Wheathampstead to Gustardwood Common (6.5 miles / 10.5 km - Leisurely, Booking Required)

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

This leisurely walk takes in parts of the River Lea, some pleasant villages and hamlets, parkland and woodland over gently undulating terrain and generally good paths.

We start near Wheathampstead village centre, setting off east into River Park and taking a shaded path along the north bank of the River Lea. Soon we turn north, crossing the Ayot Greenway (a walking and cycling path along a disused railway) to enter Lamer Park. The path leads through a mixture of woodland and pasture, past Lamerwood House, turning northwest towards Gustardwood Common (a designated County Wildlife Site). The common was formerly all woodland, but after historic clearance is now a mixture of woodland and heath.

We head through the woods of the common to its northern end, where there is open grass with large trees for our picnic lunch stop. The Cross Keys pub is here, so those who wish can visit the pub for a drink/snack and to use the facilities.

After lunch we head southwest through farmland to the hamlet of Mackerye End, dominated by Mackerye End House, a Grade I listed manor house. We continue south towards the River Lea, crossing it on Leasey Bridge. Paths across farmland then lead us back along the river valley to Wheathampstead, where those who wish can join us for a post walk drink at one of the village pubs.

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.