Exploring the great outdoors with your dog is one of life’s simplest pleasures.
Hertfordshire offers a range of stunning and dog-friendly walking routes for every type of adventure. Here are 25 of the best, each unique and brimming with charm.
This National Trust site spans over 5,000 acres and offers a mix of woodlands, meadows, and open fields. Your dog will love the freedom of exploring its vast trails, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views, especially during bluebell season.
Ashridge Estate offers several clearly defined woodland walks of varying lengths, making it a flexible choice whether you’re short on time or fancy a longer wander. All routes begin with free parking at the start and take in the National Trust’s extensive woodlands.
This is the most compact of the three routes and suits a relaxed outing through the core woodlands of the Ashridge Estate. The walk is described as a gentle circuit, recommended anticlockwise, and takes in woodland scenery alongside a visit to the estate’s monument. The route finishes close to the National Trust café, where refreshments are available.
For those with a bit more time, this longer option follows a clockwise loop and builds on the first walk by covering more ground around the estate. In addition to the main woodland areas, this route includes a longer stretch along the Prince’s Riding, a well-known tree-lined avenue within Ashridge. The monument and National Trust café are also included on this route.
The final route is an extension of the second walk and is the most time-intensive option available. Recommended anticlockwise, it moves beyond the core woodland areas and passes through sections of Frithsden Beeches and Berkhamsted Common before looping back via Cromer Wood. As with the shorter routes, the walk includes woodland scenery, the monument, and access to the National Trust café at the end.
Refreshments are available at the National Trust café on all three routes.
Known for its ancient woodland, Broxbourne Woods offers well-maintained trails perfect for a peaceful walk. There’s plenty of shade for hot days and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Broxbourne Woods offers a pair of short, clearly marked woodland walks, making it a good option for a quick outing or a gentle wander with minimal time commitment. Both routes pass through the same general area and are recommended to be walked anticlockwise.
This is a very short loop through Broxbourne Woods and is described as a small but enjoyable woodland walk. The route follows a sculpture trail, making it an interesting option for families or anyone looking for a brief but engaging stroll through the woods.
The second walk builds on the first by extending the route while still passing through the sculpture trail. It follows the same general woodland setting, with additional walking through the wider area of Broxbourne Woods for those who want to spend a little longer exploring.
With its open fields and gentle hills, Therfield Heath provides ample space for your dog to roam off-lead. The heath is also a haven for wildflowers and butterflies, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers.
Therfield is well suited to countryside walking, with routes that build from a gentle village stroll into longer, more demanding hikes. The walks explore open farmland, woodland, and elevated ground, with a well-placed village pub providing a natural finishing point.
This first route is a simple, relatively flat, family-friendly walk around the village of Therfield. The route follows a clockwise loop through open arable farmland between Therfield and Kelshall, with a visit to the church in Kelshall along the way. The walk finishes back in Therfield, where refreshments are available at The Fox & Duck.
The second route is a clockwise extension of the first walk, heading further south of the village into more open countryside. While the landscape remains similar, the extra distance provides a longer and more peaceful walk, adding time and mileage for those wanting a more substantial outing. The route is designed to finish back in the village, with the pub once again serving as a reward at the end.
The longest option is described as the ‘glory walk’ and heads in the opposite direction to the shorter routes, taking you north of Therfield on a much longer circular loop. After leaving the village, the walk begins with a long downhill section towards Royston, offering wide, sweeping views along the way.
The route then passes through woodland at Therfield Heath, followed by sections of farmland, before beginning a long and picturesque climb back up towards the village. During peak summer months, the farmed fields can be challenging when crops are high, as paths may be narrow in places. An alternative red-dotted diversion is available, which avoids this issue but is noted as being less scenic.
Parts of the walk are exposed to the sun, and the return uphill section is described as strenuous, making this a demanding but rewarding option overall.
Tring Park is a large and varied open space managed by the Woodland Trust, perched along the edge of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site combines mixed broadleaf woodland and extensive chalk grassland, making it a rewarding setting for a range of walking experiences.
A popular choice for families and casual walkers is the Tring Park Circular, an easy-going loop that winds through the park’s open grassland and woodland. It’s generally considered a straightforward route with gentle terrain and pleasant views, and is easily completed in around an hour.
