We are the Chiltern Young Walkers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Walk grading: Moderate
Walk length: 9.5 miles/ 15km
Walk leader: Tiago (Stag Walkers)
Starting postcode: AL5 4JE
This is a joint walk with Chiltern Young Walkers, led by Stag Walkers, with 15 spaces for each group.
Important: You must sign up using the meetup event linked below and if you are a member of both groups please ensure you RSVP to only one of the events.
Also, the walk leader for this is Tiago in the Stag Walkers, but Beth will assist with any questions beforehand wherever possible.
Stag Walkers have kindly invited Chiltern Young Walkers to visit Harpenden and Redbourn Commons and walk the Nickey Line between them.
The Nickey Line used to be a railway line connecting Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden. It is now part of the National Cycle Network but enjoyed by runners, cyclists, and walkers alike.
We will start from Harpenden's bustling high street and head towards the local common passing through wildlife-rich ponds, woodland and a golf club.
We'll skirt around the edge of Harpenden before being rewarded with glorious countryside views over the River Ver Valley. After a gentle descent we'll walk past Redbournbury Mill where there is the option to buy fresh organic bread, baked locally.
We'll then follow a section of both the Hertfordshire Way and River Ver Trail before meeting the Nickey Line for the first time west of Redbourn. We won't follow it for too long as we'll turn towards Redbourn Common, where we should find a nice spot to enjoy our packed lunches. After a short stroll through Redbourn village centre we'll meet the Nickey Line again, this time on a two mile stretch, all the way back into Harpenden.
Along the way, remains of the old platform at Roundwood Halt can still be seen.
Dogs are welcome, on a lead.
Booking your place: If you would like to join, you must book in advance using the Chiltern Young Walkers Meetup group - see Notes for how to book & what to bring. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your booking so that someone else can take your place.
Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.
Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.
Please car-share or use public transport if possible. To offer a lift or ask for one from a fellow walker, please use the Meetup event page.
Start Point: Lydekker Car Park, Arcadian Court, Harpenden AL5 4JE. Free parking. 10 minutes walk from Harpenden station (trains from Bedford, Luton, St Albans, St Pancras etc.)
*Additional Notes*
This is a circular walk.
Book your place by clicking the ‘Attend’ button. If the walk is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available.
Please:
DO NOT book onto a walk unless you are pretty sure you will be able to make it.
UPDATE YOUR RSVP. We understand ‘life happens’ so if you need to change your RSVP please do this at least 24 hours before the walk and before booking closes to enable someone else to take your place.
DON’T NO-SHOW on the day unless it is absolutely unavoidable (we do understand ‘life happens’) because it prevents others from enjoying a walk if it is fully booked.
*TAKE NOTE that if you no-show and/or cancel after the booking closing deadline three times, without extenuating circumstances, we will decline further bookings from you for a period of six weeks.*
Bring a packed lunch/snacks and drinks, appropriate clothing for the conditions and optionally a basic first aid kit.
We are a Ramblers group, non members are welcome to try us out for two or three free walks before joining Ramblers as a full member.
As a charity we ask that non-members consider making a voluntary donation to Ramblers until they become a full member. We suggest £3-4 per walk. You can donate in person or online.
The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number: 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales number: 1093577. Registered office: First Floor, 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1BE.
Lydekker Car Park, Arcadian Court, Harpenden AL5 4JE. Free parking. 10 minutes walk from Harpenden station (trains from Bedford, Luton, St Albans, St Pancras etc.)
