Walks from Hitchin

Chilterns chalk ridge, farm tracks, field boundaries, grassy lanes, woods, steep chalk downland, flat-bottomed valleys, alder and willow fen woodland, chalk river and historic market town.

Time: 6h

Warnings: Can be hilly.

Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

Lovely views. Begins with a long uphill road out of Luton, then transitions through farm tracks, common land, narrow paths and footpaths across open fields and small woods. Steep in places with steps and kissing gates; paths are generally good. Some short road walking in quiet places and plus an unavoidable roadside stretch into Hitchin. Expect fields of barley and skylarks; field paths shift as crops change and fields are ploughed.

Time: 4h–8h

1 lunch spot: the Red Lion

Warnings: Field paths can be narrow through crops and steep in places; expect kissing gates and some steps. An unavoidable roadside walk leads into the town centre at the Hitchin end.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

A beautiful, mainly off-road countryside walk that is far from flat despite its reputation, with steady climbs and descents and some big fields to cross. After ploughing and footpaths across the fields between Higham Gobion and Pulloxhill may not be reinstated and can be very muddy; good navigation or GPS is essential there. Around 1.5 miles of town walking at the Hitchin end. The Ickleford Nature Reserve riverside path is recommended as an alternative start. The route ends near, but avoids, Flitwick Moor SSSI. Walking from Flitwick eastwards gives a downhill start.

Time: 5h30–11h

Lunch: A very good food pub at Pulloxhill, mid-route.

Warnings: Field paths west of Higham Gobion can be lost after ploughing and replanting; competent navigation or GPS is essential. There is a steady uphill stretch along a fairly busy fast road at Higham Gobion. Fields can be very muddy in wet weather.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Some lovely open countryside with nice paths and views, let down by uncomfortable verge walking on busy roads with no or sporadic narrow verges, plus muddy open fields and kissing gates and barriers. Steps on both sides of the dual-carriageway crossing. The A602 crossing can be avoided via Todds Green between Little Wymondley and Stevenage; an alternative route via Redcoats Green also avoids it. Little Wymondley has two pubs; convenience shops near the stations at each end.

Time: 2h30–5h

Lunch: Two pubs at Little Wymondley mid-route, plus convenience shops near the stations at each end.

Warnings: Crossing the A602 dual carriageway on foot via the central reservation is the main hazard, with fast traffic (reviewers disagree on how dangerous, but care needed and wear something bright); a 75m in-road dash along a busy road near Titmore Green; an unlit motorway underpass at Symonds Green.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Woodland, open fields, deer park, bluebell woods, small Hertfordshire villages and historic market town.

Warnings: Inquisitive cattle.

Source: A variant of Knebworth Circular – the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).