Therfield Heath Summer Solstice Evening Walk (5.5 miles / 9km - Leisurely, Booking Required)

This walk is for up to 25 people, including the leader.

Join us on the longest day of the year for an evening walk in a historic landscape. Therfield Heath is the site of several ancient burial mounds and was a favourite hunting ground of King James I; it is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve, as well as being home to many sports clubs.

The walk begins at Royston station and goes through the town, passing various buildings which were once part of the king’s palace, then along a pleasant hedge-lined bridleway to a corner of the Heath. We’ll walk through the band of woodland skirting the ridge of the Heath, emerging to views of the town and countryside; on a clear day you can see Cambridge and beyond.

After walking across Church Hill, we’ll head back over the open downland, past the Bronze Age round barrow cemetery. We’ll pause at a viewpoint around sunset (9.24pm) before following the chalk paths back to town, where we have the chance of an optional pub stop to make the most of the long evening.

Please note this walk has a few short but steep inclines.

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.