We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and a bit beyond, offering guided hikes and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.
Join us on the first Saturday morning of the new year for the first of two walks today exploring the quiet countryside around Kimpton, a charming old village nestled in a valley of the North Chiltern Hills between Hitchin, Luton, Stevenage and St Albans.
This event has been organised as an introductory walk, meaning it is particularly aimed at people new to our group or to countryside walking in general. It's a relatively short walk on undemanding terrain, graded ‘Leisurely’, so should be suitable for most people in our age group. However, some sections may be muddy so boots or good quality walking shoes are recommended.
Current members of the group are also welcome to attend this morning or to join for a different walk in the afternoon. Keen walkers can attend both walks to complete a 10.5-mile figure of eight route, which due to total distance qualifies as ‘Moderate’ grade.
Both walks start and finish at the Parkfield Sports Ground car park on the north side of Kimpton near the church.
This morning walk takes in farmland, parkland and woodland, including some gentle slopes, and passes three historic churches.
We begin by heading southwards past Kimpton's large 13th century parish church, through the recreation ground and uphill along field edge paths away from the village. We soon pass through woodland and reach Ayot St Lawrence. Pausing here for a snack break, we'll see the impressive New St Lawrence Church, built in the style of a Grecian/Roman temple by 18th century landowner Sir Lionel Lyde, then pass the part-demolished Old St Lawrence Church, deliberately ‘ruined’ by Sir Lionel because it spoiled the view from his mansion!
Turning northwards, we can enjoy the view across the Mimram Valley as we head downhill towards Kimpton Mill, and might spot some wooden carvings amongst the trees which line the path. We’ll pass the mill and follow the chalk stream River Mimram to the remains of the 18th century landscaped Hoo Park, crossing an ornamental bridge. For a short time we’ll follow the Hertfordshire Way heading west, then turn southwest to return to Kimpton in time for lunch.
Picnic tables are available at Parkfield Sports Ground to enjoy a packed lunch after the walk. And if time permits, some walkers might like to visit The Homestead Café & Farm Shop a short walk away at the village recreation ground, or the local pub The Boot (but in case of muddy boots, please bring a change of footwear if planning to visit the pub).
This route is based, with thanks, on ‘Walk 48: Kimpton Loop’ from the Hertfordshire Walker website (hertfordshirewalker.uk).
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: Stone King LLP, Boundary House, 91 Charterhouse Street, London EC1M 6HR.
Parkfield Sports Ground car park, Hitchin Road, Kimpton, Herts SG4 8RR. This is on the north side of Kimpton, off the B651 - look out for the turning as this can easily be missed. Due to limited parking, we recommend car-sharing or using public transport if possible. Alternative parking may be found on nearby streets within the village, but please park with consideration for local residents. Accessible by bus 304 from Hitchin/St Albans, 44 from Stevenage/Luton or 315 from Hitchin/WGC.
