at the start and finish point and one at the halfway point. The route passes two historic churches and Shaw's Corner, the home of the late George Bernard Shaw.

Walk 110: Willows Lakes

Lakes, birdlife, wildflowers and butterflies

4.5 miles (7 km) 50m of ascent

This is a perfect walk for people who are interested in birdwatching and enjoy native wildflowers. It follows the River Colne and meanders around the surrounding lakes - some created in abandoned quarries. There are still some quarries being excavated, and you will cross a conveyor belt as work continues, but others are now beautiful lakes edged with rushes and banks laden with wildflowers.

If you are a birdwatcher take binoculars because you are in for a treat. And there are loads of butterflies in the summer months. We have marked the maps with the best birdwatching spots with blue camera icons.

Walk 109: Aldenham Loop

Farmland, parkland, and a river valley

4.7 miles (7.5 km)

A circular route in the Colne valley to the north of Aldenham taking in some old byways through farmland, paths through parkland, and a stretch alongside the River Colne with opportunities for dogs and children to paddle.