Another favourite option combines parkland with adjacent woodland, such as the Wigginton, Hastoe and Tring Park Circular. This route adds a bit more distance and variety, passing through wooded sections and open countryside. It’s still accessible to most walkers but gives a bit more mileage for those who want it.
For anyone after a more substantial trek, longer loops such as the Tring Park and Hastoe Circular or the Tring Park, Pavis Wood and Buckland Common Circular extend well beyond the core park paths. These variations explore more of the chalk grassland, dips into woodland and offer more varied terrain, suitable for walkers looking to spend several hours on foot.
The Woodland Trust operates a free car park off Hastoe Lane with space for cars and seating nearby, making Tring Park a straightforward spot to start a walk.
This beauty is a dog-friendly haven. With numerous paths winding through young trees and wildflower meadows, it’s perfect for adventurous pups.
Heartwood Forest is the largest continuous new native forest in England, covering 860 acres and containing over 600,000 newly planted trees. Managed by the Woodland Trust, it offers a mix of ancient woodland, newly planted forest, open meadows and surrounding countryside, with several clearly defined walking routes of increasing length.
This first walk is one of the official Woodland Trust routes, known as the ‘Magical Meander’. It follows an anticlockwise loop and includes a small additional section through the ancient Langley Wood. In spring, this area is noted for its bluebell display, making this a popular choice for a shorter, scenic woodland stroll.
The second walk is another official Woodland Trust route, known as the ‘Wildlife Wander’, and is also recommended anticlockwise. Slightly longer than the first, it offers a more varied walk, passing through sections of ancient woodland, newly planted forest and open wildflower meadows. This route builds on the first without becoming too demanding.
This third route is the final official Woodland Trust walk at Heartwood Forest and is called the ‘Heartwood Hike’. Recommended clockwise, it extends the earlier routes and includes a longer stroll through the ancient woodland of Langley Wood, which is particularly well known for its bluebells in the spring.
The longest option is a custom walking route that fully explores Heartwood Forest and its surrounding countryside. Walked clockwise, it incorporates elements of the official routes before heading further afield to include Nomansland Common and the Community Orchard and Arboretum within the forest. The route then returns through the village of Sandridge, where several pubs and a café provide options for refreshments.
Panshanger Park offers a varied mix of woodland, lakes, river walks and open views, with routes that range from short, gentle loops to longer and more demanding walks. The park lends itself well to repeat visits, with each route highlighting a different part of the landscape.
This first route is a short anticlockwise loop around the northern section of Panshanger Park. It heads north into Blakemore Wood before following a bridleway loop that opens out to views across Osprey Lake, then returns back across to the car park. The route is noted as a good option during the summer months when the surrounding crops are full and vibrant.
While there isn’t a pub directly on the route, a recommended option is available via a short optional detour or drive.
The second route is a clockwise loop that focuses on the water features at the southern edge of the park. From the car park, the walk heads downhill towards Osprey Lake, then follows the River Mimram before visiting the smaller Kings Lake. The return route climbs back up the hill and passes through Lady Hughes Wood, making this a short but varied walk suitable for all the family.
An optional detour to a nearby pub is marked on the route.
This third option is an anticlockwise extension of the second route. In addition to the lakes and river, it ventures deeper into the park to visit the remains of the Orangery and the ancient Panshanger Oak, which is described as being around 450 years old. The walk then returns to the start with long views across the lakes, offering a more scenic and immersive version of the shorter routes.
As with the other options, a pub detour is available if you fancy refreshments afterwards.
The longest route is an anticlockwise extension of the third walk and is designed for those who want a more strenuous outing. Alongside covering the same areas as the previous route, it climbs into the steeper woodland of the Chisel Shelf for an additional loop. There is also an optional detour marked on the map that leads to a pub for post-walk refreshments.
Lee Valley Park offers flat, well-surfaced waterside walks that are easy to follow and accessible in most weather conditions. Both routes start and finish at Fisher’s Green Car Park and make the most of the park’s rivers, canals and wildlife-rich surroundings.
I used to fish here as a kid, some 40-odd years ago, with my uncle Jimmy, so this one holds special memories for me.
This first route is a clockwise loop that starts and ends at Fisher’s Green Car Park. The walk features plenty of waterside paths and is described as having solid surfaces underfoot, making it suitable for all the family. An optional wildlife detour crosses Cheshunt Lock, adding a small extra point of interest along the way.
The route is easily accessed by public transport, with Cheshunt train station listed nearby.
The second walk is a clockwise extension of the first route for those with a little more time to explore the park. Like the shorter option, it follows solid paths and includes waterside walking, allowing it to be enjoyed year-round and by walkers of most abilities.
Cheshunt train station is again listed as the nearest rail access point.
Parking is available at Fisher’s Green Car Park.
Situated in St Albans, this park combines history with natural beauty. Walk along the lake, explore the Roman ruins, and enjoy plenty of space for your dog to explore.
Verulamium Park sits on over 100 acres of green space just to the west of St Albans city centre. It traces the site of the ancient Roman city of Verulamium and combines leisurely waterside paths with historic landmarks and open lawns, making it one of Hertfordshire’s most accessible town-centre parks for walking and exploring.
A gentle circular route around Verulamium Lake is ideal for a quick outing or a short wander with a dog. This mostly flat loop follows solid paths and keeps to the park’s waterside, offering opportunities to spot waterbirds and enjoy views across the lake.
A slightly longer option circles both Verulamium Lake and surrounding parkland, combining flat, easy-going paths with views across open grassland, river-edge stretches and remnants of the old Roman city wall. This loop keeps everything within easy reach of the city centre and is a good choice if you’d like a more complete tour of the park’s main features.
For a walk with both natural and historic interest, there’s an extended loop that combines the lake circuit with paths past the Roman city walls and into river-edge meadowland. This route gives a sense of the park’s scale and its place in St Albans’ long history, while still keeping the terrain straightforward and accessible.
In addition to the easy walking, the park’s combination of open lawn, lakeshore paths and archaeological interest mean it’s enjoyable year-round. It’s also close to St Albans city centre and train station, so can easily be reached on foot or by public transport before or after a stroll.
Verulamium Park rewards a slower pace, with plenty to notice beyond the paths themselves. Keep an eye out for how the landscape blends natural features with visible layers of history as you move around the park.
As you walk, you’ll pass stretches of the old Roman city walls and earthworks, subtle reminders that this open green space once sat at the heart of Roman Britain. Around the lake and river, waterfowl are a constant presence, particularly during quieter times of day, while the wide lawns and meadows give the park an open, relaxed feel throughout the year.
Because the routes are largely flat and well surfaced, it’s an easy place to linger, pause, and explore small details without feeling rushed. Whether you’re there for a short loop or a longer wander, Verulamium Park offers a rare mix of scenery, wildlife and history in a very walkable setting.
Featuring woodlands, open spaces, and a reservoir, Aldenham is a favourite for dog walkers. There are designated off-lead areas, making it an ideal spot for energetic dogs.
Aldenham Country Park is a relaxed, family-friendly destination that combines lakeside paths, woodland trails and open green space. It works well for a shorter walk, but also lends itself to a longer visit thanks to additional on-site attractions.
This clockwise route is a short, easy stroll that loops around the lake and through sections of woodland and nature trails within the park. It’s described as family-friendly and well suited to a gentle walk, making it a good option if you’re visiting with children or want something unhurried.
Beyond the walk itself, the park also features a Farm Trail, where children can feed a range of animals. As opening times and prices for the Farm Trail vary, it’s recommended to check the Aldenham Country Park website before visiting.
This nature reserve in Hitchin offers riverside paths, open meadows, and plenty of shade from mature trees. It’s a tranquil setting for a relaxed walk and sniff.
Oughtonhead Common combines open grassland, riverside walking and woodland paths, making it a varied and peaceful place for a stroll. The routes here build gradually in length, each adding a little more variety while keeping the walking relaxed and accessible.
This first route is the recommended ‘Commons Walk’ and follows a clockwise loop around Oughtonhead Common. It includes open grassland that’s described as rich in wildlife, along with a pleasant section beside the River Oughton. There’s also an optional short there-and-back detour to a man-made waterfall, which adds a small extra point of interest without extending the walk too much.
The second route follows much of the same ground as the first but adds more variety by including an additional stretch through the Oughtonhead Nature Reserve. This brings in more woodland walking alongside the river, while still keeping the route compact and manageable. Like the first option, it’s walked clockwise.
