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West London Group

We are the West London Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking

Overview

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.

Wednesday, 27 August 2025
Start time:
10:40 am
Estimated finish time:
4:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
17.5km / 10.9mi
Ascent:
100m / 328ft
Type:
linear

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.

Features

  • Refreshments available (Pub/cafe)
  • Toilets available
  • Accessible by public transport
  • No car needed
  • No Stiles

Starting point

Grid reference:
TL 13698 14213
Nearest postcode:
AL5 4SP
what3words:
rots.bank.window
Start time:
10:40 am

Harpenden station

Finishing point

Grid reference:
TL 15577 07104
Nearest postcode:
AL1 5HE
what3words:
cuts.swung.invest
Estimated finish time:
4:00 pm

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.

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking