Walk 74: North Mymms NE Loop

Parkland, woodland, footpaths, fields and views

3.5 mi (5.7 km)

The path from St Mary's Church across North Mymms Park to Tollgate Road
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

A circular walk from St Mary's Church, North Mymms through North Mymms Park and over to Welham Green via the old Dellsome Lane. Then dropping south over the fields to Water End and back to North Mymms parish church.

Walk 73: Hatfield to North Mymms Linear NW

An old railway track, open common land, and swallow holes

7.5 miles (12 km)

The path leading up to Redwell Wood
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

The walk starts outside the Galleria in Hatfield and heads south along the route of the old railway branch-line from Hatfield to St Albans. You will pass the restored station of Nast Hyde Halt, walk for almost two miles down a tree-lined byway, cross Colney Heath common, then climb the hill over to North Mymms across Potwell Valley with its meadows and swallow holes. Eventually you drop down to Water End and cross the swallow holes. At that point the route splits for those returning to Brookmans Park and Welham Green.

Walk 72: Essendon to North Mymms Linear NW

An undulating walk through woodland and farmland 

8.2 miles (13.2 km) to Brookmans Park
7.6 miles (12.3 km) to Welham Green

The path heading south from Green Street leading to Wildhill Road
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This walk starts in the village of Essendon, drops down to the Lea Valley, follows the Lea Valley Walk west for about a mile before heading south through the rolling countryside between Essendon, West End, Wildhill, and Bell Bar. The route crosses several fields where the path has been cut through the crops. This can result in walkers getting wet after rain or in the early morning, especially when walking through rape fields. So waterproof boots and trousers are recommended.

Walk 71: Brookmans Park Linear NE

Welham Green to Brookmans Park via Bell Bar

3.7 miles (6 km)

This walk starts in Welham Green and follows old footpaths and lanes to Bell Bar, once a busy stopping point for horse-drawn stage coaches travelling between London and the north. It then continues to Brookmans Park village via Gobions Open Space and Gobions Pond. The route covers approximately a quarter of a much longer walk on this site, the 12-mile North Mymms Way. The start and finish points can be reached by bus or train.

Walk 70: Brookmans Park Linear NW

Good views over North Mymms from the north

4 miles (6.45 km)

Poppies in the field described in point 5 below
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This walks starts at Welham Green station, climbs to a trig point with excellent views to the south and west, drops down to follow the route of the old Dellsome Lane, now reduced to a footpath, passes North Mymms Park, and returns to Brookmans Park via the swallow holes at Water End. The route covers part of a much longer walk on this site, the 12-mile North Mymms Way. The start and finish points can be reached by bus or train.

Walk 69: Brookmans Park Linear SE

Potters Bar to Brookmans Park via golf course and Gobions Wood

3.54 miles (5.70 km)

Yellow flag and water lillies on Gobions Pond towards the end of the walk
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This is our second linear walk from Potters Bar station to Brookmans Park station. The first, Walk 68, returned via the west side of the railway track skirting both Furzefield Wood and Brick Kiln Wood. This walk returns via the east side of the railway track, crosses the Potters Bar golf course, and passes through Gobions Wood. On the way across the golf course you will come across two WWII pillboxes. The route covers part of a much longer walk on this site, the 12-mile North Mymms Way. The journey between the start and finish points can be by train or by catching the 610 bus.

Walk 68: Brookmans Park Linear SW

Potters Bar to Brookmans Park via Furzefield Wood and Wise's Lane

3.23 miles (5.20 km)

Footpath 15 as it runs west along the north side of Potters Bar Brook towards Warrengate Farm
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

A walk from Potters Bar station to Brookmans Park station. The route takes in Furzefield Wood and Brick Kiln Wood. The journey between start and finish points can be by train or by catching the 610 bus. The walk starts along the edge of the railway, and cuts through an industrial estate before passing through open countryside.

Walk 67: Kentish Lane Loop

Secluded paths, deep woodland, wild roses in June

10.0 miles (16.1 km)

Bridleway 10 just after point 4 in our directions below, often a blaze of wild rose in June
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

A circular walk enjoying the secluded paths and woodlands of the undulating countryside surrounding the B158 between Essendon and Wildhill. The walk passes by four local pubs, so there are several options for refreshments. It can be muddy in places after rain.

Walk 66: Danemead Loop

A medieval moated enclosure and Roman road

3.23 miles (5.20 km)

The information board outside Danesmere Nature Reserve
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This walk starts and finishes at the Danemead Nature Reserve car park, and passes through woodland steeped in history. Visit the site of a medieval park keeper's lodge surrounded by earthworks and close to the site of an old castle. The route also involves part of a Roman road called Ermine Street, and a short stretch of lane walking. Take refreshments because there are no pubs or shops on the route. The route can be muddy after rain, so waterproof boots are recommended.

Walk 65: Mimmshall Brook Loop

A haunted bridge, a short hill climb, and wide, open views

8.5 miles (13.6 km)

The path from North Mymms to South Mimms as it passes Cangsley Grove on the left
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This walks retraces parts of the route of a Victorian ramble through North Mymms written in 1893. We've adapted it considerably, and have chosen public footpaths to avoid main roads. Along the route your will come across a rural bridge over Mimmshall Brook, said to be haunted by the ghosts of Dick Turpin, a local witch, and a swarm of 'repulsive' black flies. But don't worry, we didn't see a thing when we visited.