Three Rivers from Hertford (13 miles / 21 km - Moderate, Booking Required)

This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.

Join us for this circular walk which follows three rivers classed as chalk streams north of Hertford. The walk includes riverside paths, villages, farmland, parkland and a little town walking. Given that it follows river valleys, the terrain is mostly flat with some occasional inclines.

Chalk streams are quite rare globally and our local area hosts a significant number of them. They rise in chalky areas and have porous beds allowing clear filtered groundwater to enter. As a result they are noticeably clearer than other watercourses, which get most of their water from surface runoff impregnated with sediment. 

This walk begins on the west side of Hertford, where we follow the River Beane north out of town. A pleasant riverside path takes us past Waterford village and Waterford Marsh and on past woodland and arable land to the village of Stapleford. We will stop in the village for our packed lunch break. 

After lunch we continue along the riverbank towards Woodhall Park. This is the landscaped grounds of an 18th Century country house of the same name, now used as an independent school. The estate is bounded by brick walls which are traditionally crossed by walkers using distinctive tall ladder styles, although some now have modern gates installed alongside to improve accessibility,

We cross the estate, soon leaving the River Beane behind and following a small tributary as we climb out of the river valley towards the estate’s eastern boundary. Much of the rolling parkland is now used to graze sheep, and our path offers some nice views across the valley. 

At the estate boundary we follow a path alongside a major road that was recently upgraded. Part of the abandoned former carriageway and some new paved paths have been used to upgrade the path here and provide greater separation for walkers and cyclists from the road. We head generally east, crossing Sacombe Park (another landscaped country estate) and walking across farmland on our way to the twin villages of Wadesmill and Thundridge. These two villages sit facing each other across the River Rib, the next of our three rivers.

We follow the Rib valley southwest past Hanbury Manor and past the outskirts of Ware, crossing flat farmland on our way back to Hertford. At the point where the Rib joins the River Lea, we enter the King’s Meads Nature Reserve, a large area of water meadows stretching along the River Lea between Hertford and Ware. We turn southwest to follow the River Lea through the western part of the reserve, before finally following the course of the River Beane again along streets through Hertford back to the start point.

Those who wish to stay for a drink after the walk can visit The Millstream pub nearby. Toilets are available at the start and end of the walk in Hertford North station.

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.