There is a short easy access trail leading directly from the car park. Difficulty: Easy. The ultimate kite-flying destination, the skies around Dunstable Downs are always filled with colourful fluttering shapes whenever theres a hint of a breeze. However, this route option also then takes you on a long walking loop around the outside of the wonderful Lavender farm, climbing up the hill towards Letchworth for some lovely views before bringing you back down along the Icknield Way trail. 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. 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. Location: 76 Swinburne Avenue, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2RR. 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. The walk takes you on a climb up through lovely countryside and woodland until you reach the wonderful St Lawrence Church on the outskirts of Ayot St Lawrence. Walks. The Alban Way stretches around 6 miles from St Albans to Hatfield on the former Great Northern Railway line, The Ebury Way is a 3 mile route from Rickmansworth to Oxhey Park in Watford. Bramfield woods is great for den building, geo-caching and wild flower spotting theres an incredible display of bluebells in April and May. It also calls in on the pretty quintessential village of Little Berkhamsted with it's cricket pitch and lovely pub. With the farmhouse ahead of you, the road becomes a track which you should follow round to the left past a small pond. Refreshments: The Rose & Crown, Tewin The Cowshed Bar & Restaurant, Tewin Bury Farm, Tewin4.75 milesThis sixth route option is basically the same route as the fifth route, but the open countryside section of the walk is extended by a couple of kilometres for those of you that want to stretch your legs a bit more on your walk. Weston-super-Mare Seafront. It's a nice short stroll with sections of pretty open grassland teeming with wildlife and a section of walking alongside the River Oughton. 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. If youre reading this in autumn, I also have an article about autumn walks in Hertfordshire which families will enjoy. It also walks through the golf course though, so again please be careful in this section and the walk also visits the village of Little Berkhamsted where you will find a lovely pub. You can book a place in advance so that we know you are coming and can let you know if anything changes. Another great route linking two Hertfordshire towns, the Alban Way runs from St Albans to Hatfield. Were big fans of getting the kids outside as we believe it is so important for their physical and mental health so were always looking for Hertfordshire walks nearby, especially when travel further afield is restricted. Its smooth surface makes it perfect for all users and there are many access points, most of which are ramped or level" - from the Sustrans website, Amwell Nature Reserve - "Amwell Nature Reserve near Ware is one of the most important places for wildlife in the county and is well-used and enjoyed by the local community. Oughtonhead is a beautiful nature reserve with the River Oughton running through it and is managed by the Herts Wildlife Trust. There isn't a pub actually on the route, but there is one on the Colney Heath high street. The full list of 64 buggy-friendly walks. Walk: 2.4km wheelchair walk on Eastern reservoir. Dovestone Reservoir is located in the north of the Peak District near the town of Oldham in Greater Manchester. Refreshments: The Old George, Ickleford The Plume of Feathers, Ickleford, Hertfordshire, Ickleford5 milesThis third route option is the ultimate adventure in the pretty countryside around Ickleford. Download the app to walk these routes and see your position on the map as you walk. 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. This route heads in the opposite direction to the first and takes you into the countryside to the south of the town towards Aspenden. We have spent many years, and are continuing to collaborate with various people and companies to build a section on The Outdoor Guide to enable this. Refreshments: The Woodman, Chapmore End, Hertfordshire, Tewin1.5 milesThis shortest route option is a simple family-friendly stroll in the countryside to the west of Tewin. There are plenty of ways to extend it and there are lots of woods to dive into for den building, bluebell admiring (mid April to mid May) or welly-muddying. Its a popular place to walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery and historic surroundings. Paths linking the hides are generally flat with some grass areas, Some parts of the paths are narrow, but passing places are provided. The extra distance takes you over a bridge into another section of woodland where you'll embark on a loop that visits the Beech Hill lake and strolls through some more open woodland. Up early with the kids and