Walk 115: Hertfordshire Marathon Loop

26 miles (41.8km) with 530m of total ascent

Rolling fields along part of the Hertfordshire Marathon Loop

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. This walk can be started and finished at any point along the way, and we have routed it past both Brookmans Park Station and Welham Green Station for those wanting to reach the start point by train.

Walk 72: Essendon to North Mymms Linear

7.8 miles (12.5 km) with 158m of total ascent

The bridleway between points 4 and 5

This walk starts in the village of Essendon, drops down to the Lea Valley, follows the Lea Valley Walk W for about a mile before heading S through the rolling countryside between Essendon, West End, Wildhill, and Bell Bar. There are two end options, Brookmans Park Station or Welham Green Station.

Walk 67: Kentish Lane Loop

10 miles (16 km) with 252m total ascent

Bridleway 10 often a blaze of wild rose in June

A circular walk enjoying the secluded paths and woodlands of the undulating countryside between Essendon, Howe Green, Little Berkhamsted, Epping Green, and Wildhill. The walk passes four pubs. It can be muddy in places after rain. The route crosses a golf course.

Walk 50: Bayford - North Mymms Linear

8.6 miles (13.8 km) with 224m total ascent

Bayford Wood

A linear walk from Bayford station going through Bayford, across fields and through woodland to Howe Green, over the golf course to Essendon, via West End, down to Wildhill via a secluded byway, and west over the fields via Bell Bar to Brookmans Park or Welham Green.

Walk 37: Three Ridges Loop

9 miles (14.5 km) with 220m total ascent

Pond between points 2 & 3

This walk connects several of our earlier walks by adding one short path near Epping Green. The route crosses three ridges with excellent views and follows well-defined tracks most of the way. It can be hilly along the way with seven pubs either on the route or a short detour off it.

Walk 36: Lea Valley Long Loop

4.4 miles (7 km) with 101m total ascent

Essendon footpath 13 approaching the end of the walk

A pleasant circular that includes parts of a couple of shorter walks on this site, including Walk 5: The River Lea Loop, hence the name 'long' because it's longer than the original walk. The walk starts and ends at The Candlestick, West End, and includes a stretch of a bridleway along the Lea Valley before returning via the outskirts of Essendon.

Walk 34: Essendon South Loop

6 miles (9.6 km) with 186m total ascent

The ridge between point 7 and 8

This walk is a combination of two of our shorter walks which links the paths around Wildhill to those north-east of Little Berkhamsted. You might get muddy if you are walking after rain because there are two paths along the way that can get churned up. There are some nice views between points 7 and 8.

Walk 33: West End Double Loop

4.6 miles (7.3 km) with 112m total ascent

 

This walk combines parts of two existing shorter walks on this site to make a new figure of eight with the option of refreshments at The Candlestick at the start and finish.

Walk 23: Hatfield-Wildhill-Brookmans Park

8.5 miles (13.7 km) with 182m total ascent

 

A station-to-station linear walk from Hatfield station, along the Lea Valley and over to West End, Essendon and then via Wildhill to Brookmans Park. Ideal if you want to leave the car at home and have a few pints along the way. The route can be muddy in places after rain. Some gentle hill climbing involved.

We have archived this walk becaue the crossing of the A414 dual carriageway at point 6 has become too dangerous. Sorry about that. Please choose another walk from the 290+ that are free to download. Thanks.

Walk 15: Wildhill West End Loop

4 miles (6.4 km) with 116m total ascent

The view looking SW from point 21

This figure-of-eight route starts from The Woodman at Wildhill. You will pass The Candlestick at West End about a third of the way round. There are some lovely sections through woodland and alongside brooks. There is a stretch of lane walking, but it's a quiet lane with little traffic and there are grass verges where you can step to one side if vehicles approach.

Walk 13: The Candlestick Loop

4.1 miles (6.6 km) with 110m total ascent

 

An undulating walk from The Candlestick pub/restaurant at West End down to the River Lea then over to Essendon and back. The route offers wide, open views north over the River Lea valley. There is quite a bit of up and down and there is a short stretch of a quiet country lane. The starting point is 3.5 miles NE of Welham Green Station by road.

Walk 11: West End Loop

6.1 miles (9.8 km) with 215m total ascent

Essendon footpath 13 at the start of the walk

This undulating walk along footpaths, byways and quiet lanes taking in woodland, rivers, and open spaces involves a lot of up and down with a total elevation gain of almost 400ft. The route involves 1.4km of lane walking, but there are options to step aside on the grass verge in the case of traffic.

Walk 5: The River Lea Loop

3 miles (4.9 km) with 63m total ascent

The bridleway heading E between points 4 & 5

This is a fairly short walk along bridleways, footpaths, and country lanes down to the banks of the River Lea and back up to West End near Essendon. It offers open views north across the Hertfordshire countryside and has the benefit of beginning and ending at The Candlestick pub/restaurant.