Walk 187: Ickleford North Loop

6.3 miles (10.1 km) with 43m of total ascent

 

This is our third walk from Ickleford, this time exploring the countryside to the NW of the village following well-defined footpaths and bridleways over rolling countryside with excellent views. There is one short stretch along a main road, but it is along a pedestrian footpath and takes about five minutes. The walk starts outside The Plume of Feathers pub. There is a second pub, The Old George, a short detour from the start/finish point.

Walk 186: Cadwell Loop

4.8 miles (7.8 km) with 74m of total ascent

The lavender fields early July, image courtesy of Diana Taylor

This is a lovely walk in June and July because it passes the Hitchin lavender fields on public rights of way. The route follows bridleways and footpaths over undulating open countryside with wonderful views on all sides. There are two pubs at the start/finish point, another close to the halfway point, and a fourth accessed via a short detour when you are about three quarters of the way round. The starting point is 1.9 miles NW from Hitchin station by road.

Walk 155: Ickleford Loop

7.5 miles (12 km) with 58m of total ascent

Pirton footpath 5 between points 2 & 3

This walk is mainly flat, following well-defined paths across the rolling countryside of northwest Hertfordshire. The route crosses Toot Hill motte and bailey castle and shrunken medieval village at Pirton, passes three pubs, and is close to two more. We have marked a well-positioned bench at roughly the halfway mark which makes an ideal spot for a picnic.