
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](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/](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/](https://www.ramblers.org.uk/)
Hertfordshire & North Middlesex Area [https://www.hnmramblers.org.uk/](https://www.hnmramblers.org.uk/)
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Please see the FAQ page [http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/](http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/) on our web site or click the Organizers [https://www.meetup.com/SouthHertsHikers/members/?op=leaders](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, Potters Bar - Hertfordshire Way - Ridge circular 9.0 milesPotters Bar Train Station, Potters Bar EN6 1AJ
To see who has signed up so far, please see comment below.
Join us for a 9.0 mile hike in the Hertfordshire Green Belt countryside between Potters Bar and the quiet village of Ridge including a section of the Hertfordshire Way. The pace is moderate rather than brisk, so if you can manage 9 miles then this event is for you, whether you are a seasoned hiker or new to country walks. Discover some country footpaths that you may not have walked before, find out about history along the way including an ancient right of way that has recently been rediscovered. Expect good views, scenic paths, and a chance to connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Meet 10:30 for a 10:45 a.m. start by the bus stops outside Potters Bar Train Station, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 1AJ
Nearest post code EN6 1AJ
Lat/Long (WGS84): 51.6964099,-0.1939198
OSGB National Grid Ref. TL250014
What3words https://w3w.co/faces.merit.calmHIKE DESCRIPTION:
From Potters Bar Station we go North along the lineside footpath then we join a section of the Hertfordshire Way. We go North of South Mimms Village then after crossing under the M25, we take a mid-morning "elevenses" break in the countryside. We pass through Bigpursley Wood on a section of the Packhorse Lane track, an ancient right of way that has been rediscovered from historical maps by rights of way campaigners. Lunch stop is at the Old Guinea pub, Ridge. Before going into the pub, please take your boots off and please don't consume your own food or drink in the pub or in the pub garden. There is a public green area nearby.After lunch, we take public footpaths to a large busy roundabout that has a footway around it. We then take a public footpath to Wash Lane with a short stop at Wash Lane Common behind the South Mimms Service Area where you can grab a coffee if you like. We continue along a footpath to Bridgefoot Lane then back to Potters Bar Station.
Much of the route is on traffic-free country footpaths that may be stony, grassy or muddy. There are also some country lanes and roads with footway in built-up areas and around the busy South Mimms roundabout.
Total distance 9.03 miles (14.5 km) with some slight hills, 80 metres (262 ft) of ascent and descent.
We are likely to finish the hike by 16:45 or earlier. Sunset 17:04PLACES OF INTEREST:
Old Guinea Pub, Ridge http://www.theoldguinea.co.uk/HIKING MAP:
Ordnance Survey 'Explorer' 1:25,000 scale, Sheet 182, St Albans & HatfieldONLINE 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/potters-bar-hertfordshire-way-ridge-loop-v4-98210422
You can select map or aerial view (OpenStreetmap recommended) and you can zoom in. If you set up a free Wikiloc login, you can download a .GPX file to a desktop computer then use it on a mobile device with any GPS app such as OSMand, Komoot, All Trails, Outdoor Active, Organic Maps or a .KML file to use with Google Maps. Google Maps show few footpaths if any so we recommend the free GPS app Organic Maps with free offline maps of whichever area you need.PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO MEETING LOCATION:
Trains to Potters Bar Station from London Kings Cross and Stevenage. Bus 84/84A from St Albans, 313 from Enfield. Note that the 84B bus service between Barnet and Potters Bar does not run on a Sunday.CAR PARKING NEAR MEETING LOCATION:
Station Car park (paying). It may be possible to park in nearby streets on a Sunday. 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 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 this event is shown on Meetup as free, from 1st Jan 2025, this group has introduced a monthly membership subscription of £4 per month. You only pay for months when you actually attend an event. Anyone who attends an event needs to be a member of South Herts Hikers, including guests and your membership subscription lasts for one calendar month from the date when you pay. During that time you can attend any other Group events with no extra charge. We typically organise at least one event per month, sometimes two or even three. This subscription contributes towards the costs of running this Meetup Group including the fees that organisers need to pay Meetup which increased by 80% from July 2024. You can use cash or Paypal https://paypal.me/SouthHertsHikersPlease note our membership criteria and guidelines for etiquette. 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 Hertford North - Panshanger Park - Tewin circular 9.1 mlsHertford North Station, SG14 1NB
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.
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.goodHIKE 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. There is a village green with seats to eat packed lunch and a covered area in case it rains. The Rose and Crown, Upper Green Road, Tewin, Welwyn, Herts AL6 0LE is nearby. Before going into the pub, please take your boots off and please don't consume your own food or drink in the pub or in the pub garden. 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 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 https://www.tarmac.com/panshanger-park/your-visit/
Panshanger Park Public Access Map (2021 edition showing new paths) https://panshangerpark.tarmac.com/wp-content/plugins/tarmac.com/components/downloads/file-download.php?download_id=558
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/roseandcrowntewinHIKING 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 event photo above 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-v4-45206777You 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 395 (d: 09:41 a: 10:01)
From St Albans (08:57), Hatfield (09:17), Welwyn Garden City (09:30) by bus 724 to Hertford North Station (10:01).
From Harlow Bus 724 (08:42) to Hertford North Railway Station (09:15).
From London (MOG)(09:42) or Finsbury Park (FPK)(09:57) to Hertford North (HFN)(10:33). We will wait for the 10:33 train to arrive.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 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 this event is shown on Meetup as free, from 1st Jan 2025, this group has introduced a monthly membership subscription of £4 per month. You only pay for months when you actually attend an event. Anyone who attends an event needs to be a member of South Herts Hikers, including guests and your membership subscription lasts for one calendar month from the date when you pay. During that time you can attend any other Group events with no extra charge. We typically organise at least one event per month, sometimes two or even three. This subscription contributes towards the costs of running this Meetup Group including the fees that organisers need to pay Meetup which increased by 80% from July 2024. You can use cash or Paypal https://paypal.me/SouthHertsHikers
For our policy on dogs on our hikes, please see our FAQ page, http://southhertshikers.uk/faq/