Introductory walk: Kimpton & Ayot St Lawrence (5 miles / 8km - Leisurely, Booking Required)

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

Join us on the first Saturday morning of the new year for the first of two walks today exploring the quiet countryside around Kimpton, a charming old village nestled in a valley of the North Chiltern Hills between Hitchin, Luton, Stevenage and St Albans.

This event has been organised as an introductory walk, meaning it is particularly aimed at people new to our group or to countryside walking in general. It's a relatively short walk on undemanding terrain, graded ‘Leisurely’, so should be suitable for most people in our age group. However, some sections may be muddy so boots or good quality walking shoes are recommended.

Current members of the group are also welcome to attend this morning or to join for a different walk in the afternoon. Keen walkers can attend both walks to complete a 10.5-mile figure of eight route, which due to total distance qualifies as ‘Moderate’ grade.

Both walks start and finish at the Parkfield Sports Ground car park on the north side of Kimpton near the church.

This morning walk takes in farmland, parkland and woodland, including some gentle slopes, and passes three historic churches.

We begin by heading southwards past Kimpton's large 13th century parish church, through the recreation ground and uphill along field edge paths away from the village. We soon pass through woodland and reach Ayot St Lawrence. Pausing here for a snack break, we'll see the impressive New St Lawrence Church, built in the style of a Grecian/Roman temple by 18th century landowner Sir Lionel Lyde, then pass the part-demolished Old St Lawrence Church, deliberately ‘ruined’ by Sir Lionel because it spoiled the view from his mansion!

Turning northwards, we can enjoy the view across the Mimram Valley as we head downhill towards Kimpton Mill, and might spot some wooden carvings amongst the trees which line the path. We’ll pass the mill and follow the chalk stream River Mimram to the remains of the 18th century landscaped Hoo Park, crossing an ornamental bridge. For a short time we’ll follow the Hertfordshire Way heading west, then turn southwest to return to Kimpton in time for lunch.

Picnic tables are available at Parkfield Sports Ground to enjoy a packed lunch after the walk. And if time permits, some walkers might like to visit The Homestead Café & Farm Shop a short walk away at the village recreation ground, or the local pub The Boot (but in case of muddy boots, please bring a change of footwear if planning to visit the pub).

This route is based, with thanks, on ‘Walk 48: Kimpton Loop’ from the Hertfordshire Walker website (hertfordshirewalker.uk).

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, 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.