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.

Walk 91: The Wadesmill East Loop

Exploring the River Rib valley

5.5 miles (8.9 km)

The River Rib along Walk 91: The Wadesmill East Loop
Image by Hertfordshire Walker released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

An enjoyable undulating ramble through some wonderful Hertfordshire countryside following the valley of the River Rib through open fields, woodland, across a ford, and through parkland with magnificent trees.

Six routes on this site affected by footbridge closure

Major repairs required on popular route

The footbridge along Essendon footpath 16 crossing over Wildhill Brook

Image by North Mymms News released via Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0

Hertfordshire’s Countryside Management Service (CMS) says a well-used local footpath will be closed until further notice while a footbridge along the route is totally dismantled and rebuilt.

The work is expected to take at least six months. The public right of way features on six routes on this site. Signs are to be put up indicating the section to be closed.