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 with a 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 142: Nuthampstead South-West Loop

6.5 miles (10.5 km) with 110m of total ascent

Nuthampstead footpath 13 between points 10 & 11

This walk starts in Nuthampstead then heads S to the village of Anstey. The name Anstey apparently means a narrow, one-way footpath, and there will be plenty of these along the way. You then visit Barkway, which is listed in the Domesday book as Birchwig, meaning Birch Way. The village has a number of 15th and 16th century properties. The route passes three pubs.