A Castle, a Grotto and a Church - a Hertford to Ware Circular (7.5mi / 12km, Leisurely, Booking Req)

This walk is for up to 20 people, including the leader.

An afternoon circular walk starting along the southern bank of the River Lea, stopping in Ware to visit Scott's Grotto, before returning via a northern path to Hertford.

Our afternoon begins with a picnic lunch at Hertford Castle for those who wish to join from 12:00, before we set off at 13:00. Our route takes us through the town centre, then we follow the River Lea past Hertford Lock and King's Mead Water Meadows, before arriving in Ware.

Here, we have the opportunity to visit Scott's Grotto, a series of tunnels and rooms clad in flint, glass and shells (entry £2, card payments should be possible). We will likely spend up to an hour here, before heading through Ware town centre and following footpaths to the north of the Lea.

As we walk the outskirts of the village of Bengeo, we will pass St Leonard's Church, a Norman building from around 1120, and the oldest in the Hertford area. Shortly afterwards we will arrive back in Hertford, where there will be the option to visit a pub after the walk finishes.

Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs.

For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.

Booking your place: Please book your place using the free Meetup website/app. Join the Stag Walkers Meetup group and click the 'Attend' button on the event page.

Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.

If the walk is fully booked, click 'join waitlist' to get a place if one becomes available and please check back regularly as you will likely get a place. The waitlist gives priority to single bookings so if you wish to bring a guest, we recommend booking separately.

Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.