Welwyn Garden City, Ayot St Lawrence, an ivied Gothic ruin, River lea trail HIKE

## 🌟 Highlights

• Stroll through Sherrardspark Wood, an ancient woodland haven.
• Admire the parkland of Brocket Hall and historic Lamer House.
• River Lea Trail.
• Explore Ayot St Lawrence, with its Greek-temple-style church and Gothic ruin.
• Optional visit to Shaw’s Corner, George Bernard Shaw’s home.
• Fun Fact: Welwyn hides a Roman bathhouse beneath its Road, discovered in the 1960s!

## 📖 Description

🥾 “Historic villages, ancient woods, and countryside charm!”
Escape the city and join us for a scenic circular hike near Welwyn Garden City, a picturesque Hertfordshire village rich in Roman history. This route takes you through attractive Hertfordshire countryside, including the landscaped parkland of Brocket Hall and Lamer House. In the afternoon, we reach the picturesque village of Ayot St Lawrence, home to two unusual churches – one resembling a Greek temple, the other an ivied Gothic ruin. If you wish, you can also visit Shaw’s Corner (open from March-October), the former home of playwright George Bernard Shaw, now owned by the National Trust.

## 🥾 Hike Details

• Distance: 18 km
• Duration: 5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Ascent: ~180 m
• Terrain: woodland paths, country lanes, and open fields
• Pace: Steady at a social pace with regular breaks for views and photos

## 🕒 Meeting Point & Time

• Meeting Point: London Kings Cross Rail Station at 09:10am (near ticket office)
• Train: 09:27 London Kings Cross, arriving at Welwyn Garden City 09:56. Buy a day return ticket to Welwyn Garden City on the day or in advance. 1/3rd off on Group Save and Rail card.
• Hike Starts: Welwyn Garden City at 10:00
• Hike Finishes: Welwyn Garden City at 16:00 Approx.
• Hike Guide: Raj 07788839784

## 🎒 What to Bring

- Comfortable hiking boots
- Water & packed lunch/snacks
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sun/Rain/Wind protection (hat, sunscreen, Rain coat)
- Optional: camera, walking poles

## 📌 Additional Info

• Optional social drinks (BYOD) after the hike at a local pub near the station
• Some paths may be muddy after rain
• This event is posted in multiple platforms

## Cost & What’s Included

• Cost: £10 per person
• Includes: Organiser/guided hike fee only
• Not included: Train tickets, food, drinks, or other personal expenses
• Note: Participants who purchase train tickets through the organiser must stay with the group until the end of the hike (London).

## ✅ How to Join

RSVP by Tuesday to secure your spot for this hike!
We’d love to have you join us on the trail!
Click Join to RSVP

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