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http://stevenagewalkingfestival.webs.com

Saturday 5-13 May 2018

Walks for Everybody

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This is the sixth

Stevenage Walking

Festival, put together by

members of Stevenage

Leisure 50, North

Herts Ramblers, and

Stevenage Health Walks

group, and with the

support of Stevenage

Borough Council.

With a choice of walks, walkers can

walk every day for a week, all locally

on their doorstep. Stevenage has

some "ne walking areas, both within

the boundaries of the Borough, and

in the surrounding countryside.

What does it cost? There is no charge for going on any

of the walks, although we invite

you to make a donation at the end

of every walk, the proceeds to go

to our chosen charity Home Start,

whose local branch supports families

with young children. Where cars

are shared, you may wish to make a

contribution to the driver to help with

his cost of fuel.

Do I need to book in advance? There is no need to book in advance

for any walk, apart from the evening

History Walk on Monday 7 May,

which has limited places.

Is there a choice of walks? There is a walk for almost every

level of ability. Long Walks are

between nine and twelve miles, with

a Challenge Walk of twenty one

miles; Medium Walks are around

"ve to seven miles; Short Walks are

three to "ve miles. Health Walks are

measured by time: warm up walks

will be around 30 minutes, followed

by a one hour brisk step out walk.

Short and Health Walks are suitable

for all members of the family. On

Evening Pub walks, you may wish to

join the leader for refreshment at the

conclusion of the walk.

Can I do the walk? Leaders will ensure that no walker is

left trailing behind, the pace being

set at that of the slowest individual.

Nevertheless we do expect walkers

to be reasonably con"dent that they

can walk the speci"ed distances

before setting out on a walk.

Welcome...

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What should I wear? Comfortable and supportive

footwear, and suitable clothing

dependent upon the weather e.g.

waterproofs, sunhats.

Anything else? Everyone should have a bottle of

water with them. Bring a drink and a

snack for Short and Medium Walks.

For Long Walks a packed lunch

is also advisable. And sunscreen

protection is necessary on hot days.

What if the weather is bad? Whatever the weather, the leader will

always be at the appointed meeting

place at the scheduled starting

time, and will make any necessary

decision at that time.

Where are the meeting places? Most walks specify a meeting place

somewhere in Stevenage. This

may be a car park, from where

car sharing can be arranged, or a

location accessible by a regular bus

service.

Do all walks set off from their meeting places? Shared cars will be used to bring

walkers from the meeting place to

the starting point. You may wish

to make a voluntary contribution

towards the driver’s expenses. Note

that the advertised time is when the

walk sets off.

Can I bring children? Children over "ve are welcome on

all walks, but please check with

the leader "rst as to their suitability,

especially for younger children.

Those under sixteen must be

accompanied by an adult

Can I bring a dog? In the interests of safety for all

walkers, dogs, even those on leads

(other than registered guide dogs)

will not be accepted on walks,

other than those walks speci"cally

described as “Dog Friendly” walks.

Am I insured on a walk? All walkers walk at their own risk,

and neither Stevenage Borough

Council nor any of the organisers can

take responsibility for any personal

injury arising on a walk.

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Herts Year of Physical Activity 2018Hertfordshire’s Year of Physical Activity,

also known as ‘HertsYOPA18’, is a

year to focus on getting Hertfordshire

moving. The campaign is being led by

the Herts Sports & Physical Activity

Partnership (HSP), Hertfordshire County

Council (HCC) and Hertfordshire

Association of Cultural Operators

(HACO). Using the support from other

organisations and individuals to help

promote sport and physical activity, the

main aim of this campaign is to increase

physical activity levels. Each month

has its own theme, and luckily May is

Walking Month. For more information

visit the HSP website:

http://www.sportinherts.org.uk/

Twitter: @HertsYOPA18

Facebook: @HertsYOPA18

Saturday 5 May

STEVENAGE SHOWGROUND (OPPOSITE LAMEX FOOTBALL GROUND), BROADHALL WAY (SG2 8RH). 9.15 AM.

OFFICIAL OPENING by the Mayor of Stevenage. A representative of Home Start, this year’s nominated local charity, will also be present to speak about its work.

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Health 1-1½ hours

An easy walk in Fairlands Valley in conjunction with the Festival charity, Home Start.

