Herts &amp; Beds


<p>We all know the drill &#8211; we&#8217;ll have eaten our bodyweight in turkey, nailed an entire box of Quality Street, drunk approximately 8,000 units of wine, sherry, Champagne and Baileys and have been slumped on the sofa for three days straight. Here&#8217;s where to shake off the festive coma and drag the family out for a long, bracing walk around Herts and Beds. You&#8217;ll thank us for it later, rosy cheeks and all. Just be sure to check café and pub festive opening times in advance to avoid disappointment. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ashridge-estate-near-berkhamsted-herts"><strong><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate/lists/self-led-walks-at-ashridge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashridge Estate</a>, near Berkhamsted</strong>, Herts</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Ashridge-winter-KHL-750x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74814" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Ashridge-winter-KHL-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Ashridge-winter-KHL-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Ashridge-winter-KHL-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Ashridge-winter-KHL-394x525.jpg 394w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/Ashridge-winter-KHL.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>With 5,000 acres of the Chiltern Hills and woodland to romp around, there are plenty of walks to choose from, parking is free and the paths are buggy-friendly. Plus there&#8217;s a café on site for hot food and drinks to warm up with. Or park at <a href="https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ashridge House</a> and it&#8217;s free to wander around the grounds (there&#8217;s a fee to go into the gardens), then you can grab a tasty cake and coffee or brunch at <a href="https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk/food-wellbeing/the-bakehouse-cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bakehouse</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lea-valley-circular-wheathamstead-herts"><strong><a href="http://www.wheathampsteadheritage.org.uk/wheathampstead-trail-1.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lea Valley Circular</a>, Wheathamstead</strong>, Herts</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead-1000x1000.jpg" alt="The Old Brewhouse Café Wheathampstead" class="wp-image-81987" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Brewhouse-wheathampstead.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s pretty easy to find your way around this circular walk. You can park at East Lane car park for free, then walk onto the High Street, across the bridge and out into the sticks. There are some pretty 18th century cottages on route, as well as <a href="https://wheathampstead-pc.gov.uk/marshalls-heath-nature-reserve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marshall’s Heath Nature Reserve</a>. You can either cut the walk short by heading back to civilisation along the road or continue on the long distance path by Leasey Bridge. Fancy a caffeine fix on route? Swing by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oldbrewhouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Brewhouse</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barton-le-clay-walk-bed-s"><strong><a href="http://chilternsociety.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Barton_le_Clay.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barton-le-Clay walk</a>, Bed</strong>s</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Barton-hills-canva-1000x667.jpg" alt="Barton Hills Barton Le Clay" class="wp-image-81994" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Barton-hills-canva-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Barton-hills-canva-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Barton-hills-canva-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Barton-hills-canva.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This circular 6.25 mile walk takes in a nature reserve too, so there&#8217;s plenty to see for wildlife lovers. Plus, the area also has some interesting history &#8211; The Barton Hills are believed to have inspired the Celestial Mountains in John Bunyan&#8217;s <em>Pilgrim&#8217;s Progress</em>. Stop off on route for some refreshment at the <a href="https://www.royaloakbarton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Oak Barton </a>which is dog friendly too, if you&#8217;re walking with pooch. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sculpture-trail-broxbourne-herts"><strong><a href="https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/environment-and-planning/countryside-management-service/places-to-visit/broxbourne-woods/broxbourne-wood-sculpture-trail.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sculpture Trail</a>, Broxbourne, Herts</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Broxbourne-woods-sculpture-trail-1000x667.jpg" alt="deer sculpture broxbourne woods herts" class="wp-image-82017" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Broxbourne-woods-sculpture-trail-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Broxbourne-woods-sculpture-trail-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Broxbourne-woods-sculpture-trail-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Broxbourne-woods-sculpture-trail.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’ve got older folks staying with you for Christmas, then this easy 1km trail is ideal. Set within Broxbourne woodlands (among the oldest in the country, don’t you know?), you’ll find this short and very sweet Sculpture Trail, which is spot on for families of all ages. On your ramble, you’ll come across eight wooden figures and objects showing wildlife and how man has used the land. There’s a Roman soldier, wild boar, deer and more. Fun <em>and</em> educational. Head to the <a aria-label="Woodman &amp; Olive (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thewoodmanandolive.com/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodman &amp; Olive</a> Greek pub and restaurant afterwards for lunch or a light bite. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sandy-green-wheel-beds"><strong><a href="https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/migrated_images/sandy-green-wheel-leaflet_tcm3-30455.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sandy Green Wheel</a>, Beds</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Amici coffee Sandy Bedfordshire" class="wp-image-81995" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amici-coffee-sandy.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>As the name suggests, this is a circular route which circumnavigates the town of Sandy. It&#8217;s a 6 mile trail, with two routes &#8211; one for walkers only and one that&#8217;s suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. It&#8217;s been developed to take in the best bits of the local landscapes, wildlife and heritage with &#8216;spokes&#8217; leading into the town at various points of interest. It passes through the Greensand Ridge, RSPB&#8217;s nature reserve, The Lodge, plus woodland, wetlands and grassland. Pop into <a href="https://amicicoffee.