All-ability trails - three accessible routes starting near the visitor centre. .Most the the trails are flat and where there is uneven ground, there is usually some form of small bridge to level it out. It starts at The Black Horse Public House in Hertford, goes along The Cole Green Way to the The Cowper Arms, Cole Green, then returns the same way. Walk: 2.4km wheelchair walk on Eastern reservoir. Wiltshire came in at number six with 50 accessible walks, with 17 walks suitable for wheelchairs and 33 for buggies. Learn how your comment data is processed. It's quite a strenuous walk and it's quite exposed to any adverse weather conditions, so please go adequately prepared for your journey. It might not offer a lot more in terms of extra distance, but the extension adds a walk over Barrow Hill with some nice views and a stroll along the winding River Ash making it a more varied and pretty option. Picturesque spots in Wiltshire include Drews Pond Wood, Avebury, Cherhill Down and Silbury Hill. Hertfordshire Walks Hertfordshire is a beautiful county that offers some of the most fascinating and picturesque walks in the country, from the rolling Chiltern Hills in the West, to the peaceful rural countryside in the north and the great market towns, pretty villages, dramatic woodlands and glorious canals throughout. You can start in Harpenden at the top of Hollybush Lane right by the bridge over the railway tracks. Northaw Great Wood in Hertfordshire is nearly 300 acres of beautiful ancient woodland that was once part of a Norman forest. The highlight for the kids was being able to walk through the large field of Longhorn cattle (watch out for the many cowpats!). journal of analytical psychology buggy friendly walks hertfordshire. Refreshments: The Spotted Dog, Flamsted The Swan, Markyate, Flamstead4 milesThis third route option is basically an extension to the first walk that heads out into the countryside to the south of Flamstead. Family walks make great family days out. It is run by the Woodland Trust and at over 850 acres it is the largest uninterrupted woodland area in England making it one of the best Hertfordshire forest walks. You still climb up into the beautiful Ashridge Estate, but this option takes you deeper into the majestic woodlands here and you'll enjoy a walk along the impressive Prince's Riding avenue of trees. This has a firm surface and is suitable for families with buggies, wheelchair users and those less mobile." Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. This nature reserve is a mix of woodland, ponds and open meadowland. Manual push wheelchair for hire, free of charge, bookable in advance. This option also has the added benefit of visiting both pubs in the village in the last stretch of the walk as you head back to the start through Upper Tewin. There are several informal parking areas the best spot is on Winding Shott (see map below) if you fancy a short walk, or for a longer hike you can park in one of the villages and create a circular walk going between the villages. It is run by the Woodland Trust and at over 850 acres it is the largest uninterrupted woodland area in England making it one of the best Hertfordshire forest walks. Refreshments: The Green Dragon, Flaunden, Hertfordshire. Stapleford4 milesThis second route option is a longer circular route for those of you with a bit more time to explore this delightful area of Hertfordshire countryside. However, after that the walk gets more fun with a deep excursion into the Broxbourne Woods and then a nice undulating countryside walk back to Goffs Oak along the Hertfordshire Way. You can park on the side of the road here or try the Hexton Road car park (SG5 3BP) which has space for about 4 cars. If you are looking for a Hertfordshire park walk where there are also lots of other activities for kids, Verulamium Park in St Albans is well worth a visit. There is also a small play area in the centre of The Heath, so great for buggy walks. Heartwood Forest is also great if youre looking for buggy friendly walks in Hertfordshire. For each walk we have given ideas of family-friendly things to do nearby in case you are looking for family days out in Hertfordshire. There is a lovely storyboard telling the story of Heartwood Forest which you should try to read before you start out on your walk if you can. As with all of our routes from Aldbury, there is a lovely pub in the village to enjoy! Theres a few elements hinting to Gobions history as an 18th century pleasure garden including a folly arch and huge ornamental cedar trees. Refreshments: The Boot, Dane End, Dane End4.25 milesThis third route option again heads into the countryside to the north of Dane End, but this walk goes a bit further out for those of you that want to stretch your legs a bit more. In essence, it's the fourth walk and the first