Walk 261: Essendon Short Loop

2.3 miles (3.7 km) with 53m of total ascent

Essendon footpath 13

This short walk from the village of Essendon has been added to the collection following requests in our Hertfordshire Walker Facebook group for more walks that are less than three miles long. It is one of several routes that start and finish in Essendon, and it follows paths that feature in some of our other walks but walked in a different direction and combination.

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 53: Essendon East Loop

6.5 miles (10.5 km) with 194m total ascent

The stile at point 8 in the walk

This walk from Essendon heads to Howe Green then on to Bayford before passing Little Berkhamsted then looping back to Essendon. The route crosses Essendon golf course twice and includes a fair amount of up and down. There are two pubs along the way.

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 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 20: Essendon Loop

3.7 miles (6 km) with 106m total ascent

Little Berkhamsted bridleway 19 mentioned at point 13

This walk explores the rolling countryside east of Essendon then loops through Little Berkhamsted where there are two options for refreshments. You will cross Essendon golf course twice, walking across four fairways. Although short you will climb the equivalent of a 35-storey building.

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.

Walk 9: The Howe Green Loop

3 miles (4.9 km) with 77m total ascent

A lake on the edge of the golf course just before point 4

This walk is rich in variety, with a good downhill stretch for striding out, a steady climb back up to Essendon and, halfway round, the hamlet of Howe Green. You cross the golf course twice and pass a quarry, but don't be put off, the views are spectacular and the flora, particularly near the quarry, is rich.