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amici Coffee</a> on Girtford Birdge to refuel on a breakfast bap or full English before heading on your way. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-alban-way-st-albans-herts"><strong><a href="https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/alban-way" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alban Way</a>, St Albans, Herts</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/St-Albans-cathedral-snow-canva-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82012" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/St-Albans-cathedral-snow-canva-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/St-Albans-cathedral-snow-canva-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/St-Albans-cathedral-snow-canva-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/St-Albans-cathedral-snow-canva.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This 6.5 mile walk takes in the impressive <a href="https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Albans Cathedral</a> and ends near the equally imposing <a href="http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hatfield House</a>, connecting Hatfield and St Albans, along the former Great Northern Railway Line. From one end to the other it takes around 3 hours. It&#8217;s flat, traffic-free, and accesible to all users. There are various places to park along the route and multiple access points with  loads to see en route, including artwork, a nature reserve with a butterfly meadow and wetlands, Grade II listed former railway stations, kids&#8217; play areas and it even passes right by the Galleria Shopping Centre in Hatfield. Take a short diversion to pop into <a href="https://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/dylans-the-plough-sleapshyde/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Plough at Sleapshyde</a> &#8211; definitely worth a well-earned pit stop, with its menu of pimped-up pub classics and craft beer &#8216;wall&#8217;. It&#8217;s about 45 minutes&#8217; walk from Hatfield or an hour from St Albans depending on your starting point. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rushmere-country-park-heath-and-reach-beds"><strong><a href="https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/migrated_images/rushmere_tcm3-6874.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rushmere Country Park</a>, Heath and Reach</strong>, Beds</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="726" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/Rushmere-KHL_Fotor-1000x726.jpg" alt="Rushmere country park" class="wp-image-71693" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/Rushmere-KHL_Fotor-1000x726.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/Rushmere-KHL_Fotor-800x581.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/Rushmere-KHL_Fotor-723x525.jpg 723w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/Rushmere-KHL_Fotor.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This one&#8217;s ideal for families and little explorers as you can do as much or as little of the route as you like within the 400 acres of woodlands, and there&#8217;s a fab&nbsp;natural sculpture trail with carved creatures, giant chairs and secret fairy doors, to keep little legs moving along! This 4-mile route takes around 1.5 hours, or try the 1-mile shortcut which is a shorter 30-minute stomp. Head back to the <a href="https://www.greensandtrust.org/tree-tops-cafe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treetops Restaurant</a> or Heron&#8217;s Hatch for a hot drink and bite to eat. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-country-park-bishop-s-stortford-herts"><strong><a href="https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/199485702" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southern Country Park</a>, Bishop’s Stortford</strong>, Herts</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Southern-Country-Park-1000x667.jpg" alt="Southern Country Park Bishops stortford" class="wp-image-82001" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Southern-Country-Park-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Southern-Country-Park-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Southern-Country-Park-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Southern-Country-Park.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Need to get the kids out of the house after a Quality Street binge? There&#8217;s a nice route around this park, but you can also just have a wander around there freely. And you’re not just getting a walk here &#8211; there are loads of different areas and activities like a playground, maze, a big open space for kite flying, or snowball throwing, and even a dog agility park! The one downside is that there&#8217;s no café (so pack your Thermos!), but you can always pop in to the nearby <a href="https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/coachandhorses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coach and Horses</a> pub in Thorley for a spot of lunch or a warming tipple (open throughout Christmas).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amwell-nature-reserve-ware-herts"><a href="https://www.mapmywalk.com/routes/view/199485702" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amwell Nature Reserve</a>, Ware, Herts</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="533" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amwell-lake-herts-wildlife-trust-1000x533.jpg" alt="Amwell lake nature reserve hertfordshire" class="wp-image-82006" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amwell-lake-herts-wildlife-trust-1000x533.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amwell-lake-herts-wildlife-trust-800x427.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amwell-lake-herts-wildlife-trust-900x480.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/Amwell-lake-herts-wildlife-trust.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Brimming with all kinds of fauna, like rare orchids (no picking) and wintering wildfowl, this area of Hertfordshire is actually an SSSI (a Site of Special Scientific Interest). Made up of a patchwork of terrains, including rivers, lakes and streams, woodland and grassland, it’s not just budding boffins that’ll think Christmas has come early (or again). Keep your eyes peeled for all manner of critters – from otters to ducks and geese visiting for their winter holidays. For panoramic views across the reserve, head over to the White Hide, where you’ll get a birds-eye view of all the islands in one satisfying swoop.Popular local, the <a href="https://www.georgeivpub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George IV</a> is within a stone&#8217;s throw for a cheeky vino or pub lunch. </p>


Wintery walks (with pitstops) to blow away the cobwebs

You may also like