Ickleford Walks - River and Nature Reserve Circular Walk
This attractive Hertfordshire based village is located just north of Hitchin on the west bank of the River Hiz. The rural settlement has a number of nice local shops and several historic pubs for post walk refreshments.
There's also an interesting old church with 12th century Norman features and several fine pubs for rest and refreshment after your exercise. It is also located on a significant long distance walking trail.
This circular walk from the village uses part of the Icknield Way Path to visit Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve and the neighbouring village of Pirton.
The walk starts in the village where you can pick up the waymarked footpath and follow it west to Westmill Lane. Turn south at Westmill Farm and it will take you to the Oughtonhead Common. Here you'll find some nice trails along the River Oughton with lots of wildlife to look out for.
After exploring the common retrace your steps to Westmill Farm and then head north west along the Icknield Way. The trail will take you to the pretty village of Pirton.
The route then heads east along the Hambridge Way track which will lead you back towards Ickleford.
For more information about the history and arichitecture in the village see the wikipedia entry.
Postcode
SG5 3UX - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsIckleford River and Nature Reserve Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Ickleford River and Nature Reserve Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Ickleford River and Nature Reserve Circular Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Ickleford River and Nature Reserve Circular Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
Head to the historic Old George for some post walk refreshment in the village. The pub dates back to the 15th century and includes a fine interior with an ancient inglenook fireplace. Outside there's a lovely courtyard garden and a terrace with fine views of the old village church. You can find them on the Arlesey Road at postcode SG5 3UX for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The country trails make for a fine dog walk and the Old George mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Head north from the village and there's some good trails along the River Hiz on Ickleford Common. The river continues to nearby Arlesey and the Old Moat Nature Reserve. Near here there's Henlow where there's a noteworthy 12th century church and the Champneys Health farm which is used by the rich and famous.
For more walking ideas in the area see the
Chilterns Walks and Hertfordshire Walks pages.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
St Katherine, Ickleford. The village church includes a 12th-century Norman nave and blocked north doorway with beautifully carved zigzag arches.
Ickleford, The Old George
Ickleford Village Sign
Footpath on Oughtonhead Common
Waterfall at Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve. Man made waterfall on the River Oughton just along from the dog paddling pool!
Church of St Katharine Ickleford. This noteworthy church is set amid cedar trees and includes a 12th-century Norman nave and north doorway with beautifully carved zigzag arches, and a south aisle and chapel added by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in 1859. The east window has some fine stained glass of 1860. It is the burial-place of Henry Boswell, "King of the Gypsies", who died in 1760, at the advanced age of 90; the remains of his wife and granddaughter are likewise interred here.
Track leading from Ickleford to Pirton
River Hiz Ickleford Common. Just north of the village.