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Hertfordshire County Council

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Do you want to include more walking in your day? If so, join one of our free, friendly and safe Health Walks.

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Register as a new walker online. It's easy, free and will save you time on the day. We also offer Taster walks.

We have a range of walks to suit all abilities and backgrounds.

Every walk on our timetables has a grade. Find out what they mean.

Keeping you safe, what to expect and our code of conduct.

Join a fantastic team of 200 volunteers from all walks of life.

or subscribe for regular updates.

Update your personal information, track your walks and pre-book walks so we know you're coming and can let you know if anything changes.

 

 

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First time?

Save time on the day by registering as a new walker online.


or arrive 10 mins early before your first walk to complete a New Walker Form. Our walk leaders are ready to welcome you and will keep to a pace that is comfortable for you.

 

First Steps walks

First Steps walks are for people who are returning from illness and injury and those who haven’t been physically active in a while. The free walks are on flat, smooth paths and are led by qualified volunteers.

First Steps and grade 1 walks timetable

First steps walks
 Place When?
South Oxhey
Meet in the large car park All Saints Church, Gosforth Lane, WD19 7AX. Please Note: use of the car park is no longer available – but street parking nearby is available
Mondays 10am
Cowley Hill in Borehamwood
St Michael & All Angels Church 142 Brook Rd, WD6 5EQ. Free refreshments available after in the church hall
Mondays 11am
Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead  
The White Bridge by the public car park, Leighton Buzzard Road, HP1 1AE
Mondays 11.15am
(not on Bank Holidays)
New! Taster walk - Westmill Community Centre
John Barker Place, Hitchin SG5 2PG. Join us for a free cuppa afterwards.
Selected Mondays 1.30pm - 22 and 29 Jan. 5 and 12 Feb.
New! Taster walk - Bedwell, Stevenage
Meet outside Bedwell Community Centre, SG1 1NA. Join us for a cuppa afterwards.
Selected Tuesdays 10am - 16, 23 and 30 Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27 Feb.
Bushey in Hertsmere
Meet at King George Café, King George Recreation Ground, King George Avenue
WD23 4NT
Tuesdays 10.30am
Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre in St Albans
Meet in front of the basketball court, 12 Old Oak, St Albans, AL1 2EF
Tuesdays 11.45am
Highfield Park in St Albans
YMCA Highfield Park Centre, 59 Russett Drive, AL4 0DB
Tuesdays 1.30pm
Knebworth Sports Pavilion
Knebworth Recreation Ground, SG3 6AH (access by vehicle via Watton Road, on foot via Stevenage Road). Join us after for a cuppa in the Bowls Club.
Alternate Tuesdays 10.30am from 9 January
Millstream PH, Hitchin
Cambridge Road, SG4 0JH
Join us after for a cuppa at the pub.
Tuesdays 11am 
Hertford and Hartham Common
Meet at the fountain outside Café Nero/The White Hart pub on Salisbury Square, SG14 1BE.
Wednesdays 10.15am
Jackman’s Community Centre in Letchworth Ivel Court, Letchworth SG6 2NL. Meet at the entrance to the community centre near the shops. Refreshments after in the community café Alternate Wednesdays 10.30am from 10 January
Mill End in Rickmansworth
Mill End Community Centre, Church Lane WD3 8HD
Wednesdays 11am
Hatfield 
Centre of Market Place (near the Town Inn), Hatfield, AL10 0LJ
Wednesdays 2pm
Sele Farm in Hertford  
Network Home’s Calton Court, Windsor Drive, Hertford, SG14 2EG
Thursdays 10am
New! Taster walk - Bennetts End, Hemel Hempstead
Meet outside Bennetts End Community Centre, HP3 9LZ
Selected Fridays 10am - 19 Jan. 2 and 16 Feb. 1 and 15 Mar. 12 and 26 Apr.
Castle Park in Bishop’s Stortford    
Meet at the entrance to Castle Park by the Link Road car park, CM23 2EL
Alternate Fridays 10.15am from 12 January
Oakmere in Potters Bar
Oakmere Library High St, Potters Bar, EN6 5BZ Free refreshments available after in the library. Donations welcome. 
Fridays 11am
 
 

 

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Health Walk timetables

All walks are free with no booking required. Just turn up at least 10 mins before the start time shown, as they set off promptly and there will be a pre-walk briefing.

Most walks are offered Monday to Friday. Some of our longer walks are on the weekends.

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Walk grades

All of our timetables show walk grades so you can make sure the walks suit your abilities.

1st steps
Our shortest walk, 20-30 minutes, flat and even ground, gentle pace, no stiles, regular stopping places.

Grade 1
30 minutes, about 1.5 miles, gentle hills, no stiles.

Grade 2
45 minutes, about 2 miles, moderate hills, faster pace, possible stiles.

Grade 3
1 hour, about 3 miles, moderate hills, faster pace, possible stiles.

Grade 4
Up to 90 minutes, 4-5 miles, possible steep inclines and stiles.

Grade 4+
Longer than 90 minutes, about 5-6 miles, classified as a progression walk.

 

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Advice for walkers


Before you join a walk


  • All our walks are inclusive and welcoming to all.  We encourage everyone to be courteous and tolerant.   Please familiarise yourself with our Code of Conduct. And what is expected.
  • Check the 'grade' of the walk to make sure it suits your abilities.
  • If you have any health conditions or injuries, seek medical advice before participating and inform your walk leader.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • If you require assistance or care in your day-to-day life then please ask someone to accompany you on the walk.
  • If you're getting there by bus, find timetables on Intalink's website.
  • To ensure the safety of walkers, all walks have been risk assessed and are led by trained leaders, many of whom are qualified in first aid. However, all walkers are asked to acknowledge upon registration that they agree to taking part at their own risk.

On the day


  • Dress for the weather and wear suitable walking shoes.
  • All walks will start and finish at the same place, unless otherwise stated.
  • Many walks finish at a tea or coffee shop, but consider bringing water with you, particularly on hot days.
  • If you leave a walk early, please let the leader know.
  • Smoking and vaping is not permitted on any walk.
  • Walks might be altered or cancelled without prior notice in bad weather or hazardous conditions. Do not attend if the Met Office has issued an extreme weather warning.
  • Dogs are welcome, at the Walk Leader's discretion. Attend the walk on your own in the first instance to check. Walkers taking dogs on our walks must keep them on a short lead at all times and walk to the rear of the group.

 

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Contact the Countryside Management Service

cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk

01992 588433

Countryside Management Service (Postal Point CHN101)
County Hall
Pegs Lane
Hertford
SG13 8DN

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