Top 10 Walks In Hertfordshire

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Hertfordshire, a picturesque county in southern England, is renowned for its blend of rolling countryside, charming villages, and historical landmarks, making it a haven for walkers. Located just north of London, Hertfordshire offers a perfect escape from urban life, with its tranquil woodlands, riverside paths, and scenic open spaces.

The county is steeped in history, dating back to Roman times, and is home to several significant sites, such as St Albans, one of England’s oldest cities, and the iconic Verulamium Park with its Roman ruins.

Hertfordshire’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, ranging from the serene chalk hills of the Chilterns to the peaceful waterways of the Grand Union Canal and River Lee. With a mix of gentle flat walks and more undulating terrain, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a casual stroller or an avid hiker.

The county also boasts a network of converted railway lines like the Alban Way and Nickey Line, perfect for those seeking easy yet scenic routes. With its combination of natural beauty and fascinating history, Hertfordshire offers a wealth of walking opportunities that are sure to inspire and delight visitors.

The Top 10 Walks In Hertfordshire

1. Ashridge Estate Boundary Trail

Start/End Point: Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre
Distance: Approximately 16 miles (25.7 km)
Terrain: Woodlands, open fields, gentle hills
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Bridgewater Monument

This circular trail encompasses the expansive Ashridge Estate, featuring ancient woodlands, rolling meadows, and the iconic Bridgewater Monument. The estate is also known for its bluebell displays in spring and roaming deer throughout the year.

2. Chess Valley Walk

Start Point: Rickmansworth
End Point: Chesham
Distance: 10 miles (16 km)
Terrain: Riverside paths, meadows, woodlands
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Notable Landmark: Latimer House

Following the River Chess, this scenic walk passes through picturesque villages, water meadows, and ancient woodlands, offering opportunities to spot kingfishers and water voles.

3. Ridgeway National Trail

Start Point: Ivinghoe Beacon
End Point: Overton Hill (Wiltshire)
Distance: 87 miles (139 km) in total; Hertfordshire section is approximately 6 miles (9.7 km)
Terrain: Chalk ridges, open countryside
Difficulty: Moderate
Notable Landmark: Ivinghoe Beacon

Often considered Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway offers panoramic views and a journey through ancient landscapes. The section starting at Ivinghoe Beacon provides expansive vistas over the Vale of Aylesbury.

4. Alban Way

Start Point: St Albans
End Point: Hatfield
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
Terrain: Disused railway line, urban parks
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: St Albans Cathedral

This flat, linear path follows a former railway, connecting the historic city of St Albans with Hatfield, passing through parks and green spaces, making it ideal for families and casual walkers.

5. Nickey Line

Start Point: Hemel Hempstead
End Point: Harpenden
Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km)
Terrain: Disused railway line, woodlands
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Redbourn Common

Another repurposed railway, the Nickey Line offers a peaceful route through woodlands and open countryside, with historical information boards along the way.

6. Ayot Greenway

Start Point: Welwyn Garden City
End Point: Wheathampstead
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Terrain: Disused railway line, woodlands
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Ayot St. Lawrence

This short, flat trail is perfect for a leisurely walk, passing through shaded woodlands and open fields, with the option to visit the picturesque village of Ayot St. Lawrence.

7. Hertfordshire Way

Start/End Point: Circular route around Hertfordshire
Distance: 194 miles (312 km) in total; can be broken into sections
Terrain: Varied – woodlands, farmlands, villages
Difficulty: Varies by section
Notable Landmark: Numerous, including historic towns and estates

This long-distance circular trail encircles the county, offering walkers a comprehensive tour of Hertfordshire’s diverse landscapes and heritage. Sections can be walked individually for shorter excursions.

8. Verulamium Park and Gorhambury Estate

Start/End Point: St Albans
Distance: Approximately 5 miles (8 km)
Terrain: Parkland, estate grounds
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Roman Theatre of Verulamium
Summary:

Combining history and nature, this walk explores the ancient Roman city of Verulamium, with its ruins and museum, before heading into the Gorhambury Estate with its stately home and landscaped grounds.

9. Tring Park

Start/End Point: Tring Park entrance
Distance: Various trails totaling up to 5 miles (8 km)
Terrain: Woodlands, open parkland
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Notable Landmark: Natural History Museum at Tring

Managed by the Woodland Trust, Tring Park offers a network of trails through ancient woodlands and open grasslands, with panoramic views over the Vale of Aylesbury.

10. Ebury Way

Start Point: Watford
End Point: Rickmansworth
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
Terrain: Disused railway line, canalside paths
Difficulty: Easy
Notable Landmark: Grand Union Canal

This short, flat walk follows a former railway line, crossing rivers and canals, with abundant wildlife and historical points of interest along the route.

Summary – Top 10 Walks in Hertfordshire

We hope you enjoy this list of walks and look forward to trying some of them out on your next visit to Hertfordshire. Why not take a look at other counties too when planning other trips.