Dykes, Bunyans and Wicked Ladies

We will start at Nomansland common and head close to the Wicked Lady pub, named after the famous 17th century highway woman. We will soon pass the remaining chimney stack of John Bunyan’s cottage (17th century, author of Pilgrim’s Progress) and then follow a sunken green lane to the Brocket Hall estate.

After crossing the River Lee, we will navigate through the grounds at the rear of the hall before arriving into the first of the ‘Ayots’ villages, Ayot Green. A short stretch of disused railway (the Ayot Greenway, previously carrying trains between Welwyn Garden City and Dunstable) will take us deeper into tranquil Hertfordshire countryside. We pass Bladder wood and Stocking Spring wood before arriving at Ayot St. Lawrence where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch there will be time to take in the ruined (for romantic effect!) original church and the Grecian new church. We will then take paths through woodland and fields back to the outskirts of Wheathamstead where we will take in the Roman fortification of Devil’s Dyke (1st Century BC) before we head back to Nomansland.

Distance circa 20km. Approximate route: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/osmaps/route/7114411/nomansland-loop

Dogs very welcome. We may come across livestock and there are a few roads to cross.

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COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
• The main symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of taste and/or smell.
• You may be subject to local lockdown restrictions, which you must fully comply with. Details of the location of these restrictions can be found here for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.   
• We do not encourage car sharing to events during the pandemic. Please comply with the safety travel guidance for England, Wales, and Scotland. Face coverings should be worn on public transport.
• OutdoorLads will support the tracing systems in place across the UK  and attendance at an OutdoorLads event is considered permission to use contact details for this purpose if requested by the appropriate authority.  
• All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop. Remember: Face, Hands, Space.
• Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
• Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. Please bring any other PPE items required. Bring a disposable bag for any used PPE.
• Members are advised to bring their own small first aid kit for personal use..
• Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
• Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
• Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

COVID-19: Events Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

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