Walks from Radlett

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 direct yet pleasant, largely off-road route following the River Ver across meadows and managed wetlands, then field edges, woodland, fields and tracks to the outskirts of Radlett, finishing on a quiet private road. The Ver meadows are boggy and may flood in winter (gaiters or waterproof boots advised); some steps and narrow paths and a small bridge. Passes the site of a Roman villa and fishing lakes at Frogmore that can encroach over the path.

Time: 2h30–5h

Lunch: Refreshments at Park Street, with a hotel by the M25 useful for those on a long journey.

Warnings: The Ver Valley water meadows are boggy and likely to flood in winter — waterproof boots or gaiters needed. Some steps and narrow paths. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Beautiful woodland. Quite stunning in the mist. Leaves Watford alongside the River Colne through parks and winding riverside tarmac paths, a short narrow verge on Berry Grove Lane, then quiet Otterspool Lane under the A41 and M1 into beautiful woodland. A track past a golf course leads through Aldenham and across fields and with cut-through paths and quiet suburban roads into Radlett. No steps but bicycle barriers and kissing gates; some parts muddy. Passes Aldenham church and its graveyard.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

Time: 2h–4h30

1 lunch spot: Battlers Green Farm café

Warnings: A 200m stretch of narrow verge along Berry Grove Lane (may be temporarily affected by roadworks, easy to walk around). Bicycle barriers and kissing gates, and some parts can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Quiet suburban roads and a small woodland path out of Potters Bar, then lanes that become field paths, crossing the A1(M) and M25 and various fields with kissing gates of varying condition. Woodland near the Radlett end with a steep road descent into the town. Narrow paths and dozens of gates. St Giles' & St Margaret's church in Ridge has a water tap near the front entrance. Shenley has a bench and a Post Office/shop. Probably more scenic in summer.

Time: 2h30–5h30

Lunch: Shenley, roughly mid-route, has a Post Office/shop.

Warnings: Field paths change as the farmer ploughs, and a couple of recently drilled fields had no visible path; there is a short 21m stretch with no path where care is needed. Not all kissing gates are in good condition. Dozens of gates and narrow paths.

Walk details: Slow Ways.