wondering what to do? The 1 km trail starts and finishes at the car park and takes you on a loop passing 9 sculptures by local artist, Daniel Cordell. Panshanger Park is a 1000 acre Grade II listed park and garden (designed by Humphry Repton and Lancelot Capability Brown) made up of woodland, grassland and wetland areas. You'll still enjoy the lovely open countryside, village pub and woodlands, but this route takes you further to the north of the village for a longer walk through the Bramfield Woods in Hertfordshire. In Kimpton itself, you'll then visit the lovely church and a nice pub on the High Street if you need refreshments. Go in search of Pooh, Tigger and the other friends in 100 Aker Wood at Aldenham Country Park, where you can play Pooh Sticks, find Eeyore's . After a short stroll through the High Street with it's lovely church and wonderful pub with great beer garden and play area, you'll then embark on a short circular and relatively flat walk around the Standon lordship countryside and River Rib. 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. After that, you'll then descend back down to the village for your reward at the wonderful country pub in the village. Alexandra Park, Oldham. So if youve not done it before it might be more like an hour. Flashpacking Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You will enjoy some peaceful open countryside, a visit to the pretty church, a short walk through Westley wood and of course a stroll through the pretty village of Tewin where you'll find a nice pub for refreshments. If using public transport, I suggest joining the route at Pollok Avenue* (see route info below), as you can reach this very easily from Pollokshaws West train station, where there is . We have several former railway line routes in Hertfordshire. Skip to the content. Disused railway lines are perfect for family walks in Hertfordshire because they are usually very flat, even surfaces and easy to navigate. Should you click to purchase, I will make a small commission at no cost to you which goes towards the running of this blog. The extension first takes you on an adventure through lovely open Hertfordshire countryside with great views before strolling you along a pretty stretch of the Grand Union Canal. This is a lovely walk exploring Sherrardspark Wood, a 75-hectares site of ancient woodland within walking distance of Welwyn Garden Station. As well as the woodlands to enjoy, theres a lake to walk around with hides from which to watch the birds. Heartwood Forest is the largest continuous new native forest in England, covering 860 acres and containing over 600,000 newly planted trees. There is also a picnic spot at the site of the former Cole Green Station. This alternative route however spends a bit less time in the golf course itself, and more time in the countryside beyond. Refreshments: The Tilbury, Datchworth Green The Plough, Datchworth Green, Hertfordshire, Datchworth Green3 milesThe second route option is basically much the same as the first walk with some open countryside, the church and stroll through Datchworth Green with it's lovely pubs. 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. Refreshments: The Tilbury, Datchworth Green The Plough, Datchworth Green, Datchworth Green6.75 milesIf you really want to stretch your legs and explore the countryside around the village of Datchworth Green, then this third route option is the best choice for you. Follow the lane, with views over farmland on either side, passing a farmhouse on your left and then a small wood and a pond on your right. The river takes its time to meander through a wooded valley. As it was still pretty wet we decided a wander around Berkhamsted would be a safe bet if we needed to escape the rain. In the summer there is a fantastic splash park and usually an ice cream truck hanging around. After about 750 metres, youll reach a larger farmhouse. Things to do in Hertfordshire with kids that we recommend, Your email address will not be published. Refreshments: The Boot, Kimpton The Bright Star, Peter's Green, Kimpton9.5 milesThis final route option is basically a grand and epic adventure in the Hertfordshire countryside around the village of Kimpton. Ashridge Estate - (NT) - "Ashridge Estate is a 2,000 hectare (5,000 acres) area of the Chiltern Hills with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands" "Accessible parking - twelve accessible parking spaces, 50yds from the visitor centre. The highlight for the kids was being able to walk through the large field of Longhorn cattle (watch out for the many cowpats!). Distance: 1.2 miles (1.9km) Time: 45 minutes Walking route on Google Maps: Bowness-on-Windermere - Ferry Nab - Cockshott Point - Bowness Bay. We use cookies on our website. Ashridge is a very popular place for families to go walking. If you are looking for Hertfordshire river walks, here are