Outdooraholics London, Hiking & Adventure Travel 25 to 49ish

Come along on an enchanting journey through Hertfordshire's historic heartland, where the Garden City Movement's pioneering ideas blend urban charm with natural beauty. This captivating hike takes us through ancient woodlands, past architectural treasures, and following the footsteps of literary giants.

Follow tree-lined boulevards that lead into centuries-old woodland paths, traverse the historic Ayot Greenway hiking along the route of a derelict Victorian railway line, and uncover hidden churchyards that whisper tales from medieval times. Along the way, stroll through the huge gardens of Brocket Hall Stately Home, delve into the legacy of playwright George Bernard Shaw, and trace the meandering chalk waters of the River Lea.

Join us and experience the area's fascinating transition from rural hamlets to pioneering urban planning, while marveling at stately homes that have hosted prime ministers and inspired countless artists and writers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Briefly pass through Welwyn Garden City, a unique and pioneering example of urban planning and the Garden City Movement
• Walk through the serene oak and hornbeam ancient woodland of Sherrardspark Wood, a designated "Site of Special Scientific Interest".
• Spot diverse wildlife, from woodpeckers to butterflies, and fungi in Sherrardspark Wood
• Wander through Ayot Green, a quintessential and peaceful English hamlet with historic charm
• Pass by the haunting beautiful ruins of Old St Lawrence Church, steeped in 12th-century heritage
• Step into the life and works of legendary playwright George Bernard Shaw as we pass by his National Trust home - Shaw's Corner
• Admire the remnants of the Lamer Park Estate, tied to Antarctic explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard
• Trace the route of the Ayot Greenway, a picturesque trail along a former Victorian railway line turned tranquil trail
• Walk alongside the tranquil River Lea, one of the UK's rare chalk streams
• Stroll past Brocket Hall, a neo-classical country estate and stately home with fascinating historical ties including Prime Ministers
• End the hike back in Welwyn Garden City, with its tree-lined boulevards and iconic neo-Georgian architecture

HIKE DESCRIPTION

Our journey begins in Welwyn Garden City, a town created in 1920 as a new model town and celebrated for its harmonious blend of nature and architecture. Founded as part of the revolutionary Garden City Movement, its tree-lined boulevards and neo-Georgian charm offer a perfect backdrop to the start of our adventure. From here, we step into Sherrardspark Wood, a haven of towering oaks and hornbeams. This ancient woodland teems with wildlife, from the drumming of woodpeckers to the flutter of speckled wood butterflies. Rich in fungi and history, this woodland whispers stories of its 4,000-year legacy.

Traversing the historic Ayot Greenway, we step into a world where nature has reclaimed an industrial past. The trail leads us through a succession of peaceful hamlets, each with its own character and history. At Ayot St. Lawrence, we encounter the haunting ruins of the Old Church, derelict since 1775, now a romantic reminder of 12th-century architecture. Nearby, Shaw's Corner stands as a testament to literary genius, its Arts and Crafts architecture and beautiful gardens providing insight into the life of one of Britain's greatest playwrights. The path continues past Lamer Park Estate, where echoes of Antarctic explorer Apsley Cherry-Garrard's adventures linger in the remaining historic structures.

We follow the River Lea, one of Britain's precious chalk streams, leading us toward the magnificent Brocket Hall. This Grade I-listed mansion, set in 540 acres of parkland, has played host to Prime Ministers and royal guests, its walls holding countless secrets of political intrigue and scandal. The path then returns through Sherrardspark Wood, where afternoon light filters through ancient branches, before emerging back into the planned perfection of Welwyn Garden City, completing our circuit through centuries of natural and human history.

