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Weloak Survey

4XFebruary 2024 by Strider

Route description

A third alternative route between Welwyn Garden City - with less pollution, avoiding the less grotty areas around the Tesco HQ and barely longer than Weloak one (and shorter than Weloak two). It also takes you past the Cowper Arms which is no bad thing! It takes you through Sherrardspark Wood which is lovely and quiet apart from the birdsong - if you tread quietly you might even happen across one of the local Muntjac Deer. It also gives you a great view of the Digswell Viaduct and the nearby nature reserve. Starting from Welwyn Garden City station, come out of the station on the town side (ie. don't go over any foot bridges). Go almost straight ahead along Howardsgate (your choice of the Costa path on the left or Caffe Nero on the right, never short of coffee here!), before turning right at the corner where Cote restaurant is. Walk along the shaft ("Parkway") towards the end, cross over at the end next to John Lewis window displayed (don't cross over onto the bell shaped green area). Walk along Bridge Road, crossing at the new crossing by the stylish new multi-story. Carry on until you see a Bridleway signposted taking you right. Follow that up, cross over the other footpath, and emege on Readings. Look straight ahead to see the high visibility gate that you are aiming for. You are now in the peaceful and car-free Sherrardspark Wood. Soon the path forks, take the right fork up past the bottom end of people's gardens to the right. A wiggle right and then left will get you to a three way fork - take the middle fork signposted to Monks Wood. Walk down the slope, straight over the crossroad at the bottom heading up. A quick right and then left will get you onto a big straight path that heads down, over Knightsfield, past the Cricket Club on your left and Digswell House on your right. You will exit on Monks Rise where you turn right around Digswell House and head down to turn left on Knightsfield. When you reach Bessemer Road you want to cross over to Digswell Park Road (a dead end for cars) past the nature reserve and sheep field. When the viaduct is in sight you will turn left, just after a horse stables, and head straight up crossing one road before you hit Station Road. The Cowper Arms is just around the road to the right and well worth a stop off for a pint. Once lubricated, turn left and then immediately right up Woodside Road and then turn into Warren Way where you will find a path in the right corner. A right and then left get you walking over the railway tunnel in Lockleys Wood. At the end you turn left to emerge from the woods (the trainline also emerges to your right briefly before going into a second tunnel). Follow the footpath through the farmland, turning right at the bottom towards Foxley Grove. From there you can follow the meandering path and you'd have to try hard not to make it to Oaklands! If you skipped the Cowper Arms then The North Star is an acceptable second choice. If you did visit the Cowper Arms then you'll probably want a second drink anyway, for which the North Star is there and waiting.

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
  • Not present at time of survey Wheelchair accessible toilet
  • Present at time of survey Supermarket
  • Maybe present 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
  • Not present at time of survey Public phone
  • Present at time of survey Mobile Phone Coverage
  • Present at time of survey Train station
  • Not 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
  • Not present at time of survey Likely to flood
  • Maybe present Long grass sections
  • 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
  • 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
  • Not 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
  • Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs
  • 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 40.00cm

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 25.00%

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 27.00%

The steepest camber gradient across the path 6.00%

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unsigned

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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

10.00% of the route is on roads

10.00% of the route is paved

10.00% of the route is lit at night

5.00% of the route is muddy

20.00% of the route is over rough ground

10.00% of the route is through long grass

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