The longest option is a clockwise extension of the earlier routes and is suited to those with a bit more time. As well as covering the common, riverside paths and woodland, this route heads south of the common into arable farmland, adding a more open, rural feel to the walk. The optional waterfall detour is still available on this route.
Colney Heath offers a surprisingly varied set of walks, combining open common land, woodland, riverside paths, and longer countryside loops. With options ranging from a quick family stroll to a more involved half-day walk, it’s a flexible spot that suits different paces.
This is a compact, family-friendly loop that packs a lot into a short distance. You’ll pass across open common land, through sections of woodland, and alongside the River Colne, making it feel varied despite its modest length.
There isn’t a pub directly on the route itself, but one is easily reached on Colney Heath High Street once you’re finished.
If you have a little more time, this longer loop builds on the shorter walk by heading further south through open countryside. You’ll loop around one of the Willow Lakes before returning along a stretch of the Watling Chase Timberland Trail.
It’s a balanced route that combines open views with quieter woodland sections, without feeling overly demanding.
This is the longest option from Colney Heath and offers the most variety. It includes everything from the shorter routes but continues further south to take in another of the Willow Lakes.
You’ll also pass the entrance to Willows Activity Farm, which you can enter separately for a fee if you wish. Otherwise, the route loops back through countryside and woodland before returning to the village.
Ayot St Lawrence is a small but characterful Hertfordshire village, offering walks that punch well above their weight. Expect rolling countryside, long hill climbs, riverside paths, and the kind of pub reward that feels properly earned by the end.
Perfect if you’re short on time, this gentle loop stays close to the village and is ideal for a relaxed leg stretch. You’ll enjoy open views almost immediately and visit the wonderfully unique St Lawrence church before looping back towards the pub.
It’s a simple, low-effort walk that still manages to feel interesting, making it a great option if the pub garden is calling louder than the countryside.
This longer countryside loop really shines in spring, when the bluebells are out. After visiting the church, the route heads west along a long track towards Lamer Wood.
Once in the woodland, you’re treated to a beautiful bluebell display in April before returning to the village on a different route. It’s a rewarding walk that feels varied without being overly strenuous.
Although similar in length to the bluebell route, this walk is noticeably more demanding. After passing the church once again, it heads in the opposite direction, taking you down a long, exposed hill towards Codicote Bottom.
At the bottom, you’ll cross the River Mimram and follow a pleasant, tree-lined stretch that tracks the river for a while. The return climb back up to the village is unavoidable, but it makes the pub at the end feel all the more deserved.
This is the longest and most demanding option, building on the previous hill walk. It keeps the scenic descent and riverside section but adds an extra loop that takes you further north into the village of Codicote.
Here, you have the option to stop at another excellent pub before tackling the long climb back up to Ayot St Lawrence. It’s a proper half-day walk that combines scenery, effort, and well-timed rewards.
Some of these routes briefly join sections of the Ayot Greenway, a flat former railway line linking Ayot St Lawrence with Wheathampstead. Where it appears, it provides easy, level walking before the routes head back into open countryside.
An ancient woodland walk that works brilliantly all year round, especially when other routes turn into mud baths. The paths here are well maintained, the trees are stunning, and it’s an easy win if you want proper countryside without a long drive.
This is the shorter, family-friendly option and a great introduction to Sherrardspark Wood. The route follows wide, well-kept paths through mature woodland dominated by sessile oak and hornbeam, making it feel calm and sheltered even on breezy days.
Because the paths are generally gravelled, it’s one of those rare woodland walks that stays fairly manageable after rain. Wellies are still a sensible shout in winter, but you’re far less likely to end up ankle-deep in mud compared to many Hertfordshire woods.
If you’ve got more time or want something a little more energetic, this longer loop takes you deeper into the wood and away from the main paths at points. It adds extra distance, a few more hills, and a slightly more “off-piste” feel, without ever becoming difficult or technical.
It’s a lovely option if your dog needs a proper stretch or you fancy turning a gentle stroll into a more satisfying walk, especially in autumn when the colours really show off.
Free parking is available at the start of the walk, and both routes begin from the same area, so you can decide how far to go on the day depending on energy levels and weather.
One of Hertfordshire’s most varied and flexible walks, Cassiobury works just as well for a quick leg-stretch as it does for a full half-day adventure. You’ve got rivers, canal paths, woodland, open parkland, cafés, and plenty of ways to scale the walk up or down depending on time and energy.
