We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and slightly older, offering led walks and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
This walk is for up to 15 people, including the leader.
As British Summer Time comes to an end and the clocks go back, join us for a varied linear walk tracing the Mimram valley from the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City to Hertford via Panshanger Park, using some lesser-known paths.
Please note this is a linear walk and we suggest drivers park at Hertford North station, where we will meet to catch the bus to Panshanger Golf Complex. The walk will end back at Hertford North.
After a short bus ride we'll head towards Tewinbury Farm, a popular spot thanks to its restuarants, hotel and shop. We'll cross over the river Mimram and pass the farm's pigs and alpacas on the way to open grassland and our first views over the Mimram valley. A woodland doorway will lead to Marden Hill, home to the grand Marden Hill House, horse paddocks, an impresssively split lime tree and open views.
Using paths known to locals, we'll sneak into the top of Panshanger Park, a 1000-acre historic country park, and take in some of its highlights including the Panshanger Great Oak - believed to be the oldest oak tree in England - ruins of the Orangery of Panshanger House, the Broadwater and sweeping landscape created in the 1700s by Humphry Repton, longhorn cattle and Osprey Lake. Pace and weather dependant we'll pause for a packed lunch stop with great views over the park before crossing the Mimram once more and following it to the village of Hertingfordbury. We'll then pick up former railway line the Cole Green Way towards Hertford, but take a lesser-trod option with points of interest along the way including an abandoned plant nursery.
As we enter the outskirts of Hertford we'll cut through woodland to pass the front of County Hall, home to Herts County Council, featuring neo-Georgian architecture and a couple of statues very appropriate for Stag Walkers! On our final leg we'll walk through the attractive grounds of Hertford Castle before making our way back to the railway station via North Road. There'll be an opportunity for optional post-walk refreshments at an excellent local pub.
Dogs are welcome, on a lead.
Booking your place: If you would like to join, you must book in advance using the Stag Walkers Meetup group - see Notes for how to book & what to bring. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place.
Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.
Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.
Please car-share or use public transport if possible. To offer a lift or ask for one from a fellow walker, please use the Meetup event page.
This is a linear walk.
Please be aware of the walk grade: walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous
Use our Meetup group to book your place on the walk: https://www.meetup.com/StagWalkers/
Book your place via the Stag Walkers Meetup group by clicking the ‘Attend’ button on the event page. If the walk is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available. If you’re on the waitlist, please check back regularly to see if you have been added to the attending list.
If you have any questions or need to contact the leader about the walk, please post on the Meetup event page.
Please:
DO NOT book onto a walk unless you are pretty sure you will be able to make it.
UPDATE YOUR RSVP. We understand ‘life happens’ so if you need to change your RSVP please do this at least 24 hours before the walk and before booking closes to enable someone else to take your place.
DON’T NO-SHOW on the day unless it is absolutely unavoidable (we do understand ‘life happens’) because it prevents others from enjoying a walk if it is fully booked.
*TAKE NOTE that if you no-show and/or cancel after the booking closing deadline three times, without extenuating circumstances, we will decline further bookings from you for a period of six weeks.*
Bring a packed lunch/snacks and drinks, appropriate clothing for the conditions and optionally a basic first aid kit.
We are a Ramblers group, non members are welcome to try us out for two or three free walks before joining Ramblers as a full member.
As a charity we ask that non-members consider making a voluntary donation to Ramblers until they become a full member. We suggest £3-4 per walk. You can donate in person or online.
The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Registered office: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE.
Meet at Hertford North Railway Station - Bus Stop B, North Road, Hertford, SG14 1NA at 11.05am. Turn right if exiting the station, walk past the bicycle racks and the bus stop will be immediately in front of you. Suggested parking at Hertford North station car park, North Road, Hertford SG14 1NB (entrance on Beane Road). Parking £3. We'll catch the 724 Greenline service (towards Heathrow) departing at 11:18am, scheduled to arrive at the golf club entrance at 11:26am. (Buses only run every two hours and sometimes leave early so please arrive in plenty of time).
Corner of Old Herns Lane and Herns Lane (entrance to Panshanger Golf Complex), Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2ED. what3words: reduce.hedge.slice. However drivers may wish to park at the end point using Hertford North Station car park and take the bus to the start point, then walk back to their cars.
Hertford North Railway Station, North Road, Hertford, SG14 1NB
