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 30 people, including the leader.
Part 19 of an epic long-distance trail around Hertfordshire!
The Hertfordshire Way is a 200-mile route around the county, which we're walking in sections each month. Don’t worry if you’ve missed previous parts of the series - everyone is welcome to join any of these walks.
Please note this is a linear walk from Buntingford to Reed. These are accessible by bus from Royston, from where we recommend taking the no. 18 bus to Buntingford. At the end of our walk we’ll take the bus from Reed back to Royston. You may also arrange to car share between the start and end if you prefer.
The 11.5-mile walk offers a varied and engaging route through classic Hertfordshire countryside, taking in open farmland, tree-lined footpaths, streams, and a sequence of distinctive villages.
The route is relatively flat, ensuring a steady and relaxed pace throughout. There are long field crossings as well as shaded stretches, with regular changes in scenery that give the walk a pleasant rhythm. Despite the number of villages along the way, the walk maintains a strong sense of rural tranquility, feeling worlds away from busy towns and urban areas.
We begin in Buntingford, an old market town that developed along Ermine Street - the Roman road once connecting London to York. Though we pass through quickly, its linear layout and period buildings hint at its heritage as a rest stop for travellers.
From Buntingford, our route leads us through the hamlet of Hare Street, where we pick up the Hertfordshire Way at the point we left it last month. Here a quaint, narrow footpath opens onto a spacious park. At Great Hormead, we’ll encounter St Nicholas Church, a vestige of cool tranquility that offers a refreshing respite from the sun. Our lunch break is planned in Anstey’s village park, unusually developed and welcoming for such a small settlement, featuring benches and ample tree cover. The nearby Blind Fiddler pub provides the option of a cold drink.
Continuing westward, we pass across farmland towards Barkway, noted for its thatched roofs and characterful village pond. The final stage takes us into Reed, where our walk concludes at the centrally located and beautiful village cricket green, a serene, quintessentially English setting. We will catch the return bus from Reed Village Hall, scheduled for 16:03.
Most of the route is clearly defined and easy-going, but one short section west of Scales Park is less well-marked and crosses arable fields, so sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly after wet weather.
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 linear 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: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE.
Civic Centre Car Park, 1 King James Way, Royston SG8 7XB. All day parking £3.50. We recommend drivers park here between 09.00 - 09.15 then take the very short walk to the bus stop at Melbourne Street/Town Hall to catch the 09.24 Richmonds bus 18 to Buntingford. If travelling by train, you may wish to catch this bus from near Royston railway station at Stop B (on Kneesworth Street, opposite Green Drift) at 09.21.
The Crown Inn, 17 High St, Buntingford SG9 9AB. Free parking is available 5 minutes’ walk away at High Street Car Park, entrance on Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford, SG9 9DF - but we recommend taking Richmonds bus 18 from Royston, due to arrive in opposite The Crown at 09.57.
Reed Village Hall, where we will catch the bus back to Royston.