Perfect if you want something short and relaxed, this route loops through the heart of the park on solid, wheel-friendly paths. It packs in a surprising amount for such a short walk, including open parkland, a play area, a café stop, woodland sections, and a gentle wander along the Grand Union Canal.
There’s also a riverside area where dogs can enjoy a paddle, which makes this a popular choice for families and anyone walking with a dog who likes water.
This route builds on the shorter loop by heading off the main paths for a while and following the canal for longer, before weaving through wooded sections of the park. It’s a little less suitable for wheels in places, but much more peaceful once you’re away from the busiest areas.
It’s a great middle-ground option if you want more nature without committing to a long hike.
If you fancy seeing more of Cassiobury itself, this route heads deeper into the park and takes you into the eastern section, where you’ll find the bandstand and another café. It combines canal-side walking, woodland, and open green space, making it feel much more like a proper countryside walk than a town park loop.
This is the longest and most adventurous option, designed for those who really want to stretch their legs. It includes everything from the full park loop, then heads out of the park, across West Herts Golf Course, and into Whippendell Woods, with a visit to Dell Wood along the way.
You’ll cross the golf fairways twice, so it’s important to keep an eye out for flying balls and follow the warning signs. It’s a brilliant route if you want woodland, distance, and variety, all in one walk.
Cassiobury Park is easy to reach by train, with Watford station nearby, and there are several café options within the park, including Daisy’s in the Park and The Café in the Park, making it an easy place to finish up and refuel.
Rickmansworth is one of those rare places that manages to feel peaceful and lively at the same time. With lakes, canals, riverside paths and cafés all stitched together, it’s a brilliant spot for anything from a gentle leg-stretch to a full afternoon adventure.
This is the most relaxed option and perfect if you want an easy, scenic stroll. The route takes you around the Aquadrome’s glimmering lakes, with plenty of wildlife to spot and wide, tarmac paths that make it suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.
On sunny days it can be busy, but the views more than make up for it, and there’s a lovely café on the route if you fancy stopping for a drink. If you’re arriving by train, there’s a pleasant walk through the high street before you reach the park.
If you’ve got a bit more time, this route builds on the lakeside walk and heads further east along the Ebury Way. It’s noticeably quieter, with long peaceful stretches beside the canal and a lovely mix of open water and tree-lined paths.
One of the joys of this route is the boat life along the Grand Union Canal, where decorated narrowboats and quirky designs add real character to the walk. There’s also an extra canal-side café along the way, making this a great option for a slower, more relaxed wander.
This is the ultimate Rickmansworth walk and ideal if you want to properly explore the area. It combines the lakeside paths of the Aquadrome with the canal sections and then adds an extra loop through Croxley Common Moor.
You’ll also find a lovely detour along the River Gade to a peaceful picnic spot with a small river beach, which feels like a real hidden gem. Walking this route as a loose figure-of-eight keeps things interesting, alternating between open water, shaded paths and long canal stretches.
Rickmansworth station is within easy walking distance of the start point, making this one of the easiest walks on the list to reach without a car.
This one’s a brilliant mix of history, riverside strolling and proper market-town charm. It works just as well for a short wander with kids as it does for a full day out if you want to really stretch your legs.
This is a relaxed, easy-access loop around Hertford town centre and Hartham Park, with tarmac paths throughout and only gentle inclines, so it’s suitable for buggies, wheelchairs and anyone who just wants an unfussy walk.
You’ll wander past the grounds of Hertford Castle, stroll through the historic streets of the town, stop by a riverside pub, and enjoy a peaceful section along the canal. It’s also a big hit with children thanks to the large modern sandpit play area and the shallow water section under the bridge where kids love to paddle on warm days.
If you’ve got the time, this longer route turns the walk into a proper day out. It starts in Hertford and takes in all the highlights of the shorter walk before leading you along a long, peaceful canal towpath to the neighbouring market town of Ware.
Ware adds another layer of historic buildings, pubs and places to stop, before the route loops back through the beautiful Kings Meads Nature Reserve. This final section is especially good for wildlife spotting and gives the walk a completely different feel on the return leg.
There are plenty of pub and café options along both routes, including stops in Hertford and Ware if you do the longer walk. Hertford East station is close by, making this one easy to reach without a car.
