Undulating countryside, woodland paths, disused railway
5.5 miles (8.8km)
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| The bridleway between points 4 and 5 below Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
This walk starts and finishes in the village of Ayot St Lawrence. It passes the former home of the late George Bernard Shaw at Shaw's Corner, before heading south to the Ayot Greenway, a path that follows the route of the old railway that used to run from Welwyn Garden City to Wheathampstead. It then turns north through Lamerwood, an area where rare breeds are being raised and cared for, before heading east back to the starting point.
You will follow paths through woodland, across open countryside, and walk along tree-lined tracks through a country estate.
You can park in the lane close to The Brocket Arms, which serves real ale and bar food. It also has a restaurant. Check opening times to avoid disappointment.
The route can be a bit muddy in parts after rain. There is one short section of quiet country lane at the start and finish, so take care because you will need to share this bit of road with vehicles.
Directions
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Map for Walk 94: Lamerwood Loop
Created on Map Hub by Hertfordshire Walker
Elements © Thunderforest © OpenStreetMap contributors
Note: There is a larger, more detailed map embedded at the end of these directions
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| The start of Wheathampstead bridleway 1 mentioned in point 2 below Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
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| Wheathampstead bridleway 11 with Stocking Springs Wood on the left Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
A path through the reserve runs parallel to the bridleway you are on, so you can take that route as an alternative and emerge at point 3 on the map. You will see the entrance to this detour path at the as you approach the woodland on your left.
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| The entrance to Ayot St Peter bridleway 16 Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
4: Turn right and follow Wheathampstead footpath 89 as it heads south-west towards Three Groves Wood. Follow the path round to the left as it leaves the wood and heads south.
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| Wheathampstead footpath 89 climbing up to Three Groves Wood Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
5: The footpath eventually meets an old railway bridge crossing Ayot Greenway. This is Sparrowhall Bridge. Just before the bridge turn right, and follow the path down to the route of the old railway (see image below) heading west along Ayot Greenway for almost 2km.
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| The footpath from Sparrowhall Bridge down to the Ayot Greenway Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
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| Ayot Greenway a route shared by walkers and cyclists Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
6: After 2km you will come to a track crossing your path. This is Wheathampstead BOAT 4 (byway open to all traffic). It’s also known as Sheepcote Lane. Ignore this path and continue for a further 70m with the woodland on your right until you see a footpath gate up to your right. Take this path, Wheathampstead footpath 63, and head north-west with the woodland on your right and fields on your left until you come to Codicot Road.
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| Wheathampstead footpath 63 from Ayot Greenway to Codicot Road Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
7: On the other side of Codicot Road you will see a white gate and a footpath sign (see image below). Cross the road and take this path, which is Wheathampstead footpath 39.
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| The entrance to Wheathampstead footpath 39 from Codicot Road Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
8: After 470m you will reach a footpath T-junction. Here you turn left on Wheathampstead footpath 38. As you walk along this path look to your right and you will see signs explaining what rare breeds are being raised on the land, along with guidance to walkers on how to behave in the presence of the animals. The land is home to a herd of Whitebred Shorthorn cattle, one of the rarest breeds in the UK. There is also a flock of around 200 Texel sheep grazing at certain times of the year.
9: The path you are on will eventually reach a gate (see image below). Here you turn right on Wheathampstead footpath 41 which heads north across the Lamer Estate.
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| The gate at the end of Wheathampstead footpath 38 Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
10: Continue along this footpath for 680m until you reach a footpath on your right (see image below). Take this path, which is Wheathampstead footpath 37, and head north-east.
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| The gate leading to Wheathampstead footpath 37 Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
This is a really nice tree-lined footpath which continues heading north-east for 830m through parkland before reaching a footpath junction.
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| Tree-lined Wheathampstead footpath 37 Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
11: At the footpath junction (see image below), turn right and head east along Kimpton footpath 13 for 230m.
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| The junction where Wheathampstead footpath 37 meets Kimpton footpath 13 Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
When you reach the point where a path heads off to your left, (see image below) you continue straight ahead, along what is now Wheathampstead footpath 99, until you meet Bride Hall Lane, where you turn left and head north retracing your steps back to the village of Ayot St Lawrence.
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| The junction where Kimpton footpath 13 becomes Wheathampstead footpath 99 Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 |
