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.
A short evening walk which follows the course of the River Purwell through a wide strip of green space on the outskirts of Hitchin, including two nature reserves.
The fairly flat route is partly on surfaced paths, partly on grass and along a short woodland trail. Some paths may be muddy so please wear appropriate footwear.
From Hitchin station we’ll proceed under the railway bridge and along a recently resurfaced footpath to find our first glimpse of the river, where two channels flow through horse paddocks. After crossing Purwell Recreation Ground, we’ll have the opportunity to explore Purwell Ninesprings Nature Reserve, passing reed beds and winding through wooded wetland (but if it’s too wet, we can detour along the adjoining lane).
On the edge of town we’ll spot the infant River Purwell. This small chalk stream is formed where two brooks meet behind the nearby railway line, then fed by the waters of Ninesprings. We’ll follow the river downstream and past the old Purwell Mill, which was powered by the river until the 1920s, then back past the paddocks and into another nature reserve, Purwell Meadows.
We’ll walk through the meadows then across Walsworth Common, alongside the river past play equipment and sports pitches. By this point the watercourse has become wider and we might see ducks or a little egret.
After leaving the common, we’ll soon leave the Purwell, where it flows into the River Hiz by a street named Watersmeet. We’ll then follow the Hiz upstream past a WW2 pillbox and into Ransom’s Rec, passing the pretty Triangle Garden. From here it’s a few minutes’ walk back to our start point, but for those who wish to stick around there’s the chance to end the evening with a sociable drink at a nearby pub.
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, click 'join waitlist' to get a place if one becomes available and 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 circular 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.
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 £3.40 payable by APCOA Connect App or free parking after 6pm around 10 mins walk away at Queen Mother Theatre car park, Woodside, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, SG4 9SP.
