Beginners hike Hertford Castle, Chadwell Springs and Panshanger Park.

fThis delightful country hike takes us from Ware to Hertford, following rivers, towpaths, old railway trails and beautiful countryside through the heart of Hertfordshire.
Setting off from Ware Station, we join the River Lea and follow its peaceful waterside paths as it meets the New River, the historic waterway constructed in 1613 to supply fresh drinking water to London.
Our route continues across picturesque Hartham Common and into the historic market town of Hertford. We pass through the grounds of Hertford Castle, a site with centuries of history and which was used as a temporary meeting place for Parliament during the Great Plague.
Leaving Hertford behind, we follow the route of an old railway line towards Panshanger Country Park, where the landscape opens into grasslands, lakes, ancient woodland and the beautiful Mimram Valley.
One of the highlights of the hike is the magnificent Great Oak, traditionally associated with Queen Elizabeth I and regarded as one of Hertfordshire's most impressive ancient trees. We also pass the remains of the old Orangery and the foundations of the former Panshanger House, with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, with the park providing habitat for a wide variety of birds and animals, as well as Longhorn cattle grazing across the estate.
Our route eventually takes us back into Hertford, where you are welcome to join us for a post-hike drink or coffee at one of the town's many pubs and cafés before travelling home from Hertford East Station.

🕘 Schedule & Meeting Info

• Meeting Time: 10:05 at Ware Station, outside the main entrance
• Trains: Trains from Stratford and Tottenham Hale arrive at Ware at approximately 09:56. Please use the toilets on the train as there are no toilets available at Ware Station
• Tickets: Oyster and contactless pay as you go can be used to Ware and from Hertford East – remember to touch in and out
• Hike Start: 10:05 at Ware Station
• Lunch: pack lunch
• Estimated finish: 16:30 at Hertford East Station
• Return to London: Regular trains from Hertford East via Tottenham Hale and Stratford

📍 Hike Overview

• Grade: Beginner 🥾
• Hiking time: Approx 4.5 hours, excluding breaks
• Distance: 18km / approx 11 miles
• Ascent: Approx 118m
• Terrain: Good footpaths, countryside tracks and riverside towpaths with mostly flat terrain
• Pace: Steady with regular breaks
• Hike Leader: Gary 07968585224

🎒 What to Bring
✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes ✅ Waterproof jacket ✅ Suitable layers for the weather and conditions ✅ Packed lunch & water ✅ Oyster or contactless payment card/device

***

💬 What to Expect
Our hikes are social, inclusive, and fun. Expect a welcoming community of Londoners, expats, solo walkers, professionals, and nature lovers. Most people join solo – and leave with new friends.

🧭 Qualified, Insured Hike Leaders
All GO London events are led by qualified, experienced, and fully insured hike leaders, trained in outdoor safety, navigation, and group management.

###

✅ RSVP Now
Spaces are limited – RSVP “Yes” to secure your place.

📩 Mailing List: Go London
🌐 Website: www.golondonhiking.co.uk
🎟️ Eventbrite Page: GO London Events
📸 Instagram: @golondonhiking
👍 Facebook Page: Go London Adventure
👥 Facebook Group: Go London Hiking

📜 Terms & Conditions
By signing up, you agree to our full Terms & Conditions including our cancellation and refund policy.
London hiking, hiking group London, walking group London, hiking meetups, countryside walks near London, UK hiking group, weekend hikes from London, day hikes London, public transport hikes, nature walks London, outdoor adventures, expat hiking group, social hikes, London trail walking, Hertfordshire walks, Ware walks, Hertford walks, River Lea walks, Panshanger Country Park, riverside walks near London.