Walk around Wheathampstead
This pretty Hertfordshire village near St Albans has some nice trails to follow around the area's rivers, woodland and countryside. This nice circular walk explores the area to the east of the village, visiting the River Lee, Brocket Hall, Lemsford and Sherrardspark Wood. It's a varied route, with waterside sections and peaceful woodland trails to enjoy.
The walk starts in the town centre where you can pick up the Lea Valley Walk long distance trail. The waymarked footpath heads east along the river to Waterend and Brocket Hall. This is a very pretty spot with the 18th century hall surrounded by parkland and a lake known as the Broadwater. Here the route turns north to Ayot Green and Sherrardspark Wood. There's lots of nice woodland trails here with various woodland birds to see including nuthatches, treecreepers, woodpeckers, thrushes, robins, tits and wrens.
After exploring the wood you head west to pick up the Ayot Greenway. This shared cycling and walking trail will lead you all the way back into Wheathampstead.
To continue your walking around the village you could head south and visit Nomansland Common. There's 52 acres of heathland and woodland here which is popular with dog walkers.
If you continue west along the river you can explore the town of Harpenden, while Welwyn Garden City lies just to the east. The expansive Heartwood Forest is also not too far away.
Wheathampstead Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Wheathampstead Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Wheathampstead OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Wheathampstead Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Walks near Wheathampstead
- Sherrardspark Wood - Enjoy a walk or cycle around these pleasant bluebell woods near Welwyn Garden City
- Lea Valley Walk - A super walk with a series of delightful waterside sections along the River Lea
- Ayot Greenway - Follow this disused railway line from Wheathampstead to Welwyn Garden City on this easy cycle or walk in Hertfordshire
- Harpenden - This long circular walk makes use of a series of waymarked trails to explore the countryside, woodland and rivers surrounding the Hertfordshire town of Harpenden.
The walk starts in Harpenden where you first pick up the Nickey Line - Welwyn Garden City - This circular walk around Welwyn Garden City uses some of the town's waymarked trails to take you to some of the highlights of the area
- Heartwood Forest - This large forest near St Albans has some fine cycling and walking trails to try
- Brocket Hall - This circular walk takes you along the public footpaths surrounding Brocket Hall in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire
- Sandridge - This pretty village in Hertfordshire sits in a lovely spot in the centre of the Heartwood Forest
Pubs/Cafes
The Miller & Carter is in a nice position next to the river in the village. The pub is housed in an old Tudor building and has a very good menu. There's also a nice outdoor seating area with lovely views. You can find it at 11 High Street with a postcode of AL4 8BS for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
If you have time explore the Devil's Dyke near the village. Here you can see the remains of a prehistoric defensive ditch which lies at the east side of Wheathampstead. The site is a candidate for the strongly defended place where Julius Caesar fought Cassivellaunus in 54 BC. See the interesting video below for more details.
Just to the north of the village you will find the noteworthy village of Ayot St Lawrence. The village is notable for its connections with the playwright George Bernard Shaw and is the site of Shaw's Corner, his old residence. There's also a ruined 12th century church and a lovely pub which dates from the 14th century. You can reach the village on foot by following the Hertfordshire Way north through the countryside. Near here there's Codicote where you can visit the nearby Hoo Park and enjoy some pretty bluebell woods and a rather fine old bridge over the River Mimram. The village is also very attractive with several timber framed buildings and a historic 16th century pub to admire.
Another good option is to follow the Lea Valley Walk east and visit the historic Hatfield House. The expansive grounds include several waymarked walking trails with woodland, parkland and gardens to see.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Hertfordshire Walks page.
Photos
River Lee near Wheathampstead. A tranquil scene with a posing swan.
River Lee in Wheathampstead
This is the mill bypass channel showing the head of water in the main river above the low sluice gate. The main river is flowing from right to left towards the mill.
A swan takes off from The Broadwater, an artificial lake on the River Lea, with Brocket Hall behind. Brocket Hall was built by James Paine in 1760, although there had been two previous buildings on the site, the first dating from 1239. It was the home of two Prime Ministers, Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston, who died at Brocket in 1865 while in office. It was later the home of the Baronets Brocket, the third Baronet converting it into a hotel, which is its current use. It is grade I listed
Sherrardspark Wood
Part of the Ayot Greenway Path. This public pathway follows part of the disused Luton & Welwyn railway.
Wheathampstead Village. Looking up from the bottom of the High Street
Wheathampstead Cricket Pavilion. Situated on Nomansland Common