Best trails in Hertfordshire, England

A Chess Valley walk from the Cricketers pub in Sarratt, Hertfordshire. The Cricketers overlooks the green in the village of Sarratt and is a great place to sit with a pint on a sunny day, watching the world roll by. The walking route takes in the surrounding classic Chiltern Hills, with peaceful rolling hills and valleys, the pretty River Chess, chalk streams, water meadows, watercress farm, and plenty of wildlife to enjoy. The route includes several climbs and descents throughout. The paths cross fields and woodlands and so can be quite muddy in winter and after periods of rain so robust footwear is recommended (plus a change of shoes for the pub!). Several of the fields are likely to be holding cattle or horses so take care with dogs. You will need to negotiate several gates/kissing gates plus 3 stiles (all of which have open fencing at the side that most dogs should be able to negotiate). Approximate time 2 to 2.5 hours. Show more

A circular pub walk from the Alford Arms in Frithsden, Hertfordshire. The Alford Arms has a wonderful philosophy of children, dogs and muddy boots welcome. You'll find a friendly atmosphere, good local ales, carefully chosen wines and delicious meals. The walking route takes in the surrounding rolling hills of the Chilterns, with ancient lanes, pastures, woodlands and water meadows. There are lovely views throughout and the chance to see plenty of wildlife. The route includes several long and steady climbs and descents, plus a couple of steeper sections. The paths are firm in the main, but can get muddy after rain or in winter and the water meadows (as the name suggests) can be quite marshy so good boots are a must. There are no stiles on route, just some kissing gates to negotiate. There are a couple of short sections of walking along the country lanes so take care of traffic at these points. Two of the fields you cross may be holding cattle and/or sheep so take care with dogs. Approximate time 1.5 to 2 hours.Show more

The Marsworth Reservoirs act as a magnet for anglers, dogwalkers, boats, birdwatchers and walkers, especially over a sunny weekend, but few ever really venture much beyond the car parks and tearooms, which is a shame as there's a lot to see within a relatively concentrated area. The walk begins with a flight of locks along the Grand Union Canal, before heading down a stretch of the partially restored Wendover Arm of that canal. The route then diverts into open countryside before regaling the walker with a magnificent view of the large Wilstone Reservoir, one of four on this walk. Here, there this an option to enter a bird hide to view the many species who call this water their home at different times of the year. The other reservoirs follow, making this a relaxing six miles of relatively easy walking following a circular route. Allow a good couple of hours to complete the walk, longer if you want to linger.Show more

Enjoy this easy circular walk around Wheathampstead near Harpenden, Hertfordshire. This ride has several boards with the Heritage trail marked clearly on in the village. There are some excellent and attractive points of interest. Plenty fields and seats around the village if you would like to take breaks. It also has many places to park and great views along the way.Show more

A circular walk from Rickmansworth's Aquadrome running alongside the local waterways. Covering 100 acres, the Aquadrome Local Nature Reserve consists of lakes, grassland and woodland and is an ideal place for walks. The walk heads out along a stretch of the Grand Union Canal before turning to run alongside the railway to reach Rickmansworth town centre and on through the Aquadrome Local Nature Reserve to reach the start point. Throughout the walk you'll enjoy a real mix of waterside environments, from bustling towpaths with locks and colourful narrow boats, to peaceful rivers with plenty of wildlife and also the busy water activity centre with sailing and water skiing on show. The walk is almost entirely flat throughout and there are no gates or stiles. The surfaces are a mixture of well made tarmac and stone paths and woodland dirt tracks, the latter of which can be muddy after wet weather (and can also be a little overgrown). There are toilets and a cafe near the car park. Approximate time 1.5 hours. Show more