Hicca Way: Arlesey, Hitchin & Charlton (12.5 miles/20 km - Moderate, Booking Required)

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

The Hicca Way is a route that follows the River Hiz from its source to where it joins the River Ivel. Most of this walk is on relatively flat land, but with some gentle slopes as we near the end. This will be primarily on farmland, but will include some town walking.

Please be advised that some parts of the route do not have much tree cover, and because the walk is in the middle of summer, please be sure to bring sunscreen, and plenty of water, as well as a packed lunch.

We will start just outside Arlesey, where we will do a circuit of Henlow Lakes before following the river south; we might get to see some ponies as we leave Arlesey and follow the route to Ickleford. Look out for Gerry's Hole, and a mural commemorating the former Hitchin to Bedford railway line just before we deviate from the route for a lunch stop and an optional drink stop at The Plume of Feathers.

We will rejoin the Hicca Way, passing Bury Mead Springs, and we will get a chance to stop and appreciate a reverberating bridge. We will pass through Hitchin, via Ransoms Recreaction Ground and Bancroft Park, and passing Windmill Hill, recognisable from its multiple appearances on the BBC. We will deviate slightly from the river to pass through St. Mary's Churchyard, and pass some locations that have been used in two dramas; Doctor Foster and Humans. There are toilet facilities near the Market Square, if anyone needs a comfort break.

After this, we will pass Hitchin Priory, former location of the Rhythms of the World Festival, and join the Hitchin HOOP as it heads towards Charlton, passing the pig farm as we head along the final stretch of the river. We can pause at the source to admire the view, and get pictures, before returning to Hitchin via Priory Park, and ending at the Queen Mother Theatre. Those who wish to can then join us for a drink and possibly food at the Radcliffe Arms.

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.