Best walks to or from Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead Station to Harpenden Station

some great views. The heart of the route follows the Nickey Line, a former railway now a wide, well-paved walking and cycling path, running through varied environments from deep cuttings to high embankments. Generally easy and reasonably dry over chalk and with a few steep hills out of Hemel and some muddy stretches; ends through Rothamsted Park. Follows the Nickey Line, an old railway branch line, now a Sustrans cycle path; well signposted with benches along the way. Stock up at either end as there is no refreshment on route without a detour to Redbourn in the middle.

14km. Moderate ascents.

Some busy roads to cross, and a large flight of steps up to elevated path sections with no easy step-free alternative at the B487 Queensway crossing in Hemel.

Lunch: No refreshment on route without a small detour to Redbourn in the middle; plenty at both ends.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hemel Hempstead Station to St Albans City Station

Largely flat and easy underfoot, following the Grand Union Canal towpath with a long section of country lane through the middle and farmland paths. A few slightly muddy stretches and one notable hill; well signposted. Takes a shortcut through Park Wood; passes through Verulamium Park with its Roman remains near St Albans.

14km.

A long single-track lane in the middle of the walk has regular traffic and limited verges, though passing places allow walkers to step aside.

Highlights: St Albans Cathedral.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hemel Hempstead Station to Watford High Street Station

A greener, mostly flat route following the Grand Union Canal towpath for much of its length and passing through Cassiobury Park and a pedestrianised town centre. The towpath is mostly good underfoot but some canal bridges are surprisingly steep and narrow; ends over common land where cattle graze. Follows the Grand Union Canal; railway stations at Kings Langley and Apsley allow the walk to be split. The Hemel Hempstead meeting point is the station, about a mile from the town centre, with toilets on the platform side.

14km. Gentle ascents.

Some canal bridges are steep (one around 36%) and narrow, and the towpath narrows under bridges.

Lunch: Refreshments at the Cassiobury Park Hub cafe, a pub at Hunton Bridge, and places to eat at Apsley Marina.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hemel Hempstead Station to Radlett Station

A wonderful and very varied walk, lots of surprises, lots to see. A wonderfully varied route following the Grand Union Canal, then quiet lanes, holloways, woodland, open fields and farmyards. Terrain ranges from wide rocky holloways to flat concrete to narrow woodland dirt paths and field-side tracks and with several uphill stretches. Muddy in places even in summer and likely a wet walk in winter; stiles and narrow paths. Passes Munden House on the Munden Estate and crosses the River Colne. Apsley marina near the canal has cafes, a pub and shops; Bedmond village has shops and a pub.

18km.

Several long uphill slogs on muddy paths and lanes. A short section on Bucknalls Lane runs along a main route, though with a separate footpath. With little lighting it is not suitable for after dark.

Lunch: Shops and a pub in Bedmond village roughly midway, and cafes, a pub and shops at Apsley marina.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Chorleywood Station to Hemel Hempstead Station

A varied, undulating walk through woods, riverside paths, commons, quaint villages and huge farm fields, following the Chess Valley walk for a way. Mostly good underfoot with some muddy and waterlogged sections; several quiet road sections with narrow or no verges. Steps and stiles and gates. Follows the Chess Valley walk through woods and past Sarratt. The south side of Hemel Hempstead station can only be exited with a special swipe card.

13km.

The section down London Road out of Hemel Hempstead is busy and the least pleasant part; a short detour to traffic lights helps. Care is needed on a 30m stretch at the south exit of Roughdown Common. Stiles, gates and steps at either end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Berkhamsted Station to Hemel Hempstead Station

A very straightforward, largely flat route along the Grand Union Canal towpath almost the whole way, through countryside near Hemel before reaching the genteel surroundings of Berkhamsted. Surfaces range from smooth to bumpy and can be muddy in spots; the only hills are the bridges and with a couple of sets of steps. Follows the Grand Union Canal towpath the whole way.

Easy: 5km, gentle ascents.

At the Hemel Hempstead end the towpath access on the east side involves a narrow kissing gate and a shallow weir crossing that can be slippery; crossing the road to the west side avoids it. There are a couple of sets of steps and the towpath can be narrow near Berkhamsted.

Lunch: About halfway there is a pub; plenty of welcoming pubs near the Berkhamsted end.

Plenty of refreshment stops in Berkhamsted, where the walk runs through the middle of town.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hemel Hempstead Station to Rickmansworth Station

A lovely, varied walk through open fields, narrow woodland paths, wide shady tracks, gritted park paths, lime-tree avenues, riverside grassland and villages, with rolling hills and valley bottoms. Generally good underfoot but with mud, roots, uneven surfaces and many steps and including one steep flight with a handrail. Holy Cross Church near Sarratt is worth a pause.

15km. Moderate ascents.

At the Hemel Hempstead end, a footbridge over the railway and the A41 has very steep steps either side that one walker considered dangerous; the Grand Union Canal towpath is an easier, more accessible alternative.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Amersham Station to Hemel Hempstead Station

A pleasant walk through suburbs, woodland, fields and meadows, generally easy underfoot with plenty of places to rest. Some paths require care to avoid nettles and a few stretches can become muddy after rain.

14km. Moderate ascents.

There is one road crossing that needs particular care.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route