What we’re about
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.
To cover the costs of running this Meetup Group and other associated costs, we suggest a voluntary annual membership donation of £1 (50p if you join July onwards) at your first event of each year plus a voluntary donation of £2 for each hike for every participant. 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 have members from different nationalities and cultures. We like to make everyone welcome 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/
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 (2)
See all- Sunday hike, Sandridge - Heartwood Forest - Coleman Green circular 8.4 mlsOutside Sandridge Village Hall, St Albans, AL
Join us for an easy hike to explore the beautiful Heartwood Forest near St Albans with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner looking to explore new trails, this 8.4 mile hike is suitable for all skill levels.
Meet 10:15 for a 10:30 a.m. start outside Sandridge Village Hall, 48 High Street, Sandridge, St Albans AL4 9DA. Look for our Meetup sign with two boot prints. Hike starts and finishes at Sandridge. We plan to finish by about 16:15 or earlier.
Nearest post code: AL4 9DA
Lat/Long (WGS84): 51.779933, -0.306428
OSGB National Grid Ref. TL169103
What3Words https://w3w.co/lion.pretty.moonHIKE DESCRIPTION:
From Sandridge through Heartwood Forest (857 acres/347 hectares), which is the largest newly planted forest of British native tree species. Then via Nomansland Common to Coleman Green (John Bunyan pub). After lunch we go via Titnol's Wood, Symonshyde Great Wood, Hammond's Wood, Hill Wood and House Lane back to Sandridge.
Approx 85% of this route is on footpaths, 10% on roads with pavements and 5% on a minor road with no pavement where care is required. Total distance is 8.4 miles (13.5 km) with some small hills, total 117 metres (384 ft) ascent and descent.PLACES OF INTEREST:
Heartwood Forest (Woodland Trust): https://heartwood.woodlandtrust.org.uk/
John Bunyan Pub: http://johnbunyanpub.co.uk/wp/
John Bunyan's Chimney (Grade II Listed Building) https://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101175683-john-bunyans-chimney-wheathampstead
Save Symonshyde: http://www.save-symondshyde.co.uk/
HIKING MAP:
O.S. 'Explorer' 182 St Albans & Hatfield.ONLINE MAP:
This route was devised by South Herts Hikers. There is a static map in the event photo above and we have also uploaded it to Wikiloc. See: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/sandridge-heartwood-forest-coleman-green-symonshyde-loop-v1-43561757You 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 download a .GPX or .KML file to a mobile device to use with a GPS app such as OSMand, Komoot, All Trails, Outdoor Active, Organic Maps or Google Maps.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO MEETING LOCATION (CHECK TIMES):
- From London St Pancras, Elstree, Radlett, etc. train to St Albans then bus to Sandridge.
- From St Albans - bus 357 at 09:20 from St Albans City Station Stop 'D' to Sandridge Village Hall, arriving 09:32
- From Redbourn/Harpenden 10:06/10:11 - first bus 357 arrives Sandridge 10:35 on a Sunday, please tell us if you intend to take this bus and we'll wait.
CAR PARKING NEAR MEETING LOCATION:
Sandridge High Street Car Park behind Village Hall or in nearby streets (please park considerately)CAR SHARING FROM BARNET:
We also offer car sharing from Barnet or Potters Bar. If you would like a lift, please answer the question about car sharing when you sign up and send a message to the organisers for details of the meeting location and time.Driving distance High Barnet - Sandridge 13 mls each way in about 35 minutes.
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. We recommend:- adequate footwear, preferably hiking boots, with thick soles and good grip
- waterproof jacket or umbrella for rain
- sun hat if sunny
- drink essential (1 - 2 litres)
- packed lunch recommended.
