Walking Holidays and Stays in Hertfordshire

Woodland Paths, Historic Villages, and Green Escapes

A quiet, walkable county just beyond London — full of countryside charm and surprisingly wild trails.

Hertfordshire is a county of contrasts — from ancient woodlands and commons to genteel market towns and winding river valleys. It's close to London but never feels rushed. Walkers will find a rich network of footpaths, green lanes, and rural trails threading through a gently rolling landscape.

Explore the Chilterns fringe in the west, the historic parklands around St Albans, or the riverside paths of the Lea Valley. Villages like Ashwell, Aldbury, and Much Hadham offer timeless walking bases with traditional pubs and access to beautiful circular routes.

The county is also crossed by long-distance trails, including the Hertfordshire Way, Icknield Way, and sections of the Chiltern Way, making it a great destination for both day walks and multi-day walking holidays.

Where to Walk in Hertfordshire

• The Hertfordshire Way
  A 195-mile circular trail passing through villages, woodlands, and market towns — broken easily into scenic stages.
• Ashridge Estate & the Chilterns Edge
  National Trust-managed hills, beechwoods, and ridge walks near Aldbury and Tring.
• St Albans & Verulamium Park
  Historic walks through Roman ruins, riverside meadows, and city-edge green spaces.
• River Lea & New River Path
  Flat, tranquil walking alongside waterways that cut across the eastern edge of the county.
• Ayot St Lawrence to Shaw’s Corner
  Literary heritage and countryside trails near the former home of George Bernard Shaw.

Why Walk in Hertfordshire

• A rich variety of scenery in a compact county
• Ancient paths and quiet villages just outside London
• Well-marked long-distance trails and easy circular walks
• Ideal for weekend escapes, slow travel, and heritage walking