Gobions Woods is one of those places that feels made for slow wandering, curious noses, and letting dogs lead the way for once. It’s compact, peaceful, and full of little details that make it far more interesting than the distance suggests.
This short, family-friendly route is a gentle wander around the lake and woodland, with no steps to tackle and wide, easy paths throughout. It’s ideal if you’re after something calm and low-effort, or if you’ve got little legs (human or canine) in tow.
Ralphie absolutely loves this loop, mainly because every few metres presents a new scent mystery to solve, and there’s plenty of time to investigate them all without being rushed.
A quick note on access: when we visited, there were a few potholes on the track into the car park. It was fine in a normal car, but maybe leave the Lamborghini at home for this one.
If you fancy stretching things out, this longer route explores the reserve more thoroughly and shows off everything Gobions Woods does best. You’ll move between open parkland, twisted woodland paths, and quiet corners dotted with information boards, a rope swing for the kids, and a lovely pond to stroll around.
It’s still an easy walk, but with far more variety, making it perfect for dogs who enjoy a bit of exploration. This is peak sniffing territory, and Ralphie rates it very highly indeed.
Stanborough Park — often known locally as Stanborough Lakes — is a big, welcoming greenspace on the edge of Welwyn Garden City with a real mix of walking, water and family-friendly attractions. The park centres on two linked lakes set in around 126 acres of parkland and reedbeds, making it a great choice for everything from a gentle stroll to a longer wander with varied scenery.
At the heart of the park are two expansive lakes with wide, well-surfaced paths that make walking here accessible and enjoyable year-round. These round-the-lakes routes are relatively flat and suitable for families, dog walks and pushchairs, with plenty of space to wander, stop for views or take in the wildlife along the water’s edge.
Along the edge of the southern lake you’ll find Stanborough Reedmarsh, a small nature reserve of willow woodland, sedge and reedbeds that attracts birds such as reed and sedge warblers and water voles. Paths here run beside open wetland and give a calmer, quieter feel to part of the walk.
There are multiple paths and perimeter routes to choose from, so you can tailor your walk from a quick lakeside loop to a longer circuit around both the north and south lakes and beyond. Most of the routes are well marked and easy underfoot, and there are picnic spots and open grassland to pause and take in the scenery.
In addition to walking, Stanborough Park offers watersports like sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as fishing, boat hire, picnic areas and children’s play facilities. There are cafés and a restaurant by the lakeside for refreshments and an easy stop after a walk.
Tucked away on the southern edge of Bishop’s Stortford, this peaceful country park is ideal when you want something gentle, open, and easy underfoot. It’s not showy, but that’s part of its charm — wide skies, a pretty lake, and paths that invite you to slow down and let your dog take the lead.
This shorter walk is perfect for a quick reset or a relaxed family stroll. Solid, wheel-friendly paths loop around the lake, making it suitable for pushchairs, mobility aids, and dogs who prefer steady ground. The open layout means great visibility, plenty of sniffing opportunities, and a calm, unhurried feel.
If you’ve got a bit more time, the extended route explores more of the park and takes you away from the main paths for part of the walk. This section feels slightly more countryside-like underfoot, with softer ground and a more natural flow, while still keeping the lake as a central feature. It’s a nice step up in length without becoming demanding.
Southern Country Park is one of those places that quietly grows on you — easy to access, easy to walk, and reliably peaceful, especially when you want fresh air without committing to a big adventure.
Fir and Pond Woods is a peaceful, semi-natural woodland and nature reserve on the edge of Welwyn Garden City that combines broadleaf shade, meandering paths and pockets of wetland. It’s one of those great local walks that feels deeper into nature than its close-to-town location might suggest — especially if your dog enjoys a good sniff or two.
The core of this reserve is a lovely stand of broadleaf woodland made up largely of oak, ash and beech, with a mixture of open glades and shaded trails. The paths weave between mature trees and through quieter corners of the woods, giving walkers a classic woodland feel without the crowds. During quieter times of day it’s especially tranquil, and it’s well suited to a relaxed wander or a dog-led investigation of all those woodland scents.
