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.
David L
Join members of Stag Walkers and other local Ramblers Groups for a morning walk, followed by the option of tea & biscuits / lunch and the Annual General Meeting of the Ramblers' Hertfordshire & North Middlesex Area.
NB: this walk is not led by Stag Walkers, but is open to members of the nine Ramblers Groups in the Area, and also to non-members.
Feel free to come along for just the walk, lunch, meeting or all of these.
• WALK DETAILS:
Woolmer Green, Mardley Heath & Pottersheath circular (4.7 miles / 7.5 km, Walk grade: Leisurely)
A morning walk of just under five miles. No booking required. All are welcome to join us for the walk.
This is a circular half day walk that starts and finishes at Woolmer Green, heading southwest to Mardley Heath, Oaklands and Pottersheath, along woodland trails, field paths and residential streets.
Starting at 10am sharp from the car park at Woolmer Green Village Hall, we begin by heading west, passing under the East Coast Main Line, then southwest into the woods of Mardley Heath (a view familiar to many from train windows). Mardley Heath is a large local nature reserve with a mixture of old gravel workings, remnant heathland and ponds as well as ancient woodland.
We’ll walk through the woods for about a mile then along the streets of Oaklands for another mile. Turning northwest we pass under the A1(M) and into the village of Pottersheath, then through farmland heading north.
Near Ninnings Wood we’ll join the Stevenage Outer Orbital Path (STOOP) and head back across Mardley Heath on bridleways and footpaths, returning to Woolmer Green in time for lunch.
Much of the route is on footpaths, some on tarmac pavements and well kept grass verges, with 100m on a minor road with no verge or footway (care required). Most of the footpaths are across woodland or open farmland; field paths are likely to be fairly well trodden but some may be muddy.
Dogs are welcome on the walk, on a lead.
Walk leader: David Lauder
• LUNCH:
After the walk, join us in the Village Hall for lunch from 12.30 - 1.30pm. Please bring a packed lunch and (if you wish) snacks to share. Teas/coffees and soft drinks, biscuits etc. will be available. The AGM will follow at 1.30 pm.
• AGM:
The AGM is a chance to find out what’s been happening across our Ramblers Area of Hertfordshire & North Middlesex. It’s also where members of our Ramblers Area elect volunteers to our Area Council and nominate representatives to Ramblers General Council (the national AGM).
We’ll hear from two special guest speakers: Richard Cuthbert, Definitive Map & Enforcement Team, Herts County Council Countryside & Rights of Way Service, and Joerg Kasprowski, a Ramblers Trustee.
For full details, including the Agenda and Reports, please see Issue 66 of the Area journal 'Stile' or visit the Area website.
All members of the Ramblers within the Area of Hertfordshire & North Middlesex are entitled to vote at the meeting.
ABOUT HERTFORDSHIRE AND NORTH MIDDLESEX AREA
• Our mission is to deliver the objectives of the Ramblers in the Hertfordshire and North Middlesex area.
• Area Council has representatives from each Group and affiliated body, and Officers who are elected at the Area AGM each year. We meet 4 times a year, acting as a link between the national organisation and our Groups. We appoint two delegates to Ramblers General Council where national policy is discussed.
• We publish a printed journal called ‘Stile’ twice a year, sent to all opted-in members.
• Our Area-based Footpath Secretaries work to protect and enhance the rights of way in Hertfordshire and our three London Boroughs.
• We help protect the countryside in which we walk, through the planning system.
• We run events, such as our Hertfordshire & North London Walks Fest.
Find out more at the Area website.
ABOUT THE RAMBLERS - Britain’s biggest and most vibrant walking community
We are the Ramblers: Britain’s walking charity. We're the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces. We’re committed to expanding people’s access to nature, protecting our precious paths, improving walking opportunities for everyone and championing walking for greater health and happiness. Registered Charity Numbers 1093577 (England & Wales), SC039799 (Scotland)
Find out more at the Ramblers national website.
Village Hall, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Herts SG3 6XA. Large car park. Please car-share or use public transport if possible. Public transport: bus 301 from St Albans / Hatfield / Welwyn Garden City or Stevenage to Woolmer Green (bus stop near Red Lion). Trains from London King's Cross, Finsbury Park or Stevenage etc. to Knebworth then approx 1 mile / 1.5 km walking distance or 3 minutes by bus 301. If the village hall car park is full, there is possible free car parking on London Road, near the Red Lion pub, 26 London Rd, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Herts SG3 6JP (please park considerately). Please do not park in the pub car park.
