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Harsta Survey

4XJanuary 2023 by Strider

Route description

This route is based on Harsta Three. I found the lengthy walk between Sandridge and St Albans alongside the B651 tedious and unpleasant, and I figured an alternative pleasant off-road alternative might improve the overall Slow Ways experience. So here it is! From Harpenden, leave town on the common, and then follow waymarked paths along the golf course. Fields alongside the railway line, and then a bridle path through Heartwood Forest to Sandridge (refreshments). Leave Sandridge through the churchyard and take a footpath to the end of Jersey Lane, a shared foot and cycle way which leads to Jersey Farm Fields, a large recreational area of grass and woodland. Finally, footpaths and residential streets to St Albans. This routing swerves the B651, but it does add c. 800 metres to the Harsta Three route. It's still about 2.5 km shorter than Harsta One though!

About the surveyor

Coming soon.

Survey Contents

Grading

Path surface grading

4 Grade 4: Route includes very rough surfaces including deep ruts, steep loose gravel, unmade paths and deep muddy sections. Wheelchairs may experience traction/wheel spin issues.

Accessibility grading

X Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.

Photos

Photos from surveys are coming soon.

Facilities

  • Not present at time of survey Public toilet
  • Present at time of survey Wheelchair accessible toilet
  • Present at time of survey Supermarket
  • Present at time of survey Restaurant
  • Maybe present Vegan restaurant
  • Maybe present Accommodation
  • Maybe present Accommodation < £50
  • Not present at time of survey Campsite
  • Not present at time of survey Bothy
  • Not present at time of survey Free wifi
  • Maybe present Public phone
  • Present at time of survey Mobile Phone Coverage
  • Not present at time of survey Train station
  • Present at time of survey Bench
  • Present at time of survey Picnic table
  • Present at time of survey Bus stop
  • Not present at time of survey Ferry

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Challenges

  • Not present at time of survey Scrambling
  • Not present at time of survey Wading
  • Not present at time of survey Swimming
  • Not present at time of survey Climbing
  • Not present at time of survey Stepping stones
  • Not present at time of survey Very slippery
  • Maybe present Very muddy
  • Not present at time of survey Very icy
  • Not present at time of survey Likely to flood
  • Present at time of survey Long grass sections
  • Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path
  • Not present at time of survey Diverted path

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Obstacles

  • Not present at time of survey Stiles
  • Present at time of survey Step and kerbs
  • Present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable
  • Not present at time of survey Flights of steps
  • Not present at time of survey Gates
  • Present at time of survey Kissing gates
  • Present at time of survey Locked gates
  • Not present at time of survey Disables access gates
  • Present at time of survey Cycle barriers
  • Not present at time of survey Ladders
  • Not present at time of survey Cattle grids
  • Not present at time of survey Fords
  • Not present at time of survey Narrow bridges
  • Not present at time of survey Ferry required
  • Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking
  • Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings
  • Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads
  • Present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads
  • Not present at time of survey Railway crossings
  • Not present at time of survey River crossings
  • Not present at time of survey Cattle possible
  • Present at time of survey Horses possible
  • Not present at time of survey Tidal area
  • Not present at time of survey Potential falls
  • Not present at time of survey Exposed to elements
  • Not present at time of survey Remote area
  • Not present at time of survey Mountainous area
  • Not present at time of survey Military training area
  • Not present at time of survey No visible path
  • Not present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds
  • Not present at time of survey Other hazards

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Accessibility

  • Present at time of survey Free of stiles
  • Present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs
  • Present at time of survey Free of flights of steps
  • Not present at time of survey Free of other obstacles

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Measurements

The narrowest part of the path is 55.00cm

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 9.00%

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 9.00%

The steepest camber gradient across the path 2.00%

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear in places

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Successfully completed

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

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Expert recommendations

  • Small Pug-sized dog
  • Small Labrador-sized dog
  • Large St. Bernard-sized dog
  • Standard pram
  • Off-road rugged pram
  • Standard wheelchair
  • Off-road rugged wheelchair
  • Standard mobility scooter
  • Off-road rugged mobility scooter

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Terrain

15.00% of the route is on roads

30.00% of the route is paved

20.00% of the route is lit at night

20.00% of the route is muddy

10.00% of the route is over rough ground

15.00% of the route is through long grass

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