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.
An autumnal walk through woodland and farmland, with some moderate slopes.
We begin near Chicksands in an expansive woodland known as Rowney Warren Wood. The term “warren” denotes an ancient type of animal enclosure. This warren at Rowney was established in 1252 as a designated site for breeding and managing rabbits for food. Today, it serves as a tranquil setting for walking alongside regions designated for more vigorous activity. A section is enclosed for mountain biking, while the other is suited to quiet strolls through pine, oak, and beech trees.
As we emerge from the woodland, we will head northwest into farmland. Shortly before leaving the farmland, we will cross a small bridge leading into open fields.
The trail then turns southwest, skirting the edge of MOD Chicksands, a Ministry of Defence site. The route passes by a fully secured firing range with clearly marked zones. The walk itself remains on safe public paths, continuing through additional woodland and open fields before arriving at Chicksands Wood.
Chicksands Wood is celebrated for its flora, fauna, and permissive access footpaths. It is also accessible via the Greensand Ridge Walk. We will enter the forest from its eastern side and follow the edge until we reach the main path, known as the “Long Drive,” which cuts straight through the heart of the forest.
As we exit the forest, we will head west to the boundary of Haynes through open fields, where we will pause for our packed lunch break on an open space near the edge of the village. We can also visit the local pub, The Greyhound (a two-minute walk from the lunch stop) for a quick drink.
After lunch, we will head northeast and briefly pass through Deadman’s Cross before returning to Rowney Warren Wood, where we can again savour the forest’s scenic beauty.
There will be a mobile coffee and snack van at the end of the walk for anyone who would like coffee or snacks before heading home.
Please wear sturdy walking boots, as several sections in the woodland and also in the fields may be muddy.
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, 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.
Rowney Warren Carpark, Sandy Lane, SG17 5QB. Free car park. Public transport: Stagecoach 9A bus from Stevenage/Hitchin or Bedford to Chicksands Turn, which is 1-minute walk to starting point.
