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 is a joint walk with Walk Cambridge, led by Stag Walkers. There are 15 places available for each group, including 2 leaders.
The route explores old byways and rolling countryside between the market town of Hitchin and the hamlet of Ley Green.
Starting from Hitchin station, we’ll begin by taking a footpath behind houses to emerge at the side of Windmill Hill and a viewpoint which those who watch BBC1 may recognise from the ‘bench’ ident shown before programmes. We then head southwards out of town past Priory Fields and Maydencroft Manor (visited by Henry VIII) before a short ascent to Tatmore Hills at the edge of the Chilterns.
We’ll follow some ancient lanes worn into the ground by centuries of travellers; these holloways are lined with trees whose shade may be welcome if the weather is warm. Along the way we’ll pass the site of a deserted village which is said to have been abandoned due to plague and caused one of the tracks to become known as Dead Woman’s Lane.
We then cross open farmland as we turn towards Ley Green, where we’ll stop to eat our packed lunches then visit The Plough for a drink. This traditional country pub is notable for its very large garden and a CAMRA listing for its historic interior.
After our break we’ll turn northeast, heading through arable and pastoral fields, passing West Wood and Pinnacle Hill before returning to Hitchin. We’ll stroll through its old streets and past St Mary’s, the largest parish church in Hertfordshire, with a chance to pause for ice cream or a drink while on the way back to the station.
Dogs are welcome, on a lead.
Booking your place: If you would like to join, you must book in advance using the Stag Walkers Meetup group - see Notes for how to book & what to bring. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place.
Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited. Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.
Please car-share or use public transport if possible. To offer a lift or ask for one from a fellow walker, please use the Meetup event page.
This is a circular walk
Please be aware of the walk grade: walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous
Use our Meetup group to book your place on the walk: https://www.meetup.com/StagWalkers/
Book your place by clicking the ‘Attend’ button when RSVPs are open. RSVPs open 6pm four weeks before the walk takes place. If the walk is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available.
Please:
DO NOT book onto a walk unless you are pretty sure you will be able to make it.
UPDATE YOUR RSVP. We understand ‘life happens’ so if you need to change your RSVP please do this at least 24 hours before the walk and before booking closes to enable someone else to take your place.
DON’T NO-SHOW on the day unless it is absolutely unavoidable (we do understand ‘life happens’) because it prevents others from enjoying a walk when we are limited in the number of spaces.
*TAKE NOTE that if you no-show and/or cancel after the booking closing deadline three times, without extenuating circumstances, we will decline further bookings from you for a period of six weeks.*
Bring a packed lunch / snacks and drinks, and optionally a basic first aid kit & hand sanitiser.
For more information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.
We are a Ramblers group, non members are welcome to try us out for two or 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 become a full member. 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.
Hitchin Railway Station, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, Herts SG4 9UL. Meet at the Meeting Point between the ticket office and the car park (to your left if exiting the station). Parking £3.30 or take the train (Kings Cross/St Pancras line).
