Icknield Way: Pegsdon Hills
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Join Alex for this slightly longer 14-mile Chiltern circular walk via the Icknield Way.
We will begin in the Hertfordshire town of Hitchin and our route will take us south out of the the town centre. Here we will turn west and follow the Chiltern Way into undulating countryside and ascend the beginnings of the Chiltern escarpment as we approach the village of Great Offley, named after the Mercian King Offa. After leaving the village we will turn north, passing the the 12th-century church of Mary Magdalene, and head out into open fields for another couple of miles.
Shortly after crossing into Bedfordshire we will reach the Pegsdon Hills, with wide-ranging views to the north. We may see some Highland cattle grazing as we join the the Icknield Way and follow it the along ridge of the hills towards the trig point at Deacon Hill. Our route will descend sharply before we head into woodland, passing by the edge of the Knocking Hoe nature reserve which also has good views of the surrounding farmland and villages.
Continuing on the Icknield Way we will head east towards the pleasant village of Pirton where the parish church of St Mary sits beside the remaining earthworks of a castle. From here we will walk back towards Hitchin, entering the town via the Oughtonhead nature reserve with its herd of English longhorn cattle. We will pass through the town centre, via Market Place and another St Mary's church, before heading back towards the station.
Don't waste that space!
Summer means lots of members looking to get out more so 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 or horses so make sure this will not cause issues before bringing your dog along. Make sure they have the stamina for 14 miles.
Image / photo credits: All leader's own images - with permission for OutdoorLads to use and reuse
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 so please bring a packed lunch. There is a shop at Hitchin station and a Tesco Express just outside. There is nowhere else to pick up food en route.
We will head to a pub near the station once we have finished the walk.