Pirton Walks

11.3 miles (18.2 km)

This Hertfordshire based village is surrounded by some lovely Chilterns countryside which you can explore on two significant long distance trails.
This circular walk from the village uses sections of the John Bunyan Trail and the Icknield Way Path to visit the neighbouring village of Barton-le-Clay, the lovely Barton Hills Nature Reserve and the Pegsdon Hills.
The walk starts on the western side of the village where you can pick up a footpath heading west to Shillington Moor, just south of Apsley End. Here you can pick up the John Bunyan Trail and follow the waymarked footpath south west to Hexton. The route continues west taking you to the village of Barton-le-Clay.
You then head south passing through the village before coming to the Barton Hills. The nature reserve includes some nice trails with good views and lots of wildlife to see.
Continue south from the reserve and you will soon come to the Icknield Way Path. The trail will take you north east, passing Deacon Hill in the Pegsdon Hills and then Tingley Wood before returning to Pirton.

Postcode

SG5 3QD - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Pirton Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Pirton Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Pirton OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Pirton Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Pirton

Ickleford 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
Hitchin - The Hertfordshire town of Hitchin makes a great base for exploring the lovely north eastern corner of the Chiltern Hills.
This walk visits the nearby Pegsdon Hills using a number of the waymarked long distance trails which pass through the area surrounding the town
Barton Hills - Visit the Barton Hills National Nature Reserve and enjoy peaceful walking trails in the Chilterns
Sharpenhoe Clappers - Visit this classic chalk escarpment in the Chilterns and enjoy wonderful views across this beautiful area
Icknield Way Path - The Icknield Way Path starts at Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire and heads to Knettishall Heath in Suffolk along prehistoric pathways
Sundon Hills Country Park - Climb to a height of over 500 feet and enjoy wonderful views over the Bedfordshire countryside on this circular walk near Luton
Pegsdon Hills - Enjoy a climb to Deacon Hill and enjoy wonderful views over the Chilterns on this walk in the Pegsdon Hills
Letchworth - Letchworth Garden City is located in Hertfordshire near to Hitchin and Stevenage
Arlesey - This small town in Bedfordshire is located close to two rivers where you can enjoy some easy waterside walking.
Shefford - This Bedfordshire based town is close to several areas of woodland with miles of walking and cycling trails to try
Henlow - This Bedfordshire based village is known for its 12th century church and the Champneys Health farm which is used by the rich and famous
Toddington - This Bedfordshire based village sits on a major long distance trail and is surrounded by some lovely Chilterns countryside
Oughtonhead Common - This walk takes you around the Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve in Hitchin.

Pubs/Cafes

Back in the village The Motte and Bailey is a good choice for some post walk refreshments. The pub is located in a nice spot overlooking the village green and includes a lovely large garden area with a pergola. You can find them at 1 Great Green with a postcode of�SG5 3QD for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The country and woodland trails on the route make for a fine dog walk. The Motte and Bailey pub mentioned above is also very dog friendly with water bowls and treats available.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

A few miles to the north west there's Silsoe where you can enjoy easy trails around Wrest Park. There's 92 acres of landscaped early eighteenth-century gardens to explore here. You can also enjoy a pleasant stroll around Silsoe village where there are a number of historic properties associated with the park estate.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Chilterns Walks and the Hertfordshire Walks pages.