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Marhar Survey

3XMay 2022 by Strider

Route description

Upgraded route which has been precisely mapped to ensure a successful road crossing at junction 9 of the M1. Leaving Markyate, follow the Hertfordshire Way across fields to Flamstead. There is a small 'V' shaped diversion through the churchyard at Flamstead to reach a refreshment stop, if not required then walk straight through the churchyard. At Flamstead the route jumps over from the Hertfordshire Way to the Chiltern Way: there are a lot of waymarks in this area, check the route to make sure you follow the right ones! Footpaths out of Flamstead, through woodland, and then down a slope towards the motorway junction, heading towards some barns, which are part of a 'pop up farm'. You will come out by the motorway junction, which must be crossed. It is part of the Chiltern Way, and is doable, although it is perhaps not as well signposted or comfortable as one might wish for. It is safe, bearing in mind you must check for oncoming traffic when crossing each part of the junction. If you are following this route using the OS maps app, use the 'standard' map type rather than 'premium topo', as this allows a more detailed zoom for detail. Follow the mapped route line to cross the road - you will see a Chiltern Way waymark sticker on a lamppost, this is where you cross. When you get to the other side there is a low crash barrier, you should climb over the crash barrier. The lamppost here also has a Chiltern Ways sticker. Coming from the other direction - don't be put off by the crash barrier, this is the crossing point! Continue to follow the route line as you cross more roads and walk under the bridge which carries the M1. Eventually you will reach a little layby, where there is an entry point on the left to fields along the river Ver. The farmer has put an old plough into the gap, which needs to be skirted. That is the tricky bit over! The route then goes through a long field, which follows the river Ver. The OS map seems to show an old way across the field, and the modern route is the one I have plotted instead. This field may get wet in winter. Continue to follow the Chiltern Way through more fields and then a golf course. The route then leaves the Chiltern Way and goes through the Rothamsted estate, which is known for agricultural research. The Rothamsted estate leads all the way to Harpenden. Apart from a little urban at Harpenden, and even less at Markyate, and the M1 crossing, this route is entirely rural, and very pleasing. Refreshments at Flamstead; mix of paths, gates, and one crash barrier to climb over.

About the surveyor

Coming soon.

Survey Contents

Grading

Path surface grading

3 Grade 3: Route includes rough surfaces that may include small boulders, potholes, shallow ruts, loose gravel, short muddy sections.

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

  • 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
  • Present at time of survey Vegan restaurant
  • Present at time of survey 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
  • Not present at time of survey Public phone
  • Present at time of survey Mobile Phone Coverage
  • Not present at time of survey Train station
  • Present at time of survey Bench
  • Not 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
  • Maybe present Likely to flood
  • Present at time of survey Long grass sections
  • Present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path
  • Maybe present Diverted path

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Obstacles

  • Not present at time of survey Stiles
  • Present at time of survey Step and kerbs
  • Not present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable
  • Not present at time of survey Flights of steps
  • Present at time of survey Gates
  • Present at time of survey Kissing gates
  • Not 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
  • Not 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
  • 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
  • Present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds
  • Present at time of survey Other hazards

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Accessibility

  • Present at time of survey Free of stiles
  • Not 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 45.00cm

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 10.00%

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 10.00%

The steepest camber gradient across the path 4.00%

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unclear

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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

15.00% of the route is lit at night

15.00% of the route is muddy

20.00% of the route is over rough ground

15.00% of the route is through long grass

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