MEETING POINT

A picturesque hiking trail through the Chilterns Hills - an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

This is a great hike towards the prominent beauty spot of Ivinghoe Beacon with some superb far reaching views. It is also a beginners hike and we return to London earlier than usual, so it is ideal for people new to hiking or those who have plans for the evening. We finish in a picture postcard country pub for some well deserved refreshments.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike to the start of the famous Ridgeway Trail - Britain's oldest trail dating back at least 5000 years
• Get views of the huge 147m white lion carved into the hillside at Whipsnade
• Walk some fantastic hills in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Visit the Bridgewater Monument - a 33m tall tower with stairs built in 1832 in memory of the third Duke of Bridgewater
• Visit the tiny village of Aldbury - a picturesque setting often referred to as a ''chocolate-box'' village due to its traditional appearance

HIKE DESCRIPTION

This hike takes in both some stunning scenery and a good bit of history. We hike through beech woodland, chalk uplands and get some great views over the vale of Aldbury before leading back through the woods of the Ashridge Estate - the former home of the Dukes of Bridgewater. We then drop into the quaint and unspoilt village of Aldbury. Part of our route takes us along the ancient path of the famous Ridgeway Trail, a 5000 year old trading route, described as Britain's oldest road and we also pass the Bridgewater Monument - created to honour the Duke who built one of Britain's first canals.

Ivinghoe Beacon's appearance of remoteness, yet relative proximity to the film studios at Elstree meant that it was a favoured location for many dramas such as "The Avengers" and "The Saint".

For the attentive and sharp eyed a 483 foot long white lion carved into a distant chalk hill is also visible from the stunning panorama of Ivinghoe Beacon.

MEETING POINT

This hike takes us across the South Downs on a superb route, but it's tough and long and a brisk pace. It is a route we have devised ourselves and is a gem. You follow the hills, valleys and rivers of the South Downs on this hiking challenge which ends with gorgeous views of the Seven Sisters by the sea (please note, we do not hike the Seven Sisters). For much of the day you're high up on the South Downs hills and ridges, with far reaching views.

This is one of our longer day hikes from London and is only for experienced hikers. It's got quite a few long and steep hills.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hiking high up on the South Downs ridges with some spectacular views
• Hike part of the famous South Downs Way
• Distant coastal views including the Seven Sisters cliffs
• Hike through dramatic Glacial “dry valleys”
• We will finish at Seaford on the beach
• A great physical challenge, for the fit and fast hikers who find Seven Sisters easy

HIKE DESCRIPTION

We start off in the historic town of Lewes which is a well preserved Sussex market town dating back to the 6th century. We're soon out on our rural trail that leads us into the rich tapestry of green landscapes, tranquility and breathtaking views of the area. Crossing the river Ouse and it’s beautiful valley, we make headway into the South Downs, going further into Britain’s newest National Park. Along our hike over several hills and ridges, we pass by the picturesque area of floodplains where the Cuckmere River pours into the English Channel, forming a beach estuary steeped in history.

Our trail rewards us with a good few reminders of how close to the sea we are here with gorgeous views of the Channel on a clear day and also the legendary Seven Sisters coastal cliffs. We finish in the coastal town of Seaford which is home to a Martello Tower from 1810 which formed part of a string of 103 towers to defend against French invasion in Napoleonic times.

MEETING POINT

Come and join us for what is our most popular day hike and the most exhilarating coastal hike in the South East of England, with breathtaking views of the striking and dramatic white cliffs. A good proportion of the hike is up high on the cliffs as they loom down over the sea beneath. We're off to Sussex to hike the classic Seven Sisters hike from Seaford to Eastbourne, a hike Outdooraholics have been organising for nearly 11 years and have had over 130 wonderful trips here. It is epic!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike one of the most spectacular coastal hikes in England
• A great physical challenge with several easy options to shorten if needed
• Enjoy amazing views over the coastline for much of this hike
• Finish in Eastbourne - England's sunniest town
• Explore the South Downs National Park - the newest in the UK

HIKE DESCRIPTION

This hike treats us with many iconic views and fresh sea air high up on the cliffs. The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs and are set within the Seven Sisters Country Park. They are remnants of dry valleys in the South Downs and were formed at the end of the last Ice Age by glacial meltwater. There are in fact now eight sisters as an extra one has been created by coastal erosion.

Our hike starts in the coastal town of Seaford which is home to a Martello Tower from 1810 which formed part of a string of 103 towers to defend against French invasion in Napoleonic times. It then follows the cliffs along the South Downs way past Birling Gap and the Belle Tout lighthouse. The lighthouse was actually moved 17 metres in 1999 to stop it from falling victim to coastal erosion. Our hike shall then take us on to the beauty spot of Beachy Head which has a more sinister side, before we head to Eastbourne for some refreshments in a delightful pub.

MEETING POINT