We are the East Hertfordshire Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Hilary P.
Please join us for a wander through Panshanger Park. Starting in the quiet village of Hertingfordbury, our walk takes us beneath the A414 and into the expansive Panshanger Park, a landscape rich in history and natural beauty. The route begins passing through the park's osier beds, where the willows are cultivated along the river Mimram. These traditional wetlands, once used for basket making, offer a glimpse into the park's agricultural past.
From here, we leave the park and cross the B1000 towards Marden Hill House, a local landmark with connections to the area's history. The route leads us to the Hertfordshire Chain Walk, an established long-distance footpath that guides us through farmland and open fields, offering views of the surrounding countryside.
Along the way there should be local wildlife to spot including common birds and perhaps even a kestrel hunting overhead. As we reach Evergreen Wood we'll pass through mature trees. The wood is home to various species of bird and squirrels. After leaving the wood, we cross Welwyn Road, before returning into Panshanger and making our way to Garden Wood. This smaller woodland area is known for its wildflowers in the spring and is a quieter, less frequented part of the park.
The next section of the walk takes us to Panshanger House, the grand estate that once stood here before being demolished in the mid - 20th century. The house itself is no longer standing, but the remains of its formal gardens and the impressive views across the parkland provide a sense of its formal scale and importance.
We then descend towards the site of the waterwheel, which once powered a wheel on the River Mimram. The remains of the wheel's structure can still be seen. We continue to Osprey Lake, a quiet spot often frequented by waterfowl. The lake's still waters provide a calm end to our walk, offering an opportunity to pause and reflect on the landscape we've just explored.
Finally, we make our way back towards Hertingfordbury, retracing our steps through Panshanger Park. This walk offers a mix of historical sites, diverse habitats, and beautiful countryside, showcasing some of the best of East Hertfordshire's landscape.
The paths are well marked and not too muddy but sturdy walking boots are recommended at this time of year.
A snack and drink is recommended and we plan to head to The White Horse after the walk for refreshments. There are no toilets available on the walk, but there are at the pub, after the walk.
Parking is available on the street near the start of the walk and there is also a cul de sac with additional parking near the start of our walk.
High Street in Hertingfordbury near a cul de sac road called Hertingfordbury Road. There is a small patch of grass with a bench.
