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.
Join us for the first in a series of short walks along the HOOP!
Today’s walk of 5 miles / 8km will cover the southeast of the HOOP (Hitchin Outer Orbital Path), a waymarked route around the edge of Hitchin and through the surrounding countryside, which has its 15th anniversary this year. For those who are new to country walking or might prefer short routes, we’ve split the HOOP into four leisurely walks of around 5 to 7 miles. Each of these walks starts near Hitchin town centre and includes a variety of green space around the town and nearby.
If you're new to Stag Walkers and want a taster of our group walks then this route might be especially suitable for you. Existing members are of course welcome too.
Along the route we’ll visit Purwell Meadows and Purwell Ninesprings Nature Reserves, Pinehill Playing Field and Windmill Hill (as seen in the ’bench’ idents shown between programmes on BBC One). We’ll also take a detour to Wymondley Wood, a mixed woodland with a picnic area where we’ll pause for a mid-morning snack.
The walk will finish at around 1pm with the chance of an optional social drink at a nearby pub.
The route is partly on pavement and partly on rural footpaths. Footpaths are likely to be muddy at this time of year so please wear appropriate footwear.
For more information about the HOOP please see https://nhrg.org.uk/hoop-hitchin-outer-orbital-path
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.
Meet by Queen Mother Theatre, Woodside car park, Walsworth Road, Hitchin, SG4 9SP. Free parking on Sundays. Accessible by public transport: start point is 10 minutes' walk from Hitchin railway station and close to Hitchin town centre.
