We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and a bit beyond, offering guided hikes and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.
A rural walk exploring the northeastern corner of the Chilterns National Landscape, taking in rolling farmland and chalk grassland, fantastic views, historic sites and a picturesque village.
Please note that due to the length of the route, some steep hills and potentially muddy paths, it is essential to have walking boots, experience of country walking and a reasonable level of fitness for this walk.
The walk begins in Great Offley, a hilltop village between Luton and Hitchin. We’ll start by heading northwards through arable farmland and along a section of the Chiltern Way to the hamlet of Little Offley, passing the late Tudor mansion Little Offley House. We’ll pass through a small wood to reach Lilley Hoo, a plateau once used for racing horses, then progress to Telegraph Hill, the highest point in North Hertfordshire and the site of a telegraph station during the Napoleonic Wars. After passing a Bronze Age burial mound, we’ll follow a part of the ancient Icknield Way Path, lined with old beech trees, to reach Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve.
At Pegsdon Hills we’ll dip in and out of narrow, steep-sided valleys grazed by sheep and highland cattle, then walk over the open ridge to reach the trig pillar at Deacon Hill. We’ll pause here for an early lunch stop while we enjoy the scenery; there are wide-ranging views over the surrounding countryside and it’s worth bringing binoculars on a clear day when you may see as far as Cambridge.
After lunch, we’ll head past Tingley Field Plantation and Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve, looking out for another couple of burial mounds nearby, then walk down the Icknield Way to Pirton. Here we’ll pop into one of the village pubs for a quick drink.
Next we’ll pass the earthwork remains of Pirton’s medieval castle mound and out of the village, past another Tudor mansion, High Down House. Our final stretch of the walk takes us back through arable farmland along footpaths and bridleways to Great Offley and an optional post-walk drink at The Green Man pub.
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.
Booking your place: Please book your place using the free Meetup website/app. Join the Stag Walkers Meetup group and click the 'Attend' button on the event page.
Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.
If the walk is fully booked, please click 'join waitlist' then please check back regularly as you will likely get a place. The waitlist gives priority to single bookings so if you wish to bring a guest, we recommend booking separately.
Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.
This is a circular walk.
The start time is when we aim to start walking and the finish time is an estimate.
Walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous in increasing order of difficulty. Please read the walk description to check it is within your abilities and contact the group if you are unsure.
Please:
We are a Ramblers group, non-members are welcome to try us out for 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 purchase membership. 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: Stone King LLP, Boundary House, 91 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HR.
Meet by the village sign at Offley Hill crossroads, opposite The Green Man pub, 5 High Street, Great Offley, Hitchin SG5 3AR. Park on nearby streets, e.g. High Street or School Lane, with consideration for local residents. Please allow extra time to find a parking spot and consider car-sharing to take up less space. Alternatively, take the Arriva bus service 100 or 101 from Stevenage, Hitchin or Luton.