True to its name, Fir and Pond Woods has several small water features and wetland glades, which add variety to the walk and help attract an interesting mix of wildlife. These provide pleasant waterside walking and little places to stop and observe birds or semi-aquatic life. The paths around the ponds are generally fairly firm underfoot, though it’s worth noting that wetter weather can make some sections more earthy — wellies or boots are a good call if it’s been recently muddy.
Because the site is compact and well connected by paths, you can easily tailor your visit to suit how much time you’ve got: a short circuit through the heart of the woods will feel like an outing in its own right, while looping more broadly around the ponds and peripheral trails stretches into a more exploratory walk. There’s also enough open space for kids to roam a little, and interesting tree-shaded spots to pause for a break.
Parking is available at nearby public parking and the reserve is easy to reach from Welwyn Garden City on foot or by bicycle. There aren’t cafés in the woods themselves, so for refreshments it’s worth planning a stop either before you start or after your walk back in town.
A peaceful riverside escape tucked between Sawbridgeworth and Harlow, Pishiobury Park is one of those walks that quietly grows on you. It’s flat, green, and wonderfully calm, with a mix of parkland, tree-lined paths, and long stretches beside the River Stort.
If you’re after something short and easy, the core park loop is a lovely place to start. You’ll wander through open green space, follow the elegant Oak Walk, and enjoy a relaxed stroll that’s ideal for a quick leg-stretch or an easy outing with the dog.
With a bit more time, the walk naturally extends out of the park and towards the River Stort Navigation. This section adds a peaceful canal-side stretch that feels a world away from everyday life, especially on a quiet morning or early evening. It’s flat, scenic, and perfect for unhurried walking.
For those who want to make a proper day of it, the longer circular route starts and ends in the park but takes you all the way along the river towards Harlow Mill. This is the most rewarding option, combining parkland, water, wildlife, and a few tempting refreshment stops along the way. One small heads-up: the canal-side path on the return leg can get a little overgrown in places, so long trousers are a sensible choice.
A proper old-school woodland walk with way-marked trails, ancient trees, and that quiet, slightly wild feel that makes dogs instantly slow down and sniff everything twice. This one’s brilliant if you want choice, because you can tailor the walk to the time and energy you’ve got.
This is the shortest and most relaxed option, perfect for a quick escape into the trees or a calm potter when time is tight.
The trail loops through the heart of the wood, giving you a good feel for the place without committing to a long hike. It’s ideal for older dogs, younger kids, or anyone who just fancies a peaceful half hour under the canopy.
The woodland is free to enjoy, but there’s an honesty box by the office building facing the car park if you fancy dropping in a £1 donation to support upkeep.
If you want a bit more leg-stretching, this trail takes you deeper into the wood and away from the busier sections.
It’s still clearly way-marked, but you’ll notice the atmosphere change as things feel a little more secluded and calm. The route has been designed to avoid the worst of the mud, though in wet weather wellies are still a sensible shout.
This is a lovely middle-ground option if you want more than a quick stroll but aren’t ready for the full loop.
This is the longest route and the one for anyone who really wants to explore every edge of the wood.
The trail takes you right around the perimeter, offering the most variety in scenery and a real sense of “we’ve done the whole thing” by the end. It’s the best choice for energetic dogs and walkers who want to make a proper outing of it.
If you’re feeling ambitious, the trails are all different enough that you can combine sections to create one big, custom loop.
Amwell Nature Reserve is one of those places that quietly surprises you. Tucked away just outside Ware, it feels calm, spacious and wonderfully wild, with lakes, reedbeds, riverside paths and open countryside all blending into one long, satisfying wander. It’s a brilliant spot for dogs who enjoy following their noses and for humans who want a walk that feels like a proper escape without needing to drive for hours.
If you’re short on time, a simple loop around the lakes is more than enough to make the visit worthwhile. The paths are easy underfoot, the views open up quickly, and there’s always something moving in the water or reeds to catch your eye. It’s peaceful, unhurried and ideal for a relaxed dog walk where sniffing takes priority over mileage.
This shorter option is also a great way to get a feel for the reserve before committing to something longer another day.
With a bit more time, Amwell really opens up. Heading away from the lakes brings you into Easneye Wood, where the scenery shifts from open water to shaded woodland, before rolling out into open countryside with long views and quiet paths.
One of the real joys of this route is passing through Stanstead Abbotts, a lovely village with several dog-friendly pubs and cafés that make a perfect halfway stop. From there, the return walk along the River Lee is flat, scenic and gently restorative.
