South Herts Hikers

4.8•577 ratings

About us

HIKE - "To walk a long way usually for pleasure, especially in the country"
Our hikes are typically 8 - 10 miles (12.8 - 16 km), sometimes shorter or longer.

Local hikes in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas
Day hikes elsewhere in South-East England
Hiking weekends away in England and Wales

WELCOME!
If you would like to explore the countryside of England and Wales on foot, you are welcome to join us.
Bienvenue
Willkommen
Benvenuti/Benvenute
Bienvenido
Witamy
Dobrodošli
Καλώς Όρισες
ยินดีต้อนรับ
歡迎光臨
Plus many other languages, too numerous to list.

MEMBERSHIP
To join one of our events:

Log in to Meetup if you already have a Meetup login. If not, please see below.
Join the South Herts Hikers Meetup Group by clicking the 'Join Us' button above. This gives you immediate free trial membership of our group and you can attend our events.
Select an event and click 'Attend'. You should receive an email confirming your place. If the event is already full you will be put onto a waiting list.

If you don't have a Meetup login yet, you can create one easily using the login details of an existing Facebook or Google login or you can create a separate Meetup login.

Although our events are shown on Meetup as free, so you don't need to pay when you sign up, we have annual and weekly subscriptions to cover the running costs of this Meetup Group including Meetup Organisers’ subscription, affiliations and other costs. These subscriptions apply to everyone including guests but they only apply if you actually attend an event and you can pay at the start of the event.

Annual membership subscription

This is £2 if you join in Jan, Feb or Mar. After that it’s £1.50 from April onwards, £1.00 July onwards, or 50p October onwards. You need to be an annual member to attend our events. Annual members can also join our group email list and annual membership is valid for both sections of our group, South Herts Hikers and South Herts Footpath Society.

Weekly subscription

We also have a weekly membership subscription of £3 but you only pay for a week when you attend an event. If you pay 10 weekly subscriptions in any calendar year then you don’t need to pay any more in the current calendar year. That's £5.00 for your first hike after 1st Jan 2026 or £3.00 per event after that. Cash is preferred or you can use Paypal https://paypal.me/SouthHertsHikers

MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
Membership is open to anyone aged 18 or more who has an interest in hiking, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs, provided they fulfil the following criteria:

Being friendly towards all other Group members, treating other members with respect and as equals.
Avoiding any conduct likely to discourage any other member from participating in future Group events or from organising future group events. In particular, this group is a “Grump Free Zone” especially on Group weekends away!

ETIQUETTE
These aren't rules but advice for a friendly group

The walk leader sets the pace suitable for the slowest member, as long as we can complete the walk in a reasonable time. It is not a race to finish first nor a training event nor a non-stop work-out. We stop from time to time to regroup (for example after going through a gate), to have a rest, a drink or a snack, admire the view or take photos, etc. You may need extra clothing to put on for stops in colder weather.
We have members of different ages and genders and we like everyone to relate to each other on an equal basis.
We welcome members from different nationalities and cultures and we don't quiz anyone about their background or country of origin, they can tell us if they like but this is optional.
Conversations on a group walk or other event can often be overheard by others so we avoid discussing anything that is out of place in a friendly social group. This would include avoiding heated debates or any discussions about controversial or unpleasant subjects that others may not wish to hear about, including religion, UK politics or politics of any other country.

WHAT TO TAKE
Most of our routes are on public footpaths in the countryside. Some of these may be slippery, muddy or stony in places. You need adequate footwear, preferably hiking boots, with thick soles and good grip. You need a waterproof jacket in case it rains and in cold weather, you also need a warm outdoor jacket and an extra layer to put on for outdoor stops.

We have some info pages on what to take for day hikes and weekends away. Please see the Hiking Info http://southhertshikers.uk/info/ page on our web site for further details.

PAST EVENTS
You can find a photo album for each past event on this Meetup Group.

