Hitchin, Holloways & Hills (10 miles/16km - Moderate, Booking Required)

This is a joint walk with Walk Cambridge, led by Stag Walkers. There are 15 places available for each group, including 2 leaders.

The route explores old byways and rolling countryside between the market town of Hitchin and the hamlet of Ley Green.

Starting from Hitchin station, we’ll begin by taking a footpath behind houses to emerge at the side of Windmill Hill and a viewpoint which those who watch BBC1 may recognise from the ‘bench’ ident shown before programmes. We then head southwards out of town past Priory Fields and Maydencroft Manor (visited by Henry VIII) before a short ascent to Tatmore Hills at the edge of the Chilterns.

We’ll follow some ancient lanes worn into the ground by centuries of travellers; these holloways are lined with trees whose shade may be welcome if the weather is warm. Along the way we’ll pass the site of a deserted village which is said to have been abandoned due to plague and caused one of the tracks to become known as Dead Woman’s Lane.

We then cross open farmland as we turn towards Ley Green, where we’ll stop to eat our packed lunches then visit The Plough for a drink. This traditional country pub is notable for its very large garden and a CAMRA listing for its historic interior.

After our break we’ll turn northeast, heading through arable and pastoral fields, passing West Wood and Pinnacle Hill before returning to Hitchin. We’ll stroll through its old streets and past St Mary’s, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire, with a chance to pause for ice cream or a drink while on the way back to the station.

Dogs are welcome, on a lead.

Booking your place: If you would like to join, you must book in advance using the Stag Walkers Meetup group - see Notes for how to book & what to bring. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place.

Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited. Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.

Please car-share or use public transport if possible. To offer a lift or ask for one from a fellow walker, please use the Meetup event page.