Let's go roamin' among Roman ruins (and a pub lunch)
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Starting from St Albans City station, we will enjoy this 8.50 mile bimble exploring Roman Verulamium. We will head through a small part of town, then amble alongside the River Ver on the Hertfordshire Way. Much of our path will be on the grounds of the Gorhambury Estate, which is full of Roman, Elizabethan and 18th century history. We will pass the Roman Theatre of Verulamium (built circa AD 140), pass Gorhambury House on our way to Old Gorhambury House, a Grade I listed manor house, built between 1563-1568. This English Heritage site is free to enter and we will allow time to explore the ruins.
Just after 4.5 miles in, we will stop for a wonderful pub lunch at The Holly Bush, located in the leafy village of Potters Crouch. As of the date of publishing, I am working on the pre-order menu with the pub and that will be shared later. Expect slightly upscale pub grub, with the likes of pave of pork belly, pappardelle beef ragu, lamb rump and artisanal pizzas!
After lunch we will head back toward St Albans, passing through Park Wood and back onto the edge of the Gorhambury Estate. As we near St Albans Cathedral we will see sections of the Roman wall bordering the estate, and up to the Great Gateway of the Monastery. This gateway has existed since roughly AD 948 and served as the entrance gate of the almonry school ( a medieval monastic charity school). This is now the £30,000 a year Sixth Form St Albans School.
Depending on what time we back at the cathedral grounds there may be time to explore the cathedral itself, although it does close at 5.00 every day.
Our walk will end at the cathedral grounds and we can all make our way back to the station (walking up Holywell Hill to Victoria Street. Depending on your return train times, feel free to explore the shops and pubs along Victoria Street.
The event booking will close at 17.00 on 12 August, in order to allow the pub ample time to prepare.
Photos provided by www.unsplash.com and OutdoorLads members and used with permission and thanks.
What to bring
As the walk is relatively flat, standard hiking shoes are adequate. Trainers should be okay but we will keep an eye on the weather!
Something to drink and snacks to nibble if you wish.
Food & drink
There will be the pub lunch as indicated (again, the menu will be provided later) but if you choose not to partake (or want to grab snacks) there is a Sainsbury's Local right at the station.