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 30 people, including the leader.
Part 15 of an epic long-distance trail around Hertfordshire!
The Hertfordshire Way is a 200-mile route around the county, which we're walking in sections each month. Don’t worry if you’ve missed previous parts of the series - everyone is welcome to join any of these walks.
Our 15th leg of the trail is a flat walk from the county town of Hertford to the village of Wadesmill, taking in woodland, parkland, riverside paths, marshland and open farmland. Please note this is a linear walk returning to the start point by bus.
Meeting outside Hertford bus station, we will make our way into the town before turning northwards onto Port Vale Road. As we leave the town along this road, we will pass the Courtyard Arts Centre, which features a striking mural of Van Gogh hiking through British allotments and countryside. This commemorates his reported journey through Hertfordshire to visit his sister in Welwyn. The centre will be open, and we will take a brief stop inside.
As Port Vale Road becomes Molewood Road, we will meet the River Beane, which we will follow for the next few miles. This route takes us through Mole Wood, Waterford Marsh, Barleycroft Grove, and Foxleys Wood. We will pause here for an early lunch break around midday. Sitting alongside the River Beane, surrounded by trees should provide a tranquil setting for our stop.
After lunch, we will continue north past St Mary’s Church in Stapleford and onwards toward Clusterbolt Wood. Following the designated path, we will enter the Woodhall Estate. Woodall Park is a Grade I listed neo-classical mansion built in the late 18th century, set within a walled park in the Beane Valley, and has been home to Heath Mount School since the 1930s. To exit the grounds, we will climb an unusual high ladder stile. For those unfamiliar with these, there will be an opportunity to practise using one near Waterford Marsh, where a stile remains despite the adjacent wall being removed.
Shortly afterward, we will reach Ware Road (A602), a single-carriage national speed limit road. Crossing will be done in small groups for safety.
For the final stretch, we will walk through the open farmland of Temple Farm and Chelsing Farm before arriving in the village of Wadesmill. Here, we have the option to stop at The Feathers Inn for refreshments. The 331 bus, which stops immediately outside the pub, provides transport back to Hertford bus station. On Saturdays, the bus operates hourly at 22 minutes past each hour so the inn serves as a very convenient waiting place.
While the terrain is predominantly flat, sections near Waterford Marsh can be quite damp. Therefore, we recommend wearing proper walking boots to ensure comfort and safety throughout the walk.
Dogs are welcome on a lead, but please be aware that they will need to climb ladder stiles. Also, bear in mind that there will be one busy road crossing.
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, please click 'join waitlist' then please check back regularly as you will likely 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 linear 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.
Hertford Bus Station, Hertford SG14 1BN (approx. 15 minutes walk from Hertford North Station). Meet by the entrance to Lea Wharf Car Park. For those driving to the starting point, we recommend parking at Lea Wharf Car Park as it’s right next to our meeting point. The car park offers long-stay parking at a rate of £6 for 12 hours. Alternatively, Gascoyne Way Car Park offers a daily rate of £5.50. However, please ensure you park on levels B, C, or D, as Level A is designated for short-stay parking only and should be avoided for long stays.
The Feathers Inn, Wadesmill