a couple of ideas for you: The best river in Hertfordshire for river walks is The River Lea. We love discovering new walks in Hertfordshire and our growing community help us find the best walks so that we can research and share them in the app. The well-maintained gravel path is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Local Nature Reserve. You'll initially walk through the pretty village common before looping around and joining onto the Nickey Line which is an old disused railway route. Families will enjoy the Broxbourne Woods Sculpture Trail most. Find out more about the Watton at Stone circular walk. You'll then work your way back to Buntingford in a big loop through more beautiful Hertfordshire countryside. from the Discover Hertford Online website- Download the Trail Map from the Discover Hertford Online website, Ebury Way - "A 3.5 mile traffic-free route through lakes and fields, linking Rickmansworth and Watford; follows the route of an old railway line. Literally a few miles over the border into Bedfordshire is the very lovely and aptly named Barton Hills nature reserve. Salcombe Hill, Devon. Accessible Walks in Sussex. There are plenty of narrow boats to admire along the canal we love imagining what life would be like living in one of these slim line homes. Bouncy castle in summer. Pathways - smooth and flat tracks, to rougher routes and sloping . The walking options range from a short 0.3-mile discovery trail to a 4-mile walk. It's a great one for the kids as you'll first go on a little adventure up into the woodlands surrounding the reserve, before then descending down into the open heathland where you'll visit a large sculpture of what they will believe is a 'real Dinosaur' egg. 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. Jockey End2.75 milesThe second route is basically a short extension to the first route for those of you with a little bit more time. .Most the the trails are flat and where there is uneven ground, there is usually some form of small bridge to level it out. There are no facilities at Panshanger Park. However, this option extends that route and also heads further to the north to follow the footpath through the gorgeous Woodhall Park where the Heath Mount School is located, and then heads back to join the second route along a quiet country lane. Toilet: Accessible toilets adjacent to the car park and in the visitor centre. There's a few little hills and some nice views to enjoy as you walk through the pretty countryside around the village, and then there is a wonderful country pub with a large beer garden for your post-walk refreshments. Amberswood Common (Silver route), Wigan. We spent many hours wading through the River Beane during the unseasonably hot lockdown spring of 2020. After a short walk through the village you'll then enter a section of woodland where you have the running river to your left and in the spring, a wonderful display of both bluebells and the white wild garlic on your right. Refreshments: The Hollybush, Redbourn The Cricketers, Redbourn, Redbourn5 milesThis second route is basically a long extension of the first walk for those of you that really want to stretch your legs. The bluebells put on a particularly impressive display here. 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. Refreshments: The Chequers, Barley, Bramfield2.25 milesThis first walk option is a short but lovely family-friendly stroll around the pretty Hertfordshire countryside surrounding Bramfield. Buggy-friendly walks around Surrey Winter countryside walks. There is a fee to get into the gardens though, and the gardens close for the winter, so please visit their website to check before visiting. Heartwood Forest is just on the outskirts of St Albans. As a bonus for your extra effort, there is also a lovely pub for a half way pit stop in the small village of Peter's Green. Walk Length: 5.6km. The 8.6 km walk includes Woldingham School, Godstone Vineyards, sections of the North Downs Way trail and the Great Church Wood nature reserve. 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. As with most woodland walks, these routes can be muddy in wet weather, so please make sure you have the appropriate footwear for your adventure. However, there are three fabulous country pubs across the villages on the route for well-earned pit stops as you go. The park has lovely, wide open spaces which are great if you want to bring along some sporting equipment. Length of walk: one kilometre for the sculpture trail, up to 17 kilometres for longer trails, Where to park: Fishers Green car park, postcode EN9 2EF, Length of walk: 3 miles (longer versions also available), Refreshments: theres a caf at the Whitewater Centre, Toilets: yes (at the car park and the caf), Where to park: theres a dedicated car park on Vicarage Lane, post code SG14 3LU. It uses your phone GPS to guide you