Hertfordshire via Hitch Wood
20 people attending
0 places left
7 people waitlisted
Join Alex for this 11-mile circular walk to Hitch Wood's blossoming bluebells
Our route begins at Stevenage station and we will weave our way westwards via the town's dual carriageways and underpasses for a short while until we cross into open countryside. We head towards the small settlement of Langley across undulating countryside of fields and woodland.
After Langley we will head across open fields once more until we reach the village of St Paul's Walden. Here we will turn northwards and skirt around the edge of St Paul's Walden Bury estate before ascending towards the tower of All Saints' church, its medieval façade contrasting with its Georgian interior.
From here we will head around the estate of Stagenhoe, now a centre for neurologucal care, towards the Hitch Wood nature reserve. A waymarked path, the Hitchwood Trail, leads us through the woods, which should be bursting with bluebells in late April. We will stop for lunch somewhere around here.
We will then continue our journey north and past the atmospheric ruins of the 14th-century Minsden Chapel. From here our route turns southeast and takes us back downhill to Stevenage across open farmland. We will head through the Old Town area and may stop at a local pub on the way back to the station.
Don't waste that space!
Please only book if you know you can make it. If your plans change please free up the space for someone else.
New members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Is it dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome but please bear in mind not everyone likes dogs as much as you. Some of the fields we cross may contain livestock so please make sure this will not be an issue.
Image / photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres.
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain.
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece).
Trousers: jeans are not ideal as they become heavy and cold in the rain. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and shorts are convenient for warm days.
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather. Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer.
Food & drink
We will stop for lunch en route so please bring a packed lunch. Thete are a few shops at Stevenage station but nothing once we get going.
We will probably head to a pub in the Stevenage Old Town towards the end of the walk.