Walks from Hemel Hempstead

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.

Woodland: a third under tree cover.

Time: 4h–8h

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

Warnings: 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Time: 4h30–9h30

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

Warnings: 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.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

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.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 4h–8h

Warnings: There is one road crossing that needs particular care.

Walk details: Slow Ways.