walk added together to give you one big long walk to enjoy. . It is also a popular cycle track and great for kids on bikes as there is no traffic. Refreshments: Rose & Crown, Essendon Five Horseshoes, Little Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, Flamstead2.75 milesThis is a nice and simple family-friendly short pub walk in the countryside to the south of Flamstead. The regional Cycle Route 12, known as the Tudor Trail, runs from Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place in Kent. This walk is much longer and basically takes you on a large loop through the Hertfordshire countryside and woodlands that you'll find between Datchworth and Watton at Stone. There's a fair amount of climbing involved as half way around the walk you will descend down into the River Gade valley to visit the village of Great Gaddesden and stroll alongside the river. Refreshments: The Red Lion, Breachwood Green The Bright Star, Peter's Green, Breachwood Green7.5 milesThis final route option is an epic adventure in the lovely undulating Hertfordshire countryside to the north of the village of Breachwood Green. The extra distance takes you through some more arable farmland and walks along part of the Hertfordshire Way, so it doesn't add much variety. To achieve this it takes you further to the east, over the hill and touches into the small village of Hare Street, before heading back over the same hill towards Buntingford. If youre looking for circular walks in Hertfordshire, theres also a decent 3.5 kilometre walk along farm tracks and quiet roads which takes visitors just outside of the village centre towards Bramfield Woods its a lovely circular route in late spring and early summer when the hedgerows are alive with wildlife and there are countless wild flowers carpeting the verges as well as a couple of small bluebell woods. We have got to know our local area pretty well over the last year, trying out new family-friendly walks in Hertfordshire, and have discovered some real gems. This little village between Hertford and Stevenage offers various walks taking in stretches of new woodland and pathways along the River Beane. Super long stretches of promenade to walk along. Expect lovely views, peace & fresh air, lots of horses roaming around and a little detour to a truly wonderful country pub towards the start of the route. Thanks for sharing! In the summer there is a fantastic splash park and usually an ice cream truck hanging around. The extra distance offers a lot more open countryside walking along the peaceful Chiltern Way and the Hertfordshire Way, for plenty of fresh air and exercise. The track is usually quite muddy at its lowest point but I have managed to push a buggy across it on numerous occasions (it might be impassable with a buggy after particularly heavy rain). Seating available along paths. This area is all managed by the Woodhall Estate. However, this route also offers a slightly longer venture out into the arable farmland and countryside to the east of Buntingford. You'll then climb again back up into the countryside to the north of the village to visit the All Saints church before descending back down the hill towards your post-walk reward at the pub marked on the map. Learn how your comment data is processed. 1 - Hardwick Park as recommended by Eden Markl. The park has lovely, wide open spaces which are great if you want to bring along some sporting equipment. Refreshments: The White Horse, Burnham Green, Burnham Green5.75 milesThis final route is basically an extension of the third adventure walk for those of you that want a bit more distance in your walk. From the common, the lane slopes steeply downhill to meet Church Lane where you can retrace your steps through the churchyard back to the community centre. Stackpole, Pembrokeshire. Even on a dull day the views are pretty spectacular. Do you have any favourite walks in Hertfordshire? The link below has a map and full details. 2h 17m. There is also a pub in the village if you want some post-walk refreshments. Buggy-friendly walks around Surrey. Length: approx 3.5kmFeatures: beautiful spring flowers, far reaching views over the countryside, woodland to explore.Terrain: aside from a slightly muddy area (which I managed to get my buggy through) youll be walking mostly on farm tracks and quiet lanes.Refreshments: The Bull in Watton is family friendly, theres a good sized garden with a small play area and they do a decent Sunday roast. Facilities include car parking, picnic tables, a duck pond, toilets, an easy access pathway and play equipment" - from theBorough of Broxbourne Council website, Berkhamsted Waterways Walk - "Three circular walks from 2 to 6 miles including an easy access route. Refreshments: The Spotted Dog, Flamsted, Flamstead8 milesThis final route option from Flamstead is an epic circular