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 25 people, including the leader.
This short circular walk on the Hertfordshire/Cambridgeshire border takes us through gently rolling farmland, wide open fields and quiet country lanes, with views across the north-eastern edge of Hertfordshire.
Please note the early start time for this walk, which enables anyone using public transport to come by bus and allows spare time to enjoy the rest of Saturday afternoon.
We meet at the Town House car park in Barley, a picturesque village with timber-framed houses and an ancient church. Setting off from Barley, we will head out across arable farmland on well-marked footpaths. The route includes some steady but not difficult slopes, offering fine views across the surrounding countryside.
Along the way we pass through the Newsells Park Stud and the war memorial for estate workers killed in WWI. There is a short section of road walking on the Barley to Barkway Road, but there is a pavement to follow and we soon cross to enter the Cokenach estate, turning back towards Barley with views across to the Great Chishill Windmill. Coming through the village of Smith End, we pass a house selling delicious local honey for £6.50 per jar (cash only).
There will be a snack stop half way round but since this is such a short walk, lunch will be at the end of the walk in the Barley churchyard to make sure that anyone coming by bus can return in the afternoon. After lunch, there will be an optional drink at either the Fox and Hounds or Chequers pub.
Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs.
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 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.
Town House Car Park, Church End, Barley SG8 8JP. Drivers can park in the Town House car park free of charge, while those coming by public transport can reach Barley via Royston railway station, taking Richmonds Coaches bus 18 from Stop B at 09.21, arriving in Barley at 09.34. The return bus is at 13.09 from London Road adjacent to Richmond's Garage, Barley.
