TOUGH HIKE 31km Rolling hills of Hertfordshire and the Chilterns

Explore a picturesque and varied part of Hertfordshire with a walk through the magnificent hilly western area of Hitchin and the North Easterly ridge of the Chiltern Hills. Following green rolling hills and ancient woods, we go through picturesque hamlets and villages and through a glacial valley and nature reserve, then finish off returning to the market town of Hitchin.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore a picturesque hilly part of Hertfordshire
• See Oughtonhead Nature Reserve - home to a variety of bird species and a picturesque stream & waterfall
• Hike through the charming villages of Great Offley and Little Offley
• See the picturesque village of Pirton famous for its medieval buildings
• Explore Pegsdon Hill and Hoo Bit Nature Reserve offering stunning far reaching views

HIKE DESCRIPTION

We start off at Hitchin - a picturesque town with a medieval layout and traditional cobbled streets. From there, we proceed towards Oughtonhead Common - a tranquil nature reserve home to numerous bird species, a little stream and a small waterfall.

Continuing on the Icknield Way Trail, we reach the ancient village of Pirton, known for its medieval architecture and we pass High Down House - a stunning Grade I listed building. Through shady woods and lush rolling hills we reach the Pegsdon Hill and Hoo Bit Nature Reserve. Considered one of the jewels of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - this nature reserve boasts some of the finest views in the county.

Our way back is through the Icknield Way. We descend in the valley near Little Offley, walking through woods and small hamlets and join the Chiltern Way that will take us to Great Offley. Great Offley lies on the top of a chalk escarpment ridge and boasts interesting historic buildings including Offley Place. We leave the village to go south towards the rolling hills near West Wood and Pinnacle Hill, and start making our way back into Hitchin going along the lovely River Purwell.

MEETING POINT

Kings Cross station 8:30am, leave at 8:45am for the 8:57am train. Meet in front of the main ticket office - MAP
Planned arrival time back into London is 7:20pm (you are committed until then)

GUIDE - CORINA 07591 945281 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US

FOOD - Bring a packed lunch and hike snacks, it's a long hike

DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY

Distance: 19 miles (31km)
Grading: Challenging
Ascent: 405m
Hiking time: 7.5 to 8.5 hours

COST & PAYMENT

£32 including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Attend” to join.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable but we have a process to release your space for RESALE, if your space sells you will be refunded.

WHAT TO BRING

• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK
• Water (2 litres)
• Lunch
• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁

SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider

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