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Hertfordshire County Council

Hertfordshire Health Walks

Do you want to include more walking in your day? If so, join one of our free, friendly and safe Health Walks.

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Join a fantastic team of 200 volunteers from all walks of life.

Health Walks are easy to join - registration is free and you only do it once. You can book a place in advance so that we know you are coming and can let you know if anything changes.

We have a range of walks to suit all abilities and backgrounds. Most walks are offered Monday to Friday. Some of our longer walks are on the weekends.

Every walk on our timetables has a grade. Find out what they mean.

Keeping you safe, what to expect and our code of conduct.

or subscribe for regular updates.

Update your personal information, track your walks and pre-book walks if you want to.

 

 

Come and try our short First Steps Walk at Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre. This walk is ideal for people who are otherwise not active. Contact the Health Walk Team on 01992 555 888 to find out more.

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First time?

First time? Save time on the day by registering as a new walker online.


or arrive 10 mins early before your first walk to complete a New Walker Form. Our walk leaders are ready to welcome you and will keep to a pace that is comfortable for you.

 

First Steps walks

First Steps walks are for people who are returning from illness and injury and those who haven’t been physically active in a while. The free walks are on flat, smooth paths and are led by qualified volunteers.

First Steps and grade 1 walks timetable

First steps walks
 Place When?
South Oxhey  WD19 7AX
Meet in the large car park All Saints Church, Gosforth Lane Please Note: use of the car park is no longer available – but street parking nearby is available
Mondays
10am
Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1AE    
The White Bridge by the public car park, Leighton Buzzard Road 
Mondays 11.15am
(not on Bank Holidays)
Bushey in Hertsmere
Meet at King George Café, King George Recreation Ground, King George Avenue
WD23 4NT
Tuesdays
10.30am
Highfield Park in St Albans  AL4 0DB
YMCA Highfield Park Centre, 59 Russett Drive
Tuesdays
1.30pm
Knebworth Sports Pavilion
Knebworth Recreation Ground, SG3 6AH
(access by vehicle via Watton Road, on foot via Stevenage Road)
Alternate Tuesdays from 5 September 10.30am 
Millstream PH
Cambridge Road, Hitchin, SG4 0JH
Tuesdays
11am 
Mill End in Rickmansworth
Mill End Community Centre, Church Lane WD3 8HD
Wednesdays 11:00am
Hatfield 
Centre of Market Place (near the Town Inn), Hatfield, AL10 0LJ
Wednesday
2pm
Sele Farm in Hertford  
Network Home’s Calton Court, Windsor Drive, Hertford, SG14 2EG
Thursday 10:00am
Castle Park in Bishop’s Stortford    
Meet at the entrance to Castle Park by the Link Road car park, CM23 2EL
Alternate Fridays from 8 September  10:15am 
Cowley Hill in Borehamwood
St Michael & All Angels Church 142 Brook Rd, WD6 5EQ Free refreshments available after in the church hall
 Mondays 11:00am
New Walk - Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre in St Albans
Meet in front of the basketball court, 12 Old Oak, St Albans, AL1 2EF
 Tuesdays 11:45am
NEW Taster walk – Create Communities Hub in Letchworth 19-29 Station Road Letchworth, SG6 3BB Free refreshments after in the Hub  10:00am - 
28 September
26 October
30 November
28 December

Jackman’s Community Centre in Letchworth Ivel Court, Letchworth SG6 2NL Meet at the entrance to the community centre near the shops. Refreshments after in the community café  10:30am alternate Wednesdays from 6 September
NEW Taster Walk - Oakmere in Potters Bar Oakmere Library High St, Potters Bar, EN6 5BZ Free refreshments available after in the library. Donations welcome.   Fridays
11:00am
5

 

 

 

Health walk leader and walker

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Health Walk timetables

All walks are free with no booking required. Just turn up at least 10 mins before the start time shown, as they set off promptly and there will be a pre-walk briefing.

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Walk grades

All of our timetables show walk grades so you can make sure the walks suit your abilities.

1st steps
Our shortest walk, 20-30 minutes, flat and even ground, gentle pace, no stiles, regular stopping places.

Grade 1
30 minutes, about 1.5 miles, gentle hills, no stiles.

Grade 2
45 minutes, about 2 miles, moderate hills, faster pace, possible stiles.

Grade 3
1 hour, about 3 miles, moderate hills, faster pace, possible stiles.

Grade 4
Up to 90 minutes, 4-5 miles, possible steep inclines and stiles.

Grade 4+
Longer than 90 minutes, about 5-6 miles, classified as a progression walk.

 

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Advice for walkers


Before you join a walk


  • All our walks are inclusive and welcoming to all.  We encourage everyone to be courteous and tolerant.   Please familiarise yourself with our Code of Conduct. And what is expected.
  • Check the 'grade' of the walk to make sure it suits your abilities.
  • If you have any health conditions or injuries, seek medical advice before participating and inform your walk leader.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • If you require assistance or care in your day-to-day life then please ask someone to accompany you on the walk.
  • If you're getting there by bus, find timetables on Intalink's website.
  • To ensure the safety of walkers, all walks have been risk assessed and are led by trained leaders, many of whom are qualified in first aid. However, all walkers are asked to acknowledge upon registration that they agree to taking part at their own risk.

On the day


  • Dress for the weather and wear suitable walking shoes.
  • All walks will start and finish at the same place, unless otherwise stated.
  • Many walks finish at a tea or coffee shop, but consider bringing water with you, particularly on hot days.
  • If you leave a walk early, please let the leader know.
  • Smoking and vaping is not permitted on any walk.
  • Walks might be altered or cancelled without prior notice in bad weather or hazardous conditions. Do not attend if the Met Office has issued an extreme weather warning.
  • Dogs are welcome, at the Walk Leader's discretion. Attend the walk on your own in the first instance to check. Walkers taking dogs on our walks must keep them on a short lead at all times and walk to the rear of the group.

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Contact the Countryside Management Service

cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk

01992 588433

Countryside Management Service (Postal Point CHN101)
County Hall
Pegs Lane
Hertford
SG13 8DN

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