Hertfordshire and North London Walks Fest 2023
Join Stag Walkers and other Ramblers Groups at our local Walks Fest!
The Hertfordshire & North London Walks Fest takes place this year in Watton-at-Stone on Sunday 17th September.
There will be several group walks of various distances to choose from, led by experienced walk leaders from the different Ramblers Groups across our Area.
WALKS WILL INCLUDE…
9:30 am - Historic Hertfordshire Houses; Woodhall, Sacombe & Benington Lordship
- 14 miles - Strenuous grade
- led by Greg R
- Dog friendly
10:00 am - Morning Walk towards Burn’s Green & Benington
- 5.5 miles - Leisurely grade
- led by Lindsay H
- Dog friendly
- Family friendly
10:00 am - All the Greens! Bull's, Burnham, Harmer, Datchworth and Gover's
- 11 miles - Moderate grade
- led by David G
10:30 am - Rivers & Woods; Woodhall Park, Stapleford and Bramfield
- 9.5 miles - Moderate grade
- led by Roger B
11:00 am - Bull's Green, Bramfield and Wrens Wood
- 8 miles - Moderate grade
- led by Justin L
- Dog friendly
- Family friendly
1:30 pm - Afternoon Walk to Woodhall Park & Stapleford
- 6.5 miles - Leisurely grade
- led by Paul H
- Family friendly
2:00 pm - Dog Friendly Afternoon Walk to Woodhall Park
- 5 miles - Easy grade
- led by Cathy W & Deb G
- Dog friendly
For details of each walk, see our Ramblers Area website.
After the walks, there is the chance to meet other walkers for refreshments and conversation at The Nigel Poulton Community Hall in School Lane (backing onto the village playing field) where we will enjoy a cream tea from 4pm-6pm.
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LOCATION:
The Nigel Poulton Community Hall
School Lane
Watton-at-Stone
Hertford
SG14 3SF
Accessible by train via Stevenage / Hertford North / London Kings Cross / Moorgate (Hertford Loop Line); Watton-at-Stone station is eight minutes’ walk from the hall.
Please car-share or use public transport if possible. Parking is limited around the village; please park considerately if using on-street parking.
All are welcome (though some walks may be unsuitable for young children due to distance - please check the individual listing for each walk to see if it is family-friendly). No booking required.
Bring a packed lunch / snacks and drinks.
Toilets available at the Hall.
Please be aware of the walk grade: walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Watton-at-Stone is a pretty village on the River Beane in Hertfordshire equidistant (more or less) from Stevenage, Hertford and Ware and easily accessible also from Welwyn Garden City and the villages to its east.
Surrounding Watton are gentle valleys and rolling countryside and farmland, woodland (including beautiful Bramfield Woods), and the river, making it a lovely place to walk. The area has Saxon, Viking and Roman connections (local guides mention skirmishes with the Danes, and rich Roman finds), and was the site of several manor houses, pre-13th century churches, pretty cottages and farmhouses, Tudor architecture and lots (and lots!) of alehouses. Some of this is still evident today, though the greater part of the village now dates from the 20th Century. There is a bronze village pump which is said to have been converted from an old cannon.
The social history of the village suggests it was a lively place to reside. Watton-at-Stone Village Guide says “we know, for example, that common hobbies in Watton – indeed in Hertfordshire generally – were poaching, … unauthorised trading, and producing illegitimate children.” More details of its rich social history can be found at the Watton-at-Stone Parish Council website.
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For more details contact Al, Claire & Roger at hertswalksfest@gmail.com
Organised by Ramblers Hertfordshire & North Middlesex Area
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THE RAMBLERS - Britain’s biggest and most vibrant walking community.
We are the Ramblers: Britain’s walking charity. We're the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces. We’re committed to expanding people’s access to nature, protecting our precious paths, improving walking opportunities for everyone and championing walking for greater health and happiness. Registered Charity Numbers 1093577 (England & Wales), SC039799 (Scotland)