We are the West London Ramblers, mainly covering Ealing and Hounslow, but open to all. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This walk links a Hertfordshire town and a historic Hertfordshire city and is green and pleasant throughout. The walking is on good paths, with some hard surface, and there are no significant hills.
There is attractive common land, a forest with countryside views, a country estate, and finally a pleasant approach to St Albans which takes you through the old town past sites of historical interest.
In the morning we leave Harpenden along a waymarked bridleway then visit a new forest called Heartwood, that has been planted with community support since 2010.
We will stop for a picnic or quick pub or tearoom lunch in the village of Sandridge.
The afternoon takes us through the pretty Childwickbury country estate, with views also out to another estate, Gorehambury. A further highlight is then the city of St Albans, where you pass old pubs, quaint houses, the Roman museum and remains, the Cathedral and its gate, and finally the clock tower and museum of St Albans. There should be time to take a look at the cathedral and/or have tea in the cathedral café.
There is a fast train service to Harpenden. Take the 10:01 Thameslink train from Farringdon (or other central London station). Buy an off peak day return to Harpenden, which is good for the return journey from St Albans City. At Harpenden we will meet just outside the ticket gates at the left side exit, near the toilets.
Toilets are available at Harpenden and St Albans stations, and at our lunch stop.
Harpenden station
St Albans City station. You can opt to return to London Euston from St Albans Abbey train station but you will need to buy a separate ticket for your return journey.
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