adventure in the pretty Hertfordshire countryside to the west of the village. The circular walk from the car park takes visitors through woods to the open heath area and then on down to the river. The first of our routes is a very short stroll into the Beeches and around the golf course area of the woodlands. Theres a choice of tent pitches, ready tents and glamping. Comb's Wood1.75 milesComb's Wood is a little hidden gem, deep in the Hertfordshire countryside, and this first route is a short and mildly hilly stroll that all of the family can enjoy. Up early with the kids and wondering what to do? Some say it was planted by Elizabeth I. Most of the paths are well maintained which means they are wheelchair accessible. If Im walking quickly I can do this walk in about 45 minutes. Expect a nice peaceful 'off the beaten track' walk in the woods and some nice views. Hatfield House Park & Gardens: A Grand Day Out - See 1,309 traveler reviews, 1,062 candid photos, and great deals for Hatfield, UK, at Tripadvisor. The estate is brilliant for walking, cycling and horse riding. Let me know if you've tried any of these. Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9km) Time: 45 minutes Walking route on Google Maps: Bowness-on-Windermere - Ferry Nab - Cockshott Point - Bowness Bay. It's mainly made up of some walking around arable farmland and stretch of walking along a tree-lined path. There are also walking loops off the Nickey Line that take you to Rothampsted Park and Rothampsted Estate if you prefer more of a circular walk. Of course, with every down there must come an up, so the second half of the walk takes you back up the hill towards Burnham Green where you can enjoy the lovely pub after your efforts. The wonderful countryside of Sussex should be available to everyone, so we've selected a few accessible walks in Sussex below, with paths suitable for wheelchairs, buggies and mobility vehicles. Scratchwood Open Space. In this article Ive detailed nearby pubs for most of these walks but for more choice, check out my article on the best pubs for families in Hertfordshire. The walk starts in Hartham Common and follows the River Lea (or Lee). 5. Toilet: Accessible toilets adjacent to the car park and in the visitor centre. p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); After a few hundred metres, youll cross a railway bridge, from here take the left hand fork in the lane. You can download the iPhone version here and the Android version here. Another great route linking two Hertfordshire towns, the Alban Way runs from St Albans to Hatfield. Pram Friendly Canal Walk | Saltaire Wareside3.75 milesThis is a lovely circular and relatively flat ramble in the countryside to the north east of the village of Wareside. The walk doesn't visit the village of Green End, but instead descends through Graves Wood to take you on a walk along The Old Bourne track and a long the valley. You do have to pay to visit the reserve if you're not an RSPB member. As well as the woodlands to enjoy, theres a lake to walk around with hides from which to watch the birds. Hi Helen, thanks for getting in touch. Thameslink and Great Northern, in partnership with AllTrails, have pulled together this fun list of family-friendly walks in Hertfordshire - all within a mile of our stations. If youre keen to combine a walk and a village pub lunch, I have put together an article on the best family friendly pubs in Hertfordshire. It's similar in distance, but this option spends more time in the countryside and less time in the town of Buntingford itself than the third route. Theres also a decent cafe, Crumbs, and a second pub, the George and Dragon, further up the High Street. Buggy friendly walk (with the exception of the Hobbit Village which is built on a steep slope) Dog-friendly walk Chargeable car parking at Pollok House (G43 1AT). You can book a place in advance so that we know you are coming and can let you know if anything changes. s.async = true; The local land owner has also created a walk through the Lammas which is signposted. Should you click to purchase, I will make a small commission at no cost to you which goes towards the running of this blog. For more family friendly pub ideas, check out my post about pubs in Hertfordshire.Parking and transport: There is parking at the Nigel Poulton Community Centre (postcode SG14 3SF) or the High Street (check restrictions on weekdays), otherwise there is free parking at the train station (SG14 2RJ). In this article Ive put together a mix of places to walk in Hertfordshire woodland walks, river walks and circular walks in Hertfordshire. There is a small free car park just off Thieves Lane (with a 2m height barrier). The youngest member of our team had no trouble believing that these outlets were goblin towers, especially when the train drove through the tunnels sending haunting sounds and winds into the surrounding forest. 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The walk is a simple loop with some open countryside, a bit of woodland walking, a visit to the pretty church at the start point and a nice pub for lunch towards the end of the walk. Heartwood Forest is the largest continuous new native forest in England, covering 860 acres and containing over 600,000 newly planted trees. As well as the extra distance, this version of the walk also has a bit of a hill climb to tackle, so it's the choice for you if you want more exercise on your walk. It is best for slightly older children (our 5 and 6 year olds were fine). This is one of the best parks in Hertfordshire if you fancy a decent stroll with the kids. These very different landscapes each support a rich variety of wildlife, including carpets of bluebells in spring, rare butterflies in summer and fallow deer that rut in autumn. Pathways - smooth and flat tracks, to rougher routes and sloping . Head to Redbourn, have lunch at The Cricketers (who usually have a bouncy castle at the weekend in the summer) and then head back. Visitors are urged not to feed the ducks though. We might not have any big hills to climb, but there are fabulous river walks in Hertfordshire, historic parklands and some stunning bluebell woods. After 10 years working in the travel industry selling and marketing holidays across the globe, I decided to set up the Smudged Postcard blog to share my knowledge of family travel. Like the first two routes, the walk enjoys the countryside around the village and takes you on a loop around the wonderful Icklefield Common with it's stretch of River Purwell walking. Dog walks in Hampshire. Comb's Wood4.5 milesIf you have a little bit more time, this second route option is basically an extension of the first walk. There are no facilities along the Nickey Line but you can pop in to Highfield Oval for a caf and toilets. There are various car parks next to the common, the walk can be started next to Hertford Lock. There are hints along the way of the paths previous life a lonely platform sits in the woodland, all that remains of Cole Green station. However, this route then takes you further along the Icknield Way Trail until it reaches the village of Ickleford where there's another lovely pub which is half way around the route. The Strid Wood Walk is pram and wheelchair friendly. The lake has a well surfaced walking path around its . Ashridge Estate is a 2,000 hectare (5,000 acres) area of the Chiltern Hills with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands. Most walks are offered Monday to Friday. As a number of Hertfordshire friends have asked me to recommend a buggy-friendly walk, I thought I'd write up this circular amble along the country lanes and tracks of Watton at Stone, near Hertford. It's only short in distance, but the walk packs in some open common, some pretty woodland walking and a stretch alongside the River Colne. Our boys enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities for kids like making dens, crafting tools and climbing trees. Where to park: Watton high street, railway station (SG14 2RJ) or the community centre (SG14 3SF), Buggy friendly: mostly yes (you will need to lift the buggy through one muddy section if there has been rain), Toilets: public toilets at Water Lane car park. Standon1.75 milesThis first route is a lovely short family-friendly pub walk from the pretty village of Standon. Hertfordshire is a lovely part of the UK with the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, running along the western fringes of county. There are many trails through the woodland making it a great place to just wander and explore. We have also added a few ideas for Hertfordshire river walks and disused railway track walks at the end. As well as enjoying the twisted woodlands with their ancient Beech trees, there is also a large open section of walking on the route that offers some more sunshine and variety to your walk. The River Ver trail is a 17 mile trail that runs from Markyate to Bricket Wood through Verulamium Park. Type Hilly Flat Beach . You can walk along stretches of it. It still enjoys the village with it's pretty church, and the lovely circular walk around the Standon Lordship countryside, but this extra loop climbs up the big hill to the south of the village and takes you on a lovely loop of countryside walking with great views to enjoy as you go. Digswell4 milesThis second route option is basically an extension to the first route that still enjoys the viaduct, pretty bridge and calorie burning climb up the hill. This is a challenging walk that goes along the North Downs in Surrey, passing through a completely rural landscape with plenty of stunning scenery. The first half of the walk is a lovely peaceful walk through sweeping open countryside, and the second half is a nice stroll along a track that passes through the Park Woodlands. You'll first climb up the big hill out of the village towards the golf course and then you'll loop back down though more lovely open countryside towards Dane End. Buggy friendly: yes; Sculpture trail walks in Hertfordshire Broxbourne National Nature Reserve and sculpture trail . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Here are some more places for fun and easy Hertfordshire walks with kids: River Walks are fun in the spring and summer months if you feel like doing something a bit different. Where to park: use postcode HP4 1LT for the free car park, Length of walk: various waymarked trails from 1-8 miles, Length of walk: approximately 6 kilometres, Refreshments: Lots of options in Welwyn and Hertford, en route the. "This safe, flat, gentle, traffic-free route runs between Cottonmill Lane in St Albans and Wrestlers Bridge in Hatfield. Also in the area is the Lee Valley Boat Centre where you can hire boats for the day or longer, Lee Valley Country Park and the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Refreshments: The Fox & Duck, Therfield, Therfield4 milesThe second route option is basically a simple extension to the first walk route that explores the countryside to the south of the village of Therfield. If this is full, you can also park at Westminster Lodge on the other side of the park with the first 2 hours being free. Pinterest. Run by the National Trust, this is a great place for walks and bike rides. An accessible toilet can be found in the car park and a Changing Place facility in the courtyard. Our users can rate each walk based on a number of factors such as how dog or buggy friendly it is, pub on route etc, so that you can find your perfect walks. Theres a range of waymarked trails ranging from one to eight miles as well as a longer 17 mile hike for those who fancy a challenge. Check out our list of 80+ dog walks in Hertfordshire. Broxbourne Woods Sculpture Trail in Hertfordshire. Contact details in leaflets may be out of date. 9. If you fancy a weekend away, Id recommend Hill Farm Campsite which is within walking distance of Wendover Woods. Refreshments: The Fox & Duck, Buntingford The Black Bull, Buntingford The Jolly Sailors, Buntingford The Beehive, Hare Street, Buntingford6.75 milesThis fifth route option is a long and varied walk that explores the countryside to the north and east of Buntingford. You can visit the Roman Museum, the Hypocast (Roman indoor heating system) and remains of the original Roman city walls. The station at Hertingfordbury is now a private residence any train loving child would love the idea of living in a former railway station! Skip to the content. Refreshments: The Bull, Cottered, Cottered6.25 milesThis final route option is a long and strenuous adventure in the hilly and pretty Hertfordshire countryside to the north of the village. Browse the walks here, or refer to our index to find a walk near you. You'll then climb back up towards the village and visit the pretty St Peter's church before heading back into Tewin via the nice pub! There is a reasonably sized car park at Verulamium but this can get really busy at the weekend. You'll enjoy the countryside, farm shops and woodland that you'll find in the shorter walks from Tewin, but the walk then heads north to the village of Burnham Green where you'll find a lovely pub about half way around the walk. It starts with a walk downhill through the pretty Comb's Wood itself, and then it climbs up the hill again alongside Banfield wood offering you some fabulous countryside views. The Heartwood Forest car park is free and a decent size but can still get really busy at weekends. Heartwood Forest is just on the outskirts of St Albans. Accessible Walks. All walks are free to download and print and all routes have GPS files. The sculpture trail is ideal if youre looking for an easy walk in Hertfordshire with toddlers as the artworks entice little people along the one kilometre route. Rangers also lead walks if youre interested in learning more about the estate. It enjoys the park, woodland and river from the first walk, but it also heads further south through open countryside until it loops around one of the Willow Lakes and then takes you back along a stretch of the Watling Chase Timberland trail. It enjoys everything from all of the other routes, including both woods, the lovely countryside views and the pretty grounds of Knebworth Park, but this route also takes you on a big climb up the Kitching Track before descending back down to the route enjoying views along the way. Hatfield Forest in just over the border in Essex. Sandridge, St Albans, AL4 9DQ. There is a little bit of woodland and a picnic site to enjoy at the start, but