9.45 am for 10.00 am

start. Costello’s Café,

Fairlands Valley Park.

Pauline Smith07983 557168Hannah Marsh07766 160149

Dog Friendly 5 miles

Morning walk from the pub. Well behaved dogs welcome.

10.00 am. The Boot, Kimpton. (SG4 8PT)

Jenny Mason01438 871580

Medium6.1 miles

A walk from Breachwood Green. through the countryside of the Hertfordshire Chilterns and Kings Walden Park.

9.30 am Stevenage Showground (opp Lamex Football Ground) for car sharing to start.

Pat Rumpus07864 085193

Long 10.5 miles

A rural walk from Chells Park to Benington and Walkern, taking in part of the Beane Valley.

9.30 am Stevenage Showground (opp Lamex Football Ground) for car sharing to start.

Dave Weston01438 722301

Sunday 6 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Short 3.5 miles

Great Ashby District Park to Dane End with views of the Beane Valley.

9.45 am. Stevenage Showground (opp Lamex Football Ground) for car sharing to start.

David Norton01438 880083

Medium6 miles

Ware to Hertford along the River Lea, and round Hartham Park.

9.45 am Stevenage Showground (opp Lamex Football Ground) for car sharing to start.

Pauline Smith07983 557168

Long 10 miles

We pass Cam"eld Place (for Barbara Cartland), Ponsbourne Tunnel (with ventilation shafts), and Little Berkhamsted (for Stratton’s Folly)

9.30 am. Stevenage Showground (opp Lamex Football Ground) for car sharing to start (or 10.00 am, School Lane. Essendon. AL9 6HD)

Gabriela Lovelace 01462 432071 (OTD: 07788 505045)

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Bank Holiday Monday 7 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Health

1 hour

A gentle Health Walk around

St Nicholas Park, suitable for

everyone.

9.45 am for 10.00 am

start. St Nicholas Health

Centre, Canterbury Way

(SG1 4LH)

Hannah Marsh

07766 160149.

Pauline Smith

07983 557168

Medium

6 miles

Morning walk from Ridlins Playing

Field through Astonbury Woods,

the Beane Valley and Aston.

9.30 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start.

Harold and

Carol Stokes

01438 353666

Long

10 miles

Circular walk from

Wheathampstead, past Shaw’s

Corner and Brocket Park, returning

along the River Lea

9.30 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start.

Pat Hoar

01438 367139

or

07814 370812

Evening

History

2 hours

“Strong Oaks” and Other Trees of

Stevenage. Numbers limited. To

book call Carol Stokes on

01438 353666.

6.30 pm. White Lion

Bus Stop, Old Town High

Street.

Hugh Madgin.

Tuesday 8 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Short

5 miles

Wallington to Clothall, passing

the Icknield Way, George Orwell’s

cottage and “Animal Farm”.

9.45 am. Monkswood

Retail Park, Stevenage,

directly opposite B&M

Shop (or 10.00 am Kits

Lane, Wallington).

Peter Ingram-

Tedd 01438

226436.

Medium

7 miles.

A walk through the Lea Valley, with

lunch stop and time to explore at

Waltham Abbey before passing the

Gunpowder works on the return to

Turnford.

9.45 am. Monkswood

Retail Park, Stevenage,

directly opposite B&M

Shop for car sharing to

start.

Tom Byrne

01438 361813

Long

10.25  miles

From Benington to Wood Green,

then along the Roman Road to

Ardeley (for refreshment) before

returning to Benington.

9.30 am. Monkswood

Retail Park, Stevenage,

directly opposite B&M

Shop for car sharing to

start.

Mike Shelley

01438 358100

Evening

4.5 miles

Undulating countryside passing

through Combs bluebell Wood and

Gregory’s Farm

6.30 pm Lordship Arms,

Hebing End, Benington

(SG2 7BX)

Naomi Davies

01438 869620

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Photo: R Grable

Wednesday 9 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Health A 30 minute gentle warm up walk,

followed at 10.30 am with a one

hour brisk step out walk.

10.00am Costello’s Café,

Fairlands Valley Park.

Pauline Smith

07983 557168

Medium

7 miles

Morning pub walk, organised

and led by Mid Herts Footpath

Society. An interesting walk over

the Pegsdon Hills.

9.15am Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start. Or Motte

and Bailey, Pirton (SG5

3QD). Order lunch prior to

10.00 am start.

