Developed by Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Rights of Way on behalf of East Herts District Council – with assistance from Hertford Town Council, Panshanger Park and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust – the colour coded circular walking routes guide walkers around and out of Hertford as follows:.
- Green Route, 3.5 miles (5.5km)
A hilly circuit to the north of Hertford going out to the countryside around Bengeo, taking in the river Beane and introducing green spaces around Waterford. The walk goes past two playgrounds and is great for kids.
- Orange Route, 7 miles (11km)
A trail of history and wildlife discovery that heads west out of Hertford through the former country estate of Panshanger Park, onto the old Cole Green Way railway and back to Hertford Castle.
- Purple Route, 10 miles (16km)
The longest of the three circular routes, taking in the expansive water meadows of Kings Meads, ancient woodland at Post Wood, rare Heathland at Hertford Heath and wide woodland paths at Balls Wood; with some amazing views over quintessential Hertfordshire Countryside along the way.
Anyone who feels these routes might be a little challenging for their first outing can get involved with a graded programme offered by Hertfordshire Health Walks that help to get people from a 20 minute stroll to a five mile walk at moderate pace – more information at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks
Speaking about the introduction of these new circular walking routes at Hartham Common, executive member of well-being at East Herts Council, Eric Buckmaster said:
“The installation of a new footpath along the river bank at Hartham Common provided a short all weather circular route within the park. These circular walking routes were developed to expand that further, taking walkers out of Hartham to explore open green spaces, ancient woodlands and many points of interest along the way.
“Walking is such a great form of low impact exercise that supports improved health and general wellbeing, whether you take a gentle stroll or a fast paced power walk; and I hope residents not only enjoy these new walking routes, but perhaps get to enjoy spaces around Hertford they’ve not discovered before.”
A map has been installed by the skate park near the main entrance to Hartham Common to introduce the initiative to visitors. Colour coded directional way markers have been installed along each of the routes to guide walkers.
For further details, including a leaflet to download route maps, visit www.eastherts.gov.uk/harthamcommon
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Download more information on our circular walks [pdf leaflet]
Download more information on our circular walks [text only version]