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
Mid-morning stop in Heartwood Forest 3.5 km from the start. Lunch stop 7.1 km from the start, outdoors for packed lunch at small park area by John Bunyan's Chimney. Indoors at the John Bunyan pub, please remove boots if muddy and please don't consume your own food or drink in the pub or in the pub garden. Mid-afternoon stop at Symonshyde Wood, 9.6 km from start.We suggest a voluntary annual membership donation of £1 (50p if you join July onwards) at your first event of 2024 plus a voluntary donation of £2 for each hike for every participant. That's £3.00 for your first hike with us in 2024 or £2.00 per event after that. This contributes towards the running costs of this Meetup Group. You can use cash or Paypal https://paypal.me/SouthHertsHikers
Please note our membership criteria and guidelines. From this Meetup Group's home page https://www.meetup.com/southhertshikers/ see What we're about > Read More
For our policy on dogs on our hikes, please see our FAQ page, http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/
- Sunday Hike - Ware - Stanstead Abbotts - Rye House circular 9.25 mlsWare Train Station, Ware
Hike in the Hertfordshire countryside south of Ware by rivers, lakes and nature reserves.
Meet 10:15 for 10:30 start outside the café, Ware Railway Station, Station Road, Ware, Herts. SG12 9UT
Nearest post code SG12 9UT
Lat/Long (WGS84): 51.808180,-0.028598
OSGB Grid Reference: TL360140
What3Words https://w3w.co/plots.exit.robotsHIKE DESCRIPTION:
From Ware via New River Path to Rye House then Rye Meads Nature Reserve and RSPB Reserve visitor centre (refreshments available). Continue via footpaths on the Reserves to Stanstead Abbotts (lunch stop) then via Amwell Nature Reserve back to Ware.The route is nearly all on traffic-free country footpaths. These may be stony, grassy or muddy in places but this route should be a relatively low mud route. The total distance is 9.25 mls (14.9 km) and it is almost completely flat.
HIKING MAP:
Ordnance Survey 'Explorer' 1:25,000 scale, Sheet 194 Hertford and Bishop's Stortford.ONLINE MAP:
This route was devised by South Herts Hikers. There is a static map in the event photo above and we have also uploaded it to Wikiloc. See: https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/ware-stanstead-abbotts-rye-house-loop-v1-95297293You can select map or aerial view (OpenStreetmap recommended) and you can zoom in and see photos. Navigating the trail outdoors using the Wikiloc app needs the premium version but you can also set up a free Wikiloc login then download a .GPX or .kml file to a mobile device to use with any GPS app such as OSMand, Komoot, All Trails, Outdoor Active, Organic Maps or Google Maps.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Amwell Reserve
https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/amwell
Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Rye Meads Reserve
https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/rye-meads
Rye Meads RSPB Reserve https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/rye-meads/
The Village Café, Stanstead Abbotts
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063491323885PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO MEETING LOCATION:
Trains to Ware Station (Hertford East Line) from London Liverpool Street. Hike starts and finishes at Ware Station.CAR PARKING NEAR MEETING LOCATION:
Parking in station car park or 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. We recommend:- adequate footwear, preferably hiking boots, with thick soles and good grip
- waterproof jacket or umbrella for rain
- sun hat if sunny
- drink essential (1 - 2 litres)
IMPORTANT TO KNOW
There will be a late morning stop at the Rye Meads Nature Reserve and RSPB Reserve visitor centre at Rye House, 6.5 km from the start. Lunch stop is at Stanstead Abbotts, 10.4 km from the start where there is a café and a pub. It is advisable to bring a packed lunch as there may not be time to order food at the pub.We suggest a voluntary annual membership donation of £1 (50p if you join July onwards) at your first event of 2024 plus a voluntary donation of £2 for each hike for every participant. That's £3.00 for your first hike with us in 2024 or £2.00 per event after that. This contributes towards the running costs of this Meetup Group. You can use cash or Paypal https://paypal.me/SouthHertsHikers
Please note our membership criteria and guidelines. From this Meetup Group's home page https://www.meetup.com/southhertshikers/ see What we're about > Read More
For our policy on dogs on our hikes, please see our FAQ page, http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/