Hertfordshire Accessible Countryside
Disabled Access, Wheelchair walks, Easy Access, Access for All, Mobility, Walks on Wheels, Miles without Stiles - whatever the term the following is all about accessibility to the countryside and green spaces of Hertfordshire.
Walks Greenspaces and Countryside
Alban Way - "The Alban Way is a trail for cyclists and walkers along a disused section of the Great Northern Railway, between the historic towns of St Albans and Hatfield, providing an interesting route through Hertfordshire countryside." "This safe, flat, gentle, traffic-free route runs between Cottonmill Lane in St Albans and Wrestlers Bridge in Hatfield. Its smooth surface makes it perfect for all users and there are many access points, most of which are ramped or level" - from the Sustrans website
Amwell Nature Reserve - "Amwell Nature Reserve near Ware is one of the most important places for wildlife in the county and is well-used and enjoyed by the local community. It hosts a mosaic of habitats including reedbeds, grassland and woodland, although Great Hardmead Lake is arguably the most striking feature" "The reserve has solid, steady paths when dry and accessed from Hollycross Road or along the towpath from Stanstead Abbotts (south) or Ware (north). The track from Amwell Lane is very uneven" - from the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust website
Ashridge Estate - (NT) - "Ashridge Estate is a 2,000 hectare (5,000 acres) area of the Chiltern Hills with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands" "Accessible parking - twelve accessible parking spaces, 50yds from the visitor centre. All-ability trails - three accessible routes starting near the visitor centre. Pathways - smooth and flat tracks, to rougher routes and sloping natural terrain. Many routes can be slippery and muddy after wet weather. PMVs - our single-seater scooters and one two-seater golf buggies are available to borrow. Adapted toilet available - please note this facility is only open during opening hours, there is no radar key access" - from the National Trust website
Barclay Park - This Green Flag accredited park is situated on a gentle hillside overlooking an ornamental lake, which has recently been restored as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund project initiated by the Friends of Barclay Park group. The total area of the park is 18.3 acres. Facilities include car parking, picnic tables, a duck pond, toilets, an easy access pathway and play equipment" - from the Borough of Broxbourne Council website
Berkhamsted Waterways Walk - "Three circular walks from 2 to 6 miles including an easy access route. The walks take in the waterways of Berkhamsted, including the River Bulbourne chalk stream and the Grand Union Canal" - from the Chilterns Conservation Board website
- Download the Trail Map from the Chilterns Conservation Board website
Bishop’s Wood Country Park - "Bishop’s Wood Country Park is a 38 Hectare ancient semi-natural woodland which means it is likely that there has been a wood in this location since Britain was afforested after the last ice age." "A wide variety of plants and animals can be discovered as you explore the wood. These may include flowers like common spotted orchid and enchanter's nightshade, butterflies such as white admiral and silver-washed fritillary and birds including woodcock, nuthatch and great spotted woodpecker. There is a short easy access trail leading directly from the car park. This has a firm surface and is suitable for families with buggies, wheelchair users and those less mobile." - from the Three Rivers District Council website
Cole Green Way - "The Cole Green Way runs from Hertford to Welwyn Garden City along the path of a former railway and caters for cyclists, horseriders and walkers.The path starts by Hertford Football Club and there are entrance and exit points at a number of points along the way. There is also a picnic spot at the site of the former Cole Green Station. Most of the surface is self binding aggregate, with the final 1km at the western end at Welwyn Garden City being tarmac." from the Discover Hertford Online website
- Download the Trail Map from the Discover Hertford Online website
Ebury Way - "A 3.5 mile traffic-free route through lakes and fields, linking Rickmansworth and Watford; follows the route of an old railway line. Path shared with walkers and cyclists. Ideal for family cycling. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Disabled walkers can open gates using RADAR keys" - from the Chilterns Conservation Board website
- Download the Trail Map from the Chilterns Conservation Board website
Leavesden Country Park - Green Flag awarded - we believe the park to be accessible and welcoming - "Whether it’s heritage, wildlife, play, cycle or stop for a coffee, Leavesden Country Park has something to make everyone happy." "Visitors can enjoy the Woodlands Café, exciting play areas, cycle hub, inclusive sensory garden, and outdoor sports facilities" from the Three Rivers District Council website
Oxhey Woods- "A one hundred hectare woodland with an easy access sculpture trail just waiting to be explored. The local nature reserve has an easy access circular walk of one km, which starts and ends at the car park. The trail has a firm surface and is suitable for young families with buggies, wheelchair users and those less mobile." - from the Three Rivers District Council website
Rye Meads Nature Reserve - (RSPB) - "This delightful wetland reserve beside the River Lee is a firm favourite with walkers, birdwatchers and photographers thanks to its many trails and hides. " "Mobility scooter - available for hire, free of change, bookable in advance. Manual push wheelchair for hire, free of charge, bookable in advance. Access the trails through the visitor centre by a hard path. Paths linking the hides are generally flat with some grass areas, Some parts of the paths are narrow, but passing places are provided. Paths are level and low gradient ramps are provided for bridges. Seating available along paths. Visitor Centre - One level with step-free access throughout" - from the RSPB website
Tring Reservoir & Canal Walks - There is a 1 mile linear path from the car park which goes past the reservoirs and along the canal towpath to a pub at Bulbourne. There are no stiles or gates. The map shows information about surfacing, slopes& narrow points to help you decide how far you can go -"Café has disabled toilets for cutomers. Disabled parking" - from the Chilterns Conservation Board website
- Download the leaflet from the Chilterns Conservation Board website
Waterside Stortford - "Waterside Stortford is a riverside and countryside trail passing through Bishop’s Stortford. The trail features twenty-one information boards along its length showing its history and wildlife. Cycle or stroll through the 3.5 mile trail enjoying beautiful relaxing views of the water, nature and wildlife. Waterside Stortford winds gently through the valley of a chalk stream and the canal scenes of the Stort Navigation." from the Bishop's Stortford Town Council website - "The way is flat, unfenced, has country gates but no stiles, and it may be muddy after and during wet weather. From Bat Willow Hurst southbound to Grange Paddocks the trail is partly unpaved with field boundaries, which would be unsuitable for buggies and wheelchair users. Those with buggies and wheelchairs can start the trail from Grange Paddocks heading towards the Town Centre and onwards to Twyford Mill (or vice versa)." - from the leaflet
- Download a leaflet from the from the Bishop's Stortford Town Council website