Hertfordshire Way #19: Buntingford to Reed (11.5 miles/18.5km - Moderate, Booking Required)

This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.

Part 19 of an epic long-distance trail around Hertfordshire! 



The Hertfordshire Way is a 200-mile route around the county, which we're walking in sections each month. Don’t worry if you’ve missed previous parts of the series - everyone is welcome to join any of these walks.

Please note this is a linear walk from Buntingford to Reed. These are accessible by bus from Royston, from where we recommend taking the no. 18 bus to Buntingford. At the end of our walk we’ll take the bus from Reed back to Royston. You may also arrange to car share between the start and end if you prefer.

The 11.5-mile walk offers a varied and engaging route through classic Hertfordshire countryside, taking in open farmland, tree-lined footpaths, streams, and a sequence of distinctive villages.

The route is relatively flat, ensuring a steady and relaxed pace throughout. There are long field crossings as well as shaded stretches, with regular changes in scenery that give the walk a pleasant rhythm. Despite the number of villages along the way, the walk maintains a strong sense of rural tranquility, feeling worlds away from busy towns and urban areas.

We begin in Buntingford, an old market town that developed along Ermine Street - the Roman road once connecting London to York. Though we pass through quickly, its linear layout and period buildings hint at its heritage as a rest stop for travellers.

From Buntingford, our route leads us through the hamlet of Hare Street, where we pick up the Hertfordshire Way at the point we left it last month. Here a quaint, narrow footpath opens onto a spacious park. At Great Hormead, we’ll encounter St Nicholas Church, a vestige of cool tranquility that offers a refreshing respite from the sun. Our lunch break is planned in Anstey’s village park, unusually developed and welcoming for such a small settlement, featuring benches and ample tree cover. The nearby Blind Fiddler pub provides the option of a cold drink.

Continuing westward, we pass across farmland towards Barkway, noted for its thatched roofs and characterful village pond. The final stage takes us into Reed, where our walk concludes at the centrally located and beautiful village cricket green, a serene, quintessentially English setting. We will catch the return bus from Reed Village Hall, scheduled for 16:03.

Most of the route is clearly defined and easy-going, but one short section west of Scales Park is less well-marked and crosses arable fields, so sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly after wet weather.

Dogs are welcome on a lead.

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, please click 'join waitlist' then 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.