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.
Alastair M
This walk is for up to 30 people, including the leader.
Part one of a two part figure of eight walk starting and ending at Hemel Hempstead railway station. Join us for either the morning or afternoon walk, or stick around for both parts to enjoy more of a challenge with 11.5 miles of walking.
As an 'introductory walk', this walk may be great for you if you're new to the group and looking to try us out with a relatively short, friendly and inclusive walk that should take no longer than three hours. Whether you're a seasoned walker, or just looking to get outside for fresh air and exercise, you're welcome to join us.
This walk begins with a stroll west along the Grand Union Canal towpath. The towpath runs between the canal and the River Bulbourne. We soon leave Hemel behind, passing several locks and an array of canal boats.
We leave the canal at Bourne End, turning south to climb out of the river valley and into the countryside. We cross a golf course and pass Westbrook Hay, a former Manor House and parkland estate now used as a private school.
At the top of the valley, we walk through several small woodlands and through some rather wealthy rural communities. We then approach Hemel again by crossing the affluent suburb of Felden, descending through Sheethanger Common and then Roughdown Common, both enjoying great views over Hemel and the river valley.
Finally we return to the start point with a walk through Boxmoor Park, part of a number of areas of grazing and wilding lands around Hemel managed by the Box Moor Trust. Those also joining us for the afternoon section of this walk can then enjoy a picnic lunch on Boxmoor opposite the station, or visit the Fishery Inn pub for refreshments and facilities. Please consider bringing a change of shoes if you intend to visit the pub to avoid showing up in muddy boots!
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
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.
Hemel Hempstead Station, London Road, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9BQ. Parking is available at the station car park - the weekend daily rate is £5.60. The station is served by London Northwestern Railway, with services between London Euston, Watford Junction and Tring.