AFFILIATION
We are affiliated to The Ramblers https://www.ramblers.org.uk/
Hertfordshire & North Middlesex Area https://www.hnmramblers.org.uk/
South Herts Hikers also known as South Herts Footpath Society is also a member of The Open Spaces Society https://www.oss.org.uk/

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Please see the FAQ page http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/ on our web site or click the Organizers https://www.meetup.com/SouthHertsHikers/members/?op=leaders link on Meetup to contact the organizers via Meetup messaging.

Upcoming events

See all

6 seats left
Sunday Hike WGC100 - Welwyn Garden City Circular Walk, SW section 9.2 mls
Sun, Mar 22 · 10:30 AM GMT
Outside The Howard Centre, Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, GB
Join us for a hike in the Hertfordshire countryside around Welwyn Garden City. Meet 10:30 for 10:45 start on the steps outside the Howard Centre shopping mall, Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City. Please see map and photo in the Meetup photo album for this event https://www.meetup.com/southhertshikers/photos/35864448/
Look for our Meetup sign.

Nearest post code AL8 6HA
Lat/Long (WGS84): 51.80128 , -0.20493
OSGB Grid Reference: TL238129
What3 Words: https://w3w.co/slave.apple.tins

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
This route includes about one third of the Welwyn Garden City Centenary Walk (WGC100) to the South and West of WGC. See link below for the full route. Start and finish at Welwyn Garden City Station. The first 1.6 mls (2.6 km) is through built-up area then we get to King George V Fields, The Common, then we follow WGC100 past Stanborough Lakes to Lemsford Village. Outdoor lunch stop in Lemsford Village or pub stop at the Sun, Lemsford. Continue on the WGC100 route through Brocket Park to Sherrardspark Wood then return to the station.

Total distance is 9.2 mls (14.8 km) with slight hills. The route is on pavements, public footpaths or public bridleways. These may be muddy in places after wet weather. The pace is moderate rather than brisk. We are likely to finish the hike by about 16:45 or earlier.

PLACES OF INTEREST:
For details of the whole Welwyn Garden City Centenary Circular Walk
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/environment-and-planning/countryside-management-service/walking-and-cycling-routes/pdf/welwyn-garden-city-centenary-circular-walk.pdf

HIKING MAP:
Ordnance Survey 'Explorer' 1:25,000 Sheet 182 St Albans & Hatfield.

ONLINE MAP:
This route was devised by South Herts Hikers. For our part of the WGC100, there is a map in the event details above with further details on Wikiloc: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/wgc100-welwyn-garden-city-circular-walk-south-western-section-loop-56783025
You can select map or aerial view (OpenStreetmap recommended) and you can zoom in. Navigating the trail outdoors using the Wikiloc app needs the premium version but you can also set up a free Wikiloc login then use a web browser such as Chrome to download a .GPX or .kml file to a mobile device. Then you can use your favourite mobile phone GPS app such as OSMand, Komoot, All Trails, Outdoor Active, Organic Maps or Google Maps to follow the route.

