Walk 97: Ware South-West Loop

Riverside walking and woodland paths

7 miles (11km)

The River Lea Navigation between points 17 and 2 in the directions below
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

A great walk for anyone who likes canals, barges, locks, quiet woodland paths, walking along the side of secluded rivers, and old Hertfordshire towns. Bird-watchers should take binoculars, because sightings of kingfishers have been reported between points 6 and 8. The walk starts and finishes in Ware, follows the River Ash north-east before heading through Easeye Wood and down to Stanstead Abbotts, and then along the River Lea Navigation back to Ware. There are plenty of opportunities for refreshments in both Ware and Stanstead Abbotts. If you are doing the walk before July 2020, please note there is a temporary diversion in place.

Walk 96: Hunsdon West Loop

Rivers, wide open views, and woodland

7 miles - (11 km)

The River Ash south-west of Wareside mentioned in point 10
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This is a great ramble if you want wide open views across the east Hertfordshire countryside. You will be walking along well-marked bridleways and footpaths, over farmland, through woodland, and by the side of rivers. The walk can be muddy in parts, especially where the route cuts across fields. The walk starts and finishes in the village of Hunsdon which is on a bus route. There are two pubs in the village - The Crown and The Fox & Hounds, - which serve food. There is also a village shop at the beginning of the route where you can buy refreshments.

Walk 95: Ware West Loop

Gentle walk along the banks of the River Lea Navigation

4 miles (6.4 km)

The stretch of the Hertfordshire Way between points 8 & 9 below
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This walk starts and finishes in Ware. It follows the River Lea (also known as Lee) Navigation tow path west to Hartham Common in Hertford, then loops back along the Hertfordshire Way. If you are interested in bird watching, you might want to take your binoculars because you pass King’s Meads, which, according to the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust is one of the largest water meadows in Hertfordshire, with 265 different species of wildflower and 119 bird species recorded. The return route passes the site of the former Coleman-Theobald Mill.

Walk 94: Lamerwood Loop

Undulating countryside, woodland paths, disused railway

5.5 miles (8.8km)

The bridleway between points 4 and 5 below
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This walk starts and finishes in the village of Ayot St Lawrence. It passes the former home of the late George Bernard Shaw at Shaw's Corner, before heading south to the Ayot Greenway, a path that follows the route of the old railway that used to run from Welwyn Garden City to Wheathampstead. It then turns north through Lamerwood, an area where rare breeds are being raised and cared for, before heading east back to the starting point.

Walk 93: Grotto Wood Loop

Track along disused railway, historic woodland to explore

4.25 miles (6.85 km)

The Cole Green Way - route of a disused railway track
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This is an easy walk along the disused Hertford to Welwyn Junction railway track and through some undulating farmland. You pass a lake surrounded by rushes - birdwatchers should take their binoculars. And you can explore the Historic England scheduled monument, the Baroque gardens at Grotto Wood. There are some muddy stretches, so good footwear and a walking stick are recommended.

Walk 92: Much Hadham South Loop

Rolling hills, quiet valleys, and woodland paths

5 miles (8km)

The path through Mill Wood at point 3 on Walk 92: Much Hadham South Loop
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

This is an undulating walk through some open countryside, woodland and along a river. At one point you cross the dismantled Buntingford branch line. The walk starts and finishes in the village of Much Hadham. Refreshments can be taken at The Bull, or Hopleys Cafe. Best check for opening times.