From The Boot up over fields towards Ayot St Lawrence, Steps down to cross a road across fields to a path through woodland. A relatively straight path wraves through fields, between hedges and woods, Theres a bridleway and a path very close to (within sight) each other , I think you could take either way. The cycle path would be a less attractive but more practical alternative in very wet muddy weather through these woods....

Strider

Note that the roads at Ayot Green can flood (Ayot Little Green Lane in particular near where it meets Ayot Green, but I've seen Ayot Green flooded too) so either bring wellies or look for a diversion....

Anthony

Note that the roads at Ayot Green can flood (Ayot Little Green Lane in particular near where it meets Ayot Green, but I've seen Ayot Green flooded too) so either bring wellies or look for a diversion....

Anthony

The route through Welwyn Garden City followed the main roads, and I think a quieter alternative route could be devised....

Kathryn

The route is well described by Colin, and an excellent route it is. I would add that the kissing gates in Panhangers Park are not exactly on the marked route but hidden a few metres to the side, which I found a little confusing. An excellent route through beautiful Hertfordshire countryside....

Strider

The road out of Harpenden is dull but soon you are on a compacted grit cycle route away from cars and surrounded by greenery. Hills, narrow paths, kissing gates, and steps make it unsuitable for wheels, although the majority is accessible cycle paths....

Strider

From Hertford to Welwyn Garden City, it starts with a pleasant walk through Hertford Town centre. From the road, the route follows a very pleasant path along the headland of a field and past a copse of trees to reach the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City....

Christopher Lewis

I'm not a fan of vast open fields but the curvaceous chalkland masked the lack of hedges and gave beautiful views....

Strider

But the middle is really very pleasant, I even managed to find the 'missing path' mentioned by previous reviewers (forewarned is forearmed)....

Strider

The route isn't accurate in places as others have pointed out and though it would be the most direct route it takes you through some shady areas (eg. between Tesco HQ and the train tracks; through the car park where youths loiter). The other two routes seem more suitable and aren't significantly longer....

Slowfie

Of the routes from Welwyn Garden City to Oaklands this seems to be the one that keeps your away from traffic and in nature the longest (only the first bit is near main roads and they are not particularly busy and certainly not fast). The walk goes through two different woods - obviously not perfect for solo walkers but I don't think there is a way to avoid that without sticking to main roads (which are rather busy and so noise/pollution could be an issue)....

Slowfie

The Harmer Green Lane section lacks pavements for much of it so might be worth going up New Road and across Adele Avenue if you want to keep away from cars for as long as possible - you can't avoid cars for the last part but it is *meant* to be 20mph now (which some people even stick to!)....

Anthony

As the author noted, the first part of this route is on rather busy roads (some of which are 40mph) - there are paths so it will be safe but might not be the best for fresh air fans/asthmatics. Once you've crossed Hertford Road the route is much more pleasant with some views of the local area looking south. A bit longer than necessary, but only by 0.6mi so not a huge deal....

Anthony

This is hopefully a better route between WGC and Oakland than the two existing ones as it should be accurate, and the walk avoids cars and associated pollution It takes you through Sherrardspark Wood and past Digswell Viaduct/Nature Reserve so is far more pleasant for my money....

Anthony

The Welwyn half was fairly dull, with walking essentially one main road for a long time (Broadwater / Chequers). However, once you get to Chequers, if you walk on the other side of the road than the route, it does become pleasanter (map pictured below). Though if I wanted a slightly longer but nicer walk to Hatfield, I would walk down Parkway in WGC to Stanborugh Lakes and use the route from there....

Callum

A nice little route with minimal road walking that goes through several woodlands and rolling farmland, ending with a short track down an abandoned railway line and Sherradspark woods just outside of WGC. Lots of daffodils and looks like the bluebells will be in full bloom in a few weeks. Easy to navigate and for the most part the route was firm despite heavy recent rains...

Heather S.

After a short walk through Welwyn's shopping area (photo #1) and along a slightly busy road, the route takes you to Sherrardspark Wood, which was minimally muddy (photo #2). The route then goes up (photo #12) a little to first cross, and then join Station Road that you follow to the station (photo #13)....

Derick Rethans

As mentioned the section right out of Welwyn is not that amazing as it is a cycle track along a busy road, but I couldn't find a better reasonable alternative. After that, the whole way was fantastic with gently rolling hills. As it was January when I walked it there was of course mud, but generally was not too bad....

Heather S.

Unfortunately the whole section between Welwyn Garden City and Welwyn North is a bit of a mess. You start by walking through a private car park, then the map shows a route on the wrong side of the track, then it indicates a footpath between Knightsfield and Bessemer (that is also shown on my map) that effectively doesn't exist as it's overgrown, full of rubbish, and blocked by trees. This needs a bit of scouting to find a good alternative....

Heather S.

For what this path is - a direct route between two reasonably populated towns - it is fine. Most of it is on easy to navigate cycle paths near the roadside with only one small stretch through the countryside. As mentioned the path directly across the field shown on maps is not visible, but a detour is easy....

Heather S.

The Cole Green Way, in the middle of the route, is a mix of tarmac and gravel sections. Suitable for walkers and average bicycles....

Nicholas Ruddick

The walk north out of Hatfield was a little tricky to follow, and the busy road just north of Hatfield was not that great....

Derick Rethans

This route between Wheathampsted and Ayot Green is often muddy (due to proximity to the river) and willfully ignores the much more accessible and useable Ayot Greenway a few hundred metres to the north which covers almost the same route between these two....

BigDog

Nice flat walk as along an old railway line.Great for bikes too although it can be annoying for walkers constantly having to move aside! By the same token it can be annoying for cyclists having to avoid walkers!...

Gail Maisey

Quite a bit of road walking in the first part but along pleasant tree lined streets. The second part is a lovely walk along footpaths and through woods...

Gail Maisey

To avoid this obstacle leave the station by the main exit, turn right and walk 100m up to the main road, turn right again following the road bridge (into Bridge Road). Follow into Bridge Road East and on into to Herchswood Road Then turn left to pick up Cycleway Route 61. If you’ve gone over the footbridge, turn right at the foot and proceed straight across the first crossing: Photo3. The alternative is to turn right at this mini roundabout following the cycleway (toward Route 61). The Cole Green line seems to run straight ahead but the line is broken so you need to turn off to the right (signs to Hertford) Turn left to walk out to Hertford North, cross straight over then turn left toward Hertford East....

iU3A

The section of the walk between Harmer Green Lane and Oaklands was a very nice end to the route....

MB