We support nine Ramblers Groups in Hertfordshire, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey and help protect our local footpaths and countryside for everyone to enjoy.
Herts Walks Fest
A day walk through countryside and villages west of Knebworth, taking in farmland, woodland, parkland and views of two country houses.
The route is on gently undulating terrain and mostly on good quality paths, including some road walking and two well-established cross-field paths.
Please bring a packed lunch, snacks and drinks, and something to sit on at lunchtime e.g. a sitmat.
The walk begins by heading through Park Wood towards the hamlet of Rableyheath and the village of Codicote. Skirting Codicote and passing St Giles Church, we arrive at Codicote Heath where we stop for a short coffee break. We then walk towards the River Mimram, a chalk stream which rises from a spring northwest of Whitwell, and walk along the river valley to Kimpton Mill.
We then make our way towards Whitwell through Hoo Park. The Manor of Hoo was owned by the Hoo family since the 13th century and a grand Manor House was built for the family within the park’s 120 hectares in 1661. All that remains of the property now is its stable block and coach house, but the parkland remains, to be enjoyed on this walk.
At Whitwell we will stop for lunch at the village recreation ground, where a small amount of bench seating is available.
After lunch we pass St Paul's Walden Bury, a Grade II English country house, located in Grade I listed landscaped grounds of 50 acres. The house dates from the early 18th century, with a substantial Victorian addition. The Bury has been in the ownership of the Bowes-Lyon family since 1720 and was the childhood home of the Queen Mother.
After a view of the Bury we continue through Reynolds Wood, then following a short distance on a minor road come to Graffidge Wood. This is a charming woodland covering approximately 100 acres, predominantly made up of mature deciduous trees, including oak, beech, and ash. In the wood there are three barrows (burial chambers); two Bronze Age bell barrows and one dating from Roman times.
Eventually we reach Knebworth Park with a view of the Lytton Mausoleum and Knebworth House. Depending on time we might have a short stop for a drink before we head back to Old Knebworth village and then the village hall in Knebworth, where we can join other walkers for cream teas.
This walk is not suitable for dogs.
Suitable for older children (accompanied by parent / guardian) if accustomed to distance.
Walk Leader: Gabriela L
This walk is part of Hertfordshire & North London Walks Fest 2025, organised by Ramblers Hertfordshire & North Middlesex Area.
There are several group walks of various distances to choose from, led by experienced walk leaders from the different Ramblers Groups across the Area.
After the walks, there is the chance to meet other walkers for refreshments and conversation at Knebworth Village Hall (a few minutes' walk from Knebworth station) where we will enjoy a cream tea from 3pm onwards.
It’s a great opportunity to walk and chat with members from different Ramblers Groups and with new people.
All are welcome, though some walks may be unsuitable for young children due to distance - please check the individual listing for each walk to see if it is family-friendly. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or person with equivalent responsibility for the entire walk.
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 us if you are unsure.
Free for everyone to attend; no booking required.
Toilets are available at the Hall from 3pm.
Bring a packed lunch / snacks and drinks and appropriate clothing for the conditions.
Knebworth Village Hall, Park Lane, Knebworth SG3 6PD. Accessible by train to Knebworth (London King's Cross - Cambridge Great Northern route) and local bus services. If driving, there is a car park at the station (£3.40 all day) or limited free parking on Kerr Close. Please check restrictions and park with consideration for local residents. Due to limited parking, we recommend car-sharing or travelling by public transport if possible.
