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Our top 5 walking routes in Hertfordshire

Sep 16, 2022
Our top 5 walking routes in Hertfordshire
With its glorious countryside, canals and woodland areas, Hertfordshire is the perfect place for a relaxing walk. Whether you enjoy strolls with a bit of incline or prefer flatter ground, this picturesque part of the East of England has plenty of routes that make exploring by foot a real joy.

Read on as we take you through our top 5 best walks in the county.

Key Takeaways

1. Wadesmill East Loop:
   - Length: 5.5 miles (9 km)
   - Time: Approximately 2 hours
 
2. Aldenham Reservoir Circular:
   - Length: 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
   - Time: Approximately 40 minutes
 
3. Boxmoor and Berkhamsted:
   - Length: 6.4 miles (10 km)
   - Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
 
4. Fairlands Park Circular:
   - Length: 3.4 miles (10 km)
   - Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
   
5. Bishop's Stortford Canal and River Walk:
   - Length: 5 miles (8 km)
   - Time: Approximately 2 hours

Wadesmill East Loop

 
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Woodland
Length: 5.5 miles (9 km) 
Time: Approximately 2 hours
 
If you’re looking for circular walks in Hertfordshire, the Wadesmill East Loop should be at the top of your list. This 5.5-mile route starts and ends in Wadesmill, a charming hamlet in East Hertfordshire. You’ll follow the valley of the River Rib through woodland, fields and parkland, taking in views of Hertfordshire’s countryside as you go. 
 
Along this route, you’ll also find the remains of a medieval church, which are worth exploring. Once you return to Wadesmill, stop for a well-deserved drink at the Feathers Inn. Depending on the weather, some parts of the route could be quite muddy, so you might need a pair of wellies. 
 

Aldenham Reservoir Circular

 
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Footpath
Length: 1.7 miles (2.7 km) 
Time: Approximately 40 minutes 
 
Set inside Aldenham Country Park, near St Albans, the Aldenham Reservoir Circular walk is a scenic 1.7-mile loop trail. Along the way, you can enjoy wonderful views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside, and you might even spot wildlife such as rabbits, swans and Canada geese. There’s also a coffee shop in the park where you can grab a warm drink during the walk.  
 

Boxmoor and Berkhamsted

 
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Flat, footpath
Length: 6.4 miles (10 km) 
Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
 
Searching for walks near Hemel Hempstead? Try out the Boxmoor and Berkhamsted out-and-back route, a popular walking trail along the Grand Union Canal. It’s a relatively flat route, open all year round and offering breathtaking views of the countryside. There are several cafés and pubs along the way – perfect if you want to stop for a quick drink or a bite to eat. 
 

Fairlands Park Circular

 
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Parkland
Length: 3.4 miles (10 km) 
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
 
Fairlands Park Circular is one of the best dog walks in Hertfordshire, offering 120 acres of idyllic parkland. Set inside Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage, this walking route is the largest green space in the town, situated in a natural valley. It’s home to various wildlife, including geese, coots and herons. Once you’ve finished the walk, you can grab a refreshing drink at Costello’s Café in the park. 
 

Bishop’s Stortford Canal and River Walk

 
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Footpath
Length: 5 miles (8 km) 
Time: Approximately 2 hours
 
This 5-mile route will take you along the beautiful River Stort, starting in the historic market town of Bishop’s Stortford and ending in Sawbridgeworth. You’ll begin in the town centre before heading south towards the river and walking along the flat towpath. 
 
Along the way, you’ll come across the Thorley Wash nature reserve, where you can spot various wildlife and wildflowers. You’ll also walk past various barges and locks along the river. At the end of the trail, pop into one of Sawbridgeworth’s pubs or cafés for well-earned refreshments. Discover our thorough buying guides with all you need to know when buying a new house. We are here to help you through your house buying journey.
 

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