then the walk basically takes you on a long sweeping downhill walk along the Icknield Way Trail that gives you great views of the wonderful Lavender Farm. This is Hertfordshires only national nature reserve and its a good one for families. From scented gardens and ancient parklands, to tranquil woods and glorious open countryside, the National Trust cares for some . If youre reading this in autumn, I also have an article about autumn walks in Hertfordshire which families will enjoy. Walkiees lets you view, save and review 1000+ dog walks near you and across the UK. 170+ dog walks. Wittenham Clumps - FREE. 9. The village is also pleasant to walk through theres a path running alongside the river through a field known locally as the Lammas theres a small parking area on Mill Lane. September 11, 2022 ignition cable specification. Should you click to purchase, I will make a small commission at no cost to you which goes towards the running of this blog. Refreshments: The Boot, Kimpton The Bright Star, Peter's Green The Bull Inn, Whitwell. Disabled parking" - from the Chilterns Conservation Board website, - Download the leaflet from the Chilterns Conservation Board website, Waterside Stortford - "Waterside Stortford is a riverside and countryside trail passing through Bishops Stortford. In Kimpton itself, you'll then visit the lovely church and a nice pub on the High Street if you need refreshments. Theres enough variety to keep reluctant kids engaged spring and summer offer impressive wild flower displays and theres brilliant paddling in the River Beane. So, if you are looking for your next Hertfordshire walking adventure, download the app, choose a walk and just follow the pointer. The full list of 64 buggy-friendly walks. Goldings3 milesThis is a short, but wonderful little walk on public footpaths around the pretty Goldings Estate, Hertfordshire. We have 5 Chipperfield Common walks on the Hertfordshire Walks app ranging from 1.25 miles to 6.25 miles. After a long stroll along the Nickey Line, you'll then cut back into the village to visit the pretty Church of St Mary and then walk past the wonderful Hollybush pub for some refreshments on the way back to the start. Heartwood Forest. If you want to see more of the sculptures up close, it's well worth visiting the Henry Moore visitor centre as you can roam around the beautiful gardens admiring a number of Henry Moore's large sculptures. There are walks suitable for pushchairs and others that are less accessible but still good for little legs. The paths between the villages are long straight paths through sweeping open farmland, so it's not really a varied walk, but more of a great walk to get some peace and quiet, fresh air and exercise before visiting any of the lovely pubs in either of the villages. If youre looking for pub walks in Hertfordshire, this woodland is perfect. There are several play areas along the route as well as a sculpture trail. Refreshments: The Boot, Dane End. This former gravel quarry turned nature reserve is located between Welwyn Garden City and Knebworth. Barley 5.75 miles You'll enjoy some nice open countryside on this walk, and a visit to the pretty St Mary's Church in Aspenden before looping around and walking back to the town. Langley2.25 milesWhile our longer walks from this location are more exciting and varied, this is still a nice option as a short open countryside stroll with some nice views as you walk down the hill towards the small village of Langley. We use cookies on our website. This is a lovely walk exploring Sherrardspark Wood, a 75-hectares site of ancient woodland within walking distance of Welwyn Garden Station. Like the second route, it also enjoys the springtime flower displays, woodlands, peaceful countryside, rivers and the pub in the charming small village of Chapmore End. The extension doesn't add a lot of variety as such as it's just an extra loop of open countryside, but the extra distance will add to your appetite for your visit to the lovely village pub after your walk. Sawtrees Woods1.5 milesThis is a simple family-friendly circular stroll in the Sawtrees Woods. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Local Nature Reserve. Smudged Postcard participates in various affiliate marketing programmes. You'll want to, too, as you wind gently along its banks, crossing the water by this famed Exmoor monument. The extra distance however, takes you on a long walk along the Back Lane Roman track and then loops around on the Chain walk route back towards Cottered. Note that there are lots of steps at the beginning of the line in Harpenden but if you head to the entrance of the Highfield Oval, there is a step free entrance. All walkers do so at their own risk. We havent been after dark but apparently you can see the eerie glow of glow worms which must be quite a sight!