and gives you the confidence to explore and enjoy new walks in Hertfordshire. Close to Royston but actually in Cambridgeshire, is another National Trust estate and this ones a biggie. There are picnic areas around the hill and a car park which is open from 6 am to 10 pm. The path runs through the River Lee Country Park. s.type = 'text/javascript'; If you are visiting in the Spring, you will see bluebells in the ancient woodlands. Heartwood Forest: Buggy Friendly - See 213 traveler reviews, 173 candid photos, and great deals for St. Albans, UK, at Tripadvisor. We love this very fitting short quote Not all classrooms have four walls. Refreshments: The Bull, Cottered The Moon & Stars, Mill End, Dane End2.25 milesThis is a short but lovely walk in the undulating countryside around the small village of Dane End, Hertfordshire. It runs from Welwyn Garden City to Hertford and there are various extensions including the towpath from Hertford to Ware which Ive detailed in the Hertfordshire river walks section here. If you choose to cycle this route with children, Id recommend doing it from Welwyn to Hertford as its slightly downhill and you can really whizz along it the journey in reverse might be more of a struggle for little cyclists. Family friendly and buggy friendly walk in Hertfordshire. Cassiobury Park is a large 190 acre park in Watford with the pretty Grand Union Canal running through it. RSPB Fairburn Ings is a nice day out for kids and a pram-friendly walk. 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. The Wittenham Clumps in South Oxfordshire are an iconic landmark and great for a family walk. Self-guided walk and cycle route leaflets, following way-marked paths. 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. Whether you are local to Hertfordshire or considering visiting Hertfordshire on a UK staycation, here are some of our favourite Hertfordshire walks for families to get you out and exploring the best that the county has to offer. Follow our adventures whilst we seek out the best baby and toddler friendly walks, activities and lunch spots in . The play area is small but has a lovely 'natural' feel. It is one of the best, short circular walks in Hertfordshire. This version enjoys everything from the other walks, but also heads further south to walk around another of the Willow Lakes and also passes the entrance to the Willows Activity Farm. Refreshments: The Chequers, Barley. (function(d, sc, u) { This first route option is the recommended 'Commons Walk' around the pretty Oughtonhead Common. The are no facilities at Heartwood Forest, but if you are feeling peckish, there is a gorgeous little tearoom in Sandridge serving delicious, home cooked food and the BEST cakes. Buggy Walks are health walks for parents and guardians and their babies. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site. When our children were little, we used to just visit the woods next to the car park great for den building, bluebells and blackberry picking. 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. 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. Browse the walks here, or refer to our index to find a walk near you. Check out our list of 80+ dog walks in Hertfordshire. It still enjoys the countryside, woodland and Newsells Park from the second route, but it also extends further south offering you a visit to the village of Barkway with it's pretty church and also a walk along a stretch of the Hertfordshire Way. Then, the second half of the walk takes you through the pretty woodlands of Woodman's Wood and then descends down through the Lower Plantation woodland and back into the village. - from the leaflet - Download a leaflet from the from the Bishop's Stortford Town Council website, This website uses cookies, by continuing to use the site you are agreeing to this, for more info on our use of cookies see our privacy policy. Refreshments: Lilley Arms, Lilley, Hertfordshire, Lilley5.5 milesThis fifth option is an extension of the third walk that heads to the west out of the village enjoying the Chiltern Way and the John Bunyan Trail. The Nickey Line from Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead (not that we have managed to walk that far with the kids yet) is one of the best footpath walks in Hertfordshire. 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. Here are some of our favourite walks near Hertfordshire: We love this vast Forestry Commission woodland in the Chiltern Hills. Weve only ever cycled this route its perfect for kids who are fairly new to pedalling as its flat and you have the option of returning by rail from Ware to Hertford East. 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. We stopped to watch paddlers tackling the rapids at the White Water Centre there a caf here and plenty of outdoor places to sit. 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.