We’re a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s, 30s and slightly older, offering led walks and social events across Herts, Beds and south Cambs.
This walk is for up to 25 people, including the leader.
A mid-length walk through woodlands, countryside, and suburban green spaces.
We start our walk from Shephall Green, the centre of the village of Shephall before it was absorbed into the New Town of Stevenage. From here, we head eastwards, through Loves Wood and Ridlins Wood, both remnants of ancient woodlands.
We then leave the suburbs and walk on to Aston, followed by a short diversion to see the remains of Aston House, the Research and Development Centre of sabotage explosives and weapons for the Special Operations Executive, and later HQ of the Stevenage New Town Development Corporation.
We then follow the course of the River Beane northwards, before turning west towards Aston End, and then back towards Stevenage, arriving in the neighbourhood of Chells, where we will see the 14th (or possibly 15th) century Chells Manor, and walk through further sections of old woodlands.
Finally, our route takes us through Fairlands Valley Park, with opportunities to spot various waterfowl on the three lakes, followed by a stroll through Whomerley Wood, looking out for where the Devil is said to have dug out great clods of earth to throw at travellers on the Great North Road.
We finish back at Shephall Green, with the option of visiting the Old Red Lion pub for drinks and possibly dinner.
Please note this walk is not suitable for dogs.
For information about walking with the group, including our dog policy, please visit the Stag Walkers website.
Booking your place: Please book your place using the free Meetup website/app. Join the Stag Walkers Meetup group and click the 'Attend' button on the event page.
Please do not turn up for a walk without booking, as places are limited.
If the walk is fully booked, click 'join waitlist' to get a place if one becomes available and please check back regularly in case you do get a place. The waitlist gives priority to single bookings so if you wish to bring a guest, we recommend booking separately.
Unless you opt in to further communications, we will only use contact information you provide to get in touch about the walk.
This is a circular walk.
The start time is when we aim to start walking and the finish time is an estimate.
Walks are graded Easy, Leisurely, Moderate or Strenuous in increasing order of difficulty. Please read the walk description to check it is within your abilities and contact the group if you are unsure.
Please:
We are a Ramblers group, non-members are welcome to try us out for 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 purchase membership. 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.
Shephall Green (near the Old Red Lion and St Mary's Church), Shephall, Stevenage, SG2 9XR. If arriving by car please park considerately on nearby streets (e.g., Hydean Way). If travelling to Stevenage by train, take the SB4 or SB40 bus from Stevenage Interchange to Shephall Green stop on Hydean Way.
