5.1 miles (8.2km) 115m of total ascent
![]() |
The path between points 1 and 2 |
A regular user of Hertfordshire Walker has reported that one of the footpaths along this route has been blocked and others are overgrown. We have spoken to Hertfordshire County Council who are looking into the matter. Until it is resolved and we know that the path is open we suggest you find another route. We will update this page when we know more.
Directions
![]() |
Map for Walk 133: Ridge West Loop Created on Map Hub by Hertfordshire Walker Elements © Thunderforest © OpenStreetMap contributors There is an interactive map below these directions |
![]() |
The church in Ridge at the start of the walk |
![]() |
The footpath at the start of the walk |
![]() |
At the junction take Ridge footpath 21 NW across the field |
Cross Mimms Lane and continue on Ridge footpath 21 through woodland until you reach a footpath junction just before the path reaches Packhorse Lane (location - https://w3w.co/hooks.slips.blues), see image below.
![]() |
Turn left on Ridge footpath 20 just before you reach Packhorse Lane |
Take the right fork down to a footbridge 5m to your right (location - https://w3w.co/stem.smiled.pipes), see image below.
![]() |
The footbridge over Catharine Bourne |
3: Turn right on Shenley BOAT 33 (byway open to all traffic) and head N for 240m until you reach Rectory Lane (location - https://w3w.co/apply.labels.slurs).
Turn left on Rectory Lane and head W for 10m looking out for a footpath on your right (location - https://w3w.co/admit.anyway.healthier).
![]() |
Shenley footpath 25 heading NW off Rectory Lane |
According to the National Trust, the white flowers are the result of “a genetic mutation”. The trust says the proportion of blue to white flowered bluebells in the UK is 10,000 : 1.
![]() |
White bluebells N of point 3 on the route |
Continuing until you reach a footpath junction (location - https://w3w.co/indeed.recall.fees).
* Football fans might be interested to know that you are now close to the training grounds for Arsenal and Watford football clubs.
4: Turn left on Shenley footpath 26 and head SW for 500m to a junction (location - https://w3w.co/tent.tribune.baked). At this point the track becomes Shenley bridleway 13, also the Watling Chase Trail along this stretch, and continues SW for 430m to another junction (location - https://w3w.co/certified.worked.foal).
5: Turn left on Shenley footpath 29 and head SSE for 150m to another junction (location - https://w3w.co/yoga.pages.cigar), see image below.
![]() |
The left turn from Shenley footpath 29 to footpath 30 |
Continue now heading SE 510m until you come to a white-topped post, see image below (location - https://w3w.co/could.transfers.baked).
Ignoring a path off to your left, continue following the main track (in the direction of the yellow arrow below) to the trees ahead (location - https://w3w.co/retail.matter.long) and on up the hill.
![]() |
Ignore the path to the left but continue on the track to the left of the tree |
At this point Shenley footpath 30 ends but you continue on the track which is now Shenley footpath 21 and continue heading SSE for 480m until you reach Rectory Lane (location - https://w3w.co/energetic.tides.guitar).
7: Take the footpath opposite, Shenley footpath 18, which you follow SSE for 510m, with the hedgerow on your left and the field on your right, until you reach Mimms Lane (location - https://w3w.co/boss.rarely.grants).
8: When you reach Mimms Lane, take the footpath directly opposite, still Shenley footpath 18.
* At this point the official right of way crosses the crop. When we tested this walk the field had recently been planted, the crop was growing, and the path had not been reinstated. So, rather than trample the crop, we chose to walk round the edge of the field. We were not alone, other walkers were taking the same route and the detour looked well trodden.
To take this detour, turn left as soon as you enter Shenley footpath 18 and, with the hedge on your left and the field on your right head ENE for 40m, then bend right (location - https://w3w.co/lawn.text.twice) and head SE for 130m before bending right again (location - https://w3w.co/insist.gangs.translated) and then heading SSE for 120m with the hedgerow on your left and the field on your right until you reach the SE corner of the field by an old tree (location - https://w3w.co/traded.reform.angel).
9: Turn left at the tree and, immediately after, take the right-hand fork, Shenley footpath 20, see image below, and follow it heading ESE and uphill for 340m to a footpath junction (location - https://w3w.co/evenly.fuel.spends).
![]() |
Take the right-hand fork and follow Shenley footpath 20 ESE uphill |
Great walk which I have done twice, however when I went this week the first few sections (after the crop fields) are very overgrown and long sleeves and trousers are a must!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicola,
DeleteThanks for the update. Yes, we have been battling overgrown paths the last few weeks. When crops are overgrown we get wet and when we find overgrown paths we battle nettles and brambles. We have added secateurs and antihistamine cream to our bag so we are better able to cope with brambles and nettles. In fact we have had to re-route a couple of the latest walks because the paths were so overgrown. So good advice, thanks, long sleeves and trousers are recommended. Stupidly I usually walk in shorts so end up nettled and scarred.
David
We did this walk again today and enjoyed it but last year the first field was a beautiful yellow with rapeseed. They must have planted a different crop this year. Not overgrown yet along the route.
ReplyDeleteWe really enjoyed that walk too. You have reminded me that we must revisit it. Glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteDavid
Hi David long time since I’d done this walk 🤣😂 just for your information the field from point 1-2 and 10-1 has been ploughed right up to hedge, so even walking round edge of field heavy going . I know you have mentioned before . Still enjoyed walk and watched model helicopters half way round . Thanks . Ian R .
ReplyDeleteHi Ian, thanks for the feedback. Would you have time to report the ploughed up path to the HCC ROW team? Here is the link. https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/highways-roads-and-pavements/report-a-problem/report-a-highway-fault/public-rights-of-way/public-rights-of-way.aspx
DeleteI hope it didn't spoil your day.
David
Hi David sorry I’m ahead of you there sorted. Also mentioned about a fallen tree blocking footpath Shenley Footpath 23a at clouds.flames.leads (what3words)
ReplyDeleteWonderful, thanks
DeleteJust reported the blockage of footpath 21 by crops between points 1 and 2 - path completely gone
ReplyDeleteThanks for reporting this. David
DeleteAre there any further updates on the blocked pathway as we were planning on doing this walk next weekend?
ReplyDeleteMany thanks
Kris
Hi Kris, Hertfordshire County Council has not updated me re the dispute over the public right of way, so I guess there is no change. Better to choose a different walk. Davis
DeleteOkay. That's a shame. Many thanks
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a real pity, but I have emailed the rights of way officer for the area to ask for an update. Hopefully there will be some good news soon. David
Delete