For those days when you want to properly stretch your legs, Amwell links beautifully into longer countryside routes. These extended walks take in more of the Hertfordshire Way and Harcamlow Way, adding wide open fields, long riverside sections and a real sense of journey to the day.
It’s the kind of walk that leaves dogs happily tired and humans feeling like they’ve been somewhere, not just around the block.
Amwell is a nature reserve first and foremost, so it’s worth keeping dogs under close control around wildlife, especially near the lakes. Paths are generally well maintained, but some countryside sections can get muddy after rain, so sensible footwear helps.
This is mine and Ralphie’s local walk, so if you spot a cockapoo nose-down in the reeds, there’s a good chance it’s us!
Ivel Springs is a much-loved Local Nature Reserve on the edge of Baldock, centred around the headwaters of the River Ivel and a series of spring-fed meadows and willow woodland. It’s a peaceful, varied greenspace where open water, riverside paths and wildflower meadows combine to make a genuinely pleasant place to walk, watch wildlife, or let dogs explore at their own pace.
At the heart of Ivel Springs are the riverine grasslands and a network of easy, mostly flat paths that follow the River Ivel through hay meadows and alongside reed-lined margins. The surface here is generally firm underfoot, and because the site is less trafficked than some of the bigger parks, it has a calm, relaxed feel — perfect for a reflective walk or a slower dog-led amble.
Branching off from the main riverside track are quieter trails that edge into willow and alder woodland, and around the reserve’s small wetland pools. These add variety to the walk and bring opportunities to see waterfowl, dragonflies and songbirds. The dappled shade of the tree margins also makes these sections comfortable even on sunnier days.
Beyond the woods and riverbank walks lie expanses of open grassland that are great for stretching out, a picnic, or letting dogs chase a ball (where allowed). Because the reserve is quite varied within a relatively small area, it’s easy to tailor a walk to suit how much time you’ve got — from a short riverside loop to a longer circuit that combines every habitat type.
The Cole Green Way is a classic Hertfordshire rail-to-trail route that used to be the branch line between Welwyn Garden City and Hertford. Today it’s a wide, mostly flat walking and cycling path running through fields, woodland edges and open countryside — perfect for dogs that like a good nose-about and walkers who want an easy-going greenway with variety.
The heart of the Cole Green Way is a gentle linear path with a granular surface that makes it great for relaxed walking, running, cycles and dog strolls alike. Because it’s largely former railway alignment, there are no steep climbs — ideal if you’re after a route that’s easy on joints or legs and keeps a steady, predictable pace.
The greenway heads roughly between Welwyn Garden City and Hertford, with plenty of opportunities to join from side lanes or neighbouring footpaths if you want to vary your route. The walking surface is generally firm underfoot and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies in dry conditions, with benches and open views along the way.
Because it cuts through farmland and open green space, the Cole Green Way feels quieter and more pastoral as you head away from the urban ends. You’ll see hedgerows, pasture fields and corners of scrubland that attract birds and small mammals, making it nice for dog walkers who enjoy sniff-rich grass margins and open views.
Some sections of the way run close to woodland edges or grassy verges, giving natural variation in scenery and a change of pace if you want to mix woods with fields and open sky.
One of the great things about the Cole Green Way is how flexible it is. You can turn it into a short there-and-back dog walk of a couple miles, a mid-length wander of several miles, or combine it with nearby parks like Stanborough Park or the riverside sections closer to Hertford for a longer day-out route.
It also intersects with local footpaths and cycle links, so you can easily pivot off the main track to explore side trails or nearby nature reserves if you fancy something a bit more varied — all without losing the easy-going feel that makes this route so popular.
From ancient woodlands to open heathlands, Hertfordshire is full of fantastic dog walks. Grab a lead and head out to explore these beautiful spots—your dog will thank you!
https://www.localwalks.co.uk/
https://www.alltrails.com/
https://www.chilterns.org.uk/
https://www.tring.gov.uk/
https://www.komoot.com
https://www.parksherts.co.uk/
https://walkiees.co.uk/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/
https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/
https://www.wheree.com/
https://www.north-herts.gov.uk/
https://www.ramblers.org.uk/
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/
https://www.cpreherts.org.uk/
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