Walk 2799 - A circular walk from Ayot Green

      
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This circular walk starts in the picturesque Hertfordshire village of Ayot Green and includes a section following a former railway. The walk continues through typical Herfordshire countryside to reach the banks of the River Lea, which is followed to Brocket Hall. The concluding section passes through woodland.

To reach the start, turn off the B197, which skirts the western side of Welwyn Garden City, to the village of Ayot Green, following the signs to Ayot St Peter. As you leave the village, turn right into the free car park (grid ref TL 221144) approx 50 yards before the T junction.

Leave the car park and walk down the road to the junction, cross the road at this point and walk up the steps cut into the bank, and onto the Ayot Green Way. This is the disused railway track that was once the link from Luton to Welwyn Garden City. Turn left heading in a north westerly direction, and follow the path through light woodland and open ground for one and three quarter miles until you reach Robinson’s Wood.

Turn left as you reach the edge of the Wood (Grid ref. TL200143) and heading south, follow the track down the gentle slope for nearly a quarter of a mile until you reach the River Lea and the path marked as the Lee Valley Walk. The river is fenced off here and as the banks are left to their natural state, it may be a while before you actually get to see it Turn left and follow the way markers until you reach The Ford. Here you will see the river, which in seasonally wet weather will flood the road. Should this be the case a raised pedestrian footpath is in place for a safe crossing.

Stay on the Lea Valley Walk following the line of the river until you enter the grounds of Brocket Hall. Walk across the golf course staying on the permissive path, go past Brocket Hall (on your right) and at the end of a wooded area turn sharp left in a NNE direction (grid ref TL 216128) following the yellow way markers, still making your way across the golf course.

The walk continues through undulating ground through a wooded area known as Cat’s Gallows and on to the boundary of the estate. Leave Brockett Hall opposite the Wagoners PH, turn left, and left again at the road junction, then follow the road down through the village and back to the car park.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet 182
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 166

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

Fitness Footwear, Knebworth - Hertfordshire
Web Site - 4 miles / 6 km away

Onshoes.com, Knebworth - Hertfordshire
Web Site - 4 miles / 6 km away

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