HOW TO GET TO THE MEETING LOCATION:
By train, the railway station is inside the Howard Centre.
From London King's Cross (KGX) 10:02, Finsbury Park 10:08, Alexandra Palace, Potters Bar or Hatfield to Welwyn Garden City (WGC) arriving 10:31. We will wait for the 10:31 train to arrive.
From London Harringay (HGY) 09:44, Hornsey, New Southgate, Oakleigh Park, New Barnet and all stations to Welwyn garden City arriving 10:17
From Stevenage (SVG) 10:10 to Welwyn Garden City arriving 10:21.
By bus. See: https://www.intalink.org.uk
From St Albans City Railway Station Stop "A" 09:40 bus 301 to Welwyn Garden City Bus Station Stop C 10:28
From Hertford Mill Bridge Hertford Theatre bus 324 09:45 to Welwyn Garden City Bus Station Stop G 10:07
CAR PARKING NEAR MEETING LOCATION:
Car parking in the Howard Centre Multi-Storey car park costs £2.50 all day on Sunday or alternatively, Hunters Bridge Multi-Storey car park, Osborn Way, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6UN free Sundays, 10 mins walk away
It may also be possible to park in nearby streets (please park considerately).
WHAT TO BRING
- Adequate footwear, preferably hiking boots, with good grip
- Warm outdoor jacket and a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case it rains
- Drink
- Packed lunch
• Important to know
Although our events are shown on Meetup as free, so you don't need to pay when you sign up, we have a small annual membership subscription and we also invite a donation for each event. This is to cover the running costs of this Meetup Group including Meetup Organisers’ subscription, affiliations and other costs. This applies to everyone including guests who attends an event but you can pay at your first event.
Annual membership subscription
We have an nominal annual membership subscription of £1 if you join from 1st Jan - 30th June, 50p if you join from 1st July - 30th November and free if you join in December. You need to be an annual member to attend our events Annual members can also join our group email list and receive details of our walks programme. Annual membership is valid for both sections of our group, South Herts Hikers and South Herts Footpath Society.
Event donation
We also invite a donation of £3 per event. That's £4.00 for your first hike after 1st Jan 2026 or £3.00 per event after that. Cash is preferred or you can use Paypal https://paypal.me/SouthHertsHikers
Please note our conventions and guidelines . From this Meetup Group's home page https://www.meetup.com/southhertshikers/ see What we're about > Read More
To summarise:
- The walk leader sets the pace suitable for the slowest member. We stop from time to time to regroup. You may need extra clothing to put on for stops in colder weather.
- We have members of different ages and genders and we like everyone to relate to each other on an equal basis.
- We welcome members from different nationalities and cultures and we don't quiz anyone about their background or country of origin, they can tell us if they like but this is optional.
- We avoid heated debates or any discussions about controversial or unpleasant subjects.
For our policy on dogs on our hikes, please see our FAQ page, http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/
10 attendees
Sunday hike Hertford North - Panshanger Park - Tewin circular 9.1 mls
Sun, Mar 29 · 10:30 AM BST
Hertford North Station, North Road, Hertford, SG14 1NB, GB
Join us for a 9.1 mile hike in the Hertfordshire countryside including Panshanger Park with lakes and rivers, see photo album for summer photos, Visit the quiet village of Tewin with its village green. The pace is moderate rather than brisk, so if you can manage 9.1 miles then this event is for you, whether you are a seasoned hiker or new to country walks. Discover some countryside that you may not have visited before. Find out about history and geology of Panshanger Park which was the bed of the River Thames before the last ice age.
This is a joint event with South Herts Hikers and South Herts Footpath Society.
Meet 10:30 for 10:45 start outside Hertford North Railway Station, North Road Hertford, SG14 1NB. Hike starts and finishes at Hertford North Station.
Nearest post code: SG14 1NB
Lat/Long (WGS84): 51.798842 , -0.091559
O.S. National Grid Ref. TL317128
What3words https://w3w.co/votes.start.good
HIKE DESCRIPTION:
From Hertford North Station, on roads and footpaths to Panshanger Park, then through Lady Hughe's Wood. There will be a 15 min mid-morning stop 4.4 km from the start then we take the Chain Walk to Tewin for a 45 min lunch stop 7.4 km from the start. The Rose and Crown pub, Upper Green Road, Tewin, Welwyn, Herts AL6 0LE is nearby. Before going into the pub, please be prepared to take your boots off if there is carpet and please don't consume your own food or drink in the pub or in the pub garden. There is a village green with seats nearby where you can eat packed lunch and a covered area in case it rains (unlikely). After lunch we go through a different part of Panshanger Park where there will be a 15 min mid-afternoon stop 11 km from the start. We pass lakes and take a path by the River Mimram, a clear chalk stream to the Dragonfly Trail then back to Hertford North Station.
Total distance is 9.1 mls (14.6 km) with some small hills, nearly all on public footpaths or bridleways. Panshanger Park is not muddy due to gravel sub-soil, some mud is possible elsewhere. Finish time 16:45 or earlier.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
Panshanger Park visit page and map https://www.tarmac.com/panshanger-park/your-visit/
Geology of Panshanger Park, covered by glacier in the Ice Age then by River Thames https://www.hertsgeolsoc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/panshanger-geology-boards.pdf
Rose and Crown Pub, Tewin https://www.facebook.com/roseandcrowntewin
HIKING MAP:
O.S. 'Explorer' 1:25,000 scale, Sheet 182 St Albans & Hatfield and Sheet 194 Hertford & Bishop's Stortford.
ONLINE MAP:
This route was devised by South Herts Hikers. There is a static map in the photo album for this event and we have also uploaded it to Wikiloc but we are doing the walk in reverse. See: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/hertford-north-panshanger-park-tewin-loop-v4-45206777
You can select map or aerial view (OpenStreetmap recommended) and you can zoom in. Navigating the trail outdoors using the Wikiloc app needs the premium version but you can also set up a free Wikiloc login then use a web browser such as Chrome to download a .GPX or .kml file to a mobile device then use a mobile phone GPS app (OSMand, Komoot, All Trails, Outdoor Active, Organic Maps or Google Maps).
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO MEETING LOCATION (CHECK TIMES):
From Ware: Bus 331 and H2 (d: 09:54 a: 10:20)
From St Albans City Station (09:03), Hatfield Station (09:18), Welwyn Garden City Station (09:37) by bus 724 to Hertford North Station (10:01).
From Welwyn Garden City Station (10:07) by bus 324 to Hertford North Station (10:29)
From Harlow Bus 724 (08:35) to Hertford North Railway Station (09:10).
From London Moorgate (MOG)(09:16 or 09:46) calling at Old Street, Highbury & Islington, Drayton Park, Finsbury Park (FPK)(09:30 or 10:00), Harringay, Hornsey, Alexandra Place, Bowes Park, Palmers Green, Winchmore Hill, Grange Park, Enfield Chase, Gordon Hill, Crews Hill, Cuffley, Bayford to Hertford North (HFN)(10:07 or 10:37). We will wait for the 10:37 train to arrive.
From London Liverpool Street, Stratford(London), Cheshunt or Broxbourne to Hertford East railway station then bus H2 at 10:15 to Hertford North station.
CAR PARKING NEAR MEETING LOCATION:
Parking in station car park or in nearby streets (please park considerately).
• What to bring
Most of the route is on public footpaths in the countryside. Some of these may be slippery, muddy or stony in places. You need:
- Adequate footwear, preferably hiking boots, with good grip
- Warm outdoor jacket and a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case it rains
- Drink
- Packed lunch
For further details, please see South Herts Hikers Information Page 'A' Day Hikes http://southhertshikers.uk/info/
• Important to know
Although our events are shown on Meetup as free, so you don't need to pay when you sign up, we have a small annual membership subscription and we also invite a donation for each event. This is to cover the running costs of this Meetup Group including Meetup Organisers’ subscription, affiliations and other costs. This applies to everyone including guests who attends an event but you can pay at your first event.
Annual membership subscription
We have an nominal annual membership subscription of £1 if you join from 1st Jan - 30th June, 50p if you join from 1st July - 30th November and free if you join in December. You need to be an annual member to attend our events but you can join at the start of your first event. Annual members can also join our group email list and receive details of our walks programme. Annual membership is valid for both sections of our group, South Herts Hikers and South Herts Footpath Society.
Event donation
We also invite a donation of £3 per event so that would be £4.00 for your first hike after 1st Jan 2026 or £3.00 per event after that. Cash is preferred or you can use Paypal https://paypal.me/SouthHertsHikers
Please note our conventions and guidelines . From this Meetup Group's home page https://www.meetup.com/southhertshikers/ see What we're about > Read More
To summarise:
- The walk leader sets the pace suitable for the slowest member. We stop from time to time to regroup. You may need extra clothing to put on for stops in colder weather.
- We have members of different ages and genders and we like everyone to relate to each other on an equal basis.
- We welcome members from different nationalities and cultures and we don't quiz anyone about their background or country of origin, they can tell us if they like but this is optional.
- We avoid heated debates or any discussions about controversial or unpleasant subjects.
For our policy on dogs on our hikes, please see our FAQ page, http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/
5 attendees