Peter Cleasby

07810 774094

Long

9 miles

Weston Golden Jubilee Walk. 9.30am Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start.

Terry Ingle

01438 225738

Evening

Dog

Friendly

5 miles

Evening walk from the pub. Well

behaved dogs welcome.

6.00pm The Strathmore

Arms, St Pauls Walden

(SG4 8BT)

Jenny Mason

01438 871580

Thursday 10 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Short

3.5 miles

St Pauls Walden and Stagenhoe.

Flat terrain, along "eld edges and

tracks.

9.45 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start

Pat Rumpus

07864 085193

Medium

6.5 miles.

From Ickleford, across to Holwell,

then to Oughtonhead Spring. An

easy walk with only one "eld to

cross.

9.45 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start

Pat Biggins

01462 677579

or 07752

580759

Long

12 miles.

A circular walk round Hitchin

following HOOP.

10.00 am, Hitchin Market

Square. (From Stevenage

Bus Station, catch 100

bus at 0918.)

Rod Grable

07801 701805

Evening

Pub.

4 miles

Explore the Nature Reserve at

Oughtonhead Common

6.30 pm. The Angels,

Bedford Road, Hitchin

SG5 2NG

Tom Byrne

01438 361813

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Friday 11 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Short

4 miles.

A circular walk west of the

motorway from Norton Green to

Knebworth Park.

9.45 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start

Ron Faulkner

01438 237747

Medium

6.5 miles

Icknield Way to Oughtonhead

Common and Ickleford, returning

by Hambridgeway Path.

9.30 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start. (or 10.00

am. Motte and Bailey,

Pirton. (SG5 3QD)

Dennis Cannon

01462 629483

Long

11 miles.

Friends of Hertfordshire Way

Walk. A "gure of eight walk with

lunch at the pub. Full details on

Friends website at www.fhw.org.uk.

9.20 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start. Or Rising

Sun, Halls Green (SG4

7DW), to order lunch

before start at 10.00 am.

Ian Hirst

07792 070392

Evening

2.5 hours

From Hooks Cross via Frogmore

House and Astonbury, with

glimpses of the River Beane.

6.30 pm. Three

Horseshoes, Hooks Cross

(SG14 3RY). Meet at back

of the car park.

Carole Willsher

07778 877814

Saturday 12 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Short

3 miles

Friends of Forster Country Walk.

Along footpaths which E M Forster

loved as a child. Easy walking on

rolling countryside, and no stiles,

10.30 am. By steps to St

Nicholas Church, Rectory

Lane, Stevenage. (SG1

4DA)

John Spiers

01438 350217

Dog

Friendly 5

miles.

Morning walk from the pub. Well

behaved dogs welcome.

10.00 am Brocket Arms,

Ayot St Lawrence (AL6

9BT).

Jenny Mason

01438 871580

Medium

5.5 miles

Hexton and Pegsdon Hills. This

walk passes through a Nature

Reserve and has some "ne views.

9.30 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start

David Norton

01438 880083

Challenge

Long

21 miles

Nine Villages Walk. A circular walk

through nine villages in unspoilt

countryside east of Stevenage.

9.15 am Chells Park, off

Gresley Way.

Terry Ingle

01438 225738

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North Herts Ramblers North Herts Ramblers is the local walking

group of the Ramblers. Our volunteer

leaders organise a walk every Sunday,

and most Saturdays, some all day, some

half day. Every Saturday we also organise

a morning “Dog Friendly” walk, usually

setting off from a local pub. Join us and

you automatically become a member of

the nationwide Ramblers Association, with

its many bene"ts. For more information

and programme see www.nhrg.org.uk.

Stevenage Leisure 50 Stevenage Leisure 50 was set up several

years ago as a small walking group for the

over 50s in Stevenage, but has now grown

to a much larger group. The group is run

by volunteer walk leaders, and there is no

fee to join. Leisure 50 walk throughout the

whole of the year, meeting on alternate

Tuesdays, offering three different lengths

of walks, Long, Medium and Short. For

the more active members, we also offer

the chance to go away for a week’s

walking holiday somewhere else in the

UK, such as Eastbourne and the Isle of

Wight. The programme is available in the

Library, the Leisure Centre, or by e-mail

from Terry Ingle: terryingle@ntlworld.com

