Wheathampstead Magazine
Walking For Pleasure
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. It's underrated as a form of exercise, but walking is ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to be more active.
Whether you’re walking to improve your health or simply for the pleasure of exploring on foot, our guide to local walks should make enjoying the great outdoors easy.
Wheathampstead Heritage Trails
There are various Wheathampstead Heritage Trails to discover and all aim to highlight local history and encourage people to get their walking shoes on and enjoy it.
There are seven walks in total and all start at the free car park in the centre of Wheathampstead and pass several places where food and drinks can be found.
Covering around 1 mile, the Village Centre trail uses footpaths within the village to reach more than 20 historical properties which are all within easy reach of each other.
Each place has an interesting tale to tell, from the River Lea which flows on to the Thames to the old corn mill mentioned in the Domesday Book across to the Swan Inn, the local pub built around 1500 and the 17th century former pub the Two Brewers and the many spots in between.
There are six other walks around Wheathampstead to enjoy (see below) which between them take in nature reserves, ancient thoroughfares and expansive views.
The Lea Valley Circle Walk over the River Lea and gaze across its valley. One of the main rivers in Hertfordshire, it is a chalk stream – one of only 200 or so in the world. 4.3 miles (7km)
Devil's Dyke & Nomansland Walk through the impressive Devil's Dyke, an ancient defensive earthworks from Celtic times.. 4.6 miles (8km)
Above the Lea Valley From quiet woods to expansive views over the Lea valley, this walk includes Gustard Wood at the northern tip of Wheathampstead 6.5 miles (10km)
The Romans & Nomansland Walk along ancient thoroughfares created by Romans and Saxons. 7.8 miles (13km)
Lamer & Ayot St Lawrence Walk through the Lamer Estate to the historic village of Ayot St Lawrence. 7.6 miles (13km)
Old Railway & River Lea After a brief visit to the remains of Wheathampstead railway station, the walk follows the Ayot Greenway 7.9 miles (13km)
You can find a brief history of each place and a guide and map online at Wheathampstead Heritage.
Kimpton - circular route
Kimpton - Codicote Bottom - Ayot St Lawrence - Kimpton
The route is mainly on footpaths and farm tracks with a little road-walking. There are some fine views across the Chilterns. Many farmland birds can be seen and sometimes kingfishers can be spotted along the Mimram. In the winter months and after a period of heavy rain, some of the paths can become muddy and boots would be recommended.
For more information visit Kimpton Walks
Lea Valley from Batford to Mill Green
From its source at Leagrave, just to the north of Luton, the River Lea (or Lee) flows for some 50 miles/80 kms to join the River Thames at Bow in East London, passing through Hertfordshire and Essex on its way. This walk is a section of The Lea Valley Walk, a trail that broadly follows the entire length of the river.
For more information visit Batford Walk
Lemsford to Ayot St Lawrence Circular
A lovely 13 mile circular walk starting at Lemsford passing through Palmerston Golf Course and following the River Lea West along the valley towards Wheathampstead. Lemsford Walk
St Albans Tour Guides
lead guided public walks on most weekends of the year, as well as ghost walks over the winter months.
For public walks, just turn up at the start point and pay the guide. Separate arrangements apply for ghost walks .All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Historic pubs of St Albans
For centuries, the innkeepers and publicans of St Albans have provided hospitality for pilgrims, travellers, market traders and locals alike. This walk traces the changing fortunes of many establishments – some long gone, others re-invented and those that remain virtually unchanged by time.
Discover Harpenden
An infamous spy, a lane nicknamed after the smells from the brewery and the local artist who painted royalty and presidents – these are just some of the places you will see and people you will hear about on this walk through the village and common. The walk begins at the war memorial
Discover Redbourn
During the coaching era, Redbourn became known as a Street of Inns and boasted at least 30 inns and public houses. This walk explores the area around the historic High Street, St Mary’s Church and Almshouses. Join us for a gentle stroll through the fascinating bygone days of Redbourn. The walk begins from the car park on the Common, adjacent to the cricket club.
For more walks , dates and specific meeting points see
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