Circular Walk Around Harpenden
This long circular walk makes use of a series of waymarked trails to explore the countryside, woodland and rivers surrounding the Hertfordshire town of Harpenden.
The walk starts in Harpenden where you first pick up the Nickey Line. The shared cycling and walking trail runs along a disused railway track from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden. This section of the path runs south west to Redbourn where you can pick up the Ver-Colne Valley Walk. This waymarked footpath will take you south east along the river to St Albans where you'll skirt the edge of Verulamium Park. The park is well worth exploring with it's lovely lake and the old roman walls of Verulamium still intact.
From St Albans you turn north east to pick up a section of the Hertfordshire Way to take you to the hamlet of Childwickbury. You'll pass Childwickbury Manor which was the former home of director Stanley Kubrick.
You continue east towards the village of Sandridge, passing along the edge of Heartwood Forest on the way. The forest includes over half a million trees, ancient woodland, wildflower meadows and miles of waymarked walks. Shortly after you pass Symondshyde Great Wood before coming to Wheathampstead where you can see the Devil's Dyke. Here you can see the remains of a prehistoric defensive ditch which lies at the east side of the village. The site is a candidate for the strongly defended place where Julius Caesar fought Cassivellaunus in 54 BC.
At Wheathampstead you pick up the Lea Valley Walk and follow it along the River Lea back into Harpenden.
Harpenden Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map
Harpenden Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map
Harpenden OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Harpenden Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Harpenden
- Nickey Line-Hemel-Hempstead to Harpenden - This short off road cycle or walking route runs along the Nickey Line - a disused railway track running from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden
- Ver-Colne Valley Walk - Follow the rivers Ver and Colne on this waterside walk through Hertfordshire.
The walk starts at Redbourn and follows the River Ver to the historic town of St Albans with its impressive cathedral and the delightful Verulamium Park - Hertfordshire Way - Explore some of the finest countryside and prettiest towns and villages in this fascinating county
- St Albans - Enjoy a nice circular walk around the centre of St Albans, visiting Verulamium Park, the Watercress Wildlife Site and the River Ver.
The walk starts from Abbey Rail Station and follows footpaths west through the park to the lake - Verulamium Park - Explore over 100 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens on this short walk in St Albans
- Heartwood Forest - This large forest near St Albans has some fine cycling and walking trails to try
- Chiltern Way - This is the original 125 mile circuit of the Chilterns AONB taking you through Hemel Hempstead, Chalfont St Giles, Marlow, Hambleden, Turville, Fingest, Bix Bottom, Ewelme, the Ridgeway, Stokenchurch, Great Hampden, Aldbury, the Dunstable Downs Country Park, Sharpenhoe Clappers and Harpenden
- Sandridge - This pretty village in Hertfordshire sits in a lovely spot in the centre of the Heartwood Forest
- Codicote - This attractive Hertfordshire based village is located near Hitchin, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and Harpenden in the county
Pubs/Cafes
On the route you could enjoy a pit stop in the pretty village of Sandridge at the historic Queen's Head. The pub dates back over 400 years and serves good home cooked food. There's also a nice garden where you can relax outside in one of the gazebos. You can find them on the High Street at postcode AL4 9DA for your sat navs. Just to the south of the village there's also the option of visiting Jersey Farm Woodland Park where there's some interesting flora and fauna to see.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
From the northern side of Verulamium Park you can pick up the Gorhambury Estate Walk. Follow the trail north west past the Roman theatre and it will take you across the scenic estate and past the 18th century Gorhambury House. The estate also includes the historicially significant Old Gorhambury House. The 16th century house is now a ruin run by English Heritage.
Just to the north east of the town you will find the noteworthy village of Ayot St Lawrence. The village is notable for its connections with the playwright George Bernard Shaw and is the site of Shaw's Corner, his old residence. There's also a ruined 12th century church and a lovely pub which dates from the 14th century to see here. Near here there's Codicote where you can visit the nearby Hoo Park and enjoy some pretty bluebell woods and a rather fine old bridge over the River Mimram. The village is also very attractive with several timber framed buildings and a historic 16th century pub to admire.
For cyclists the town makes a good entry point for the epic Chilterns Cycleway. The signed circular trail runs for about 170 miles through the Chilterns AONB on quiet country lanes, visiting a series of delightful villages.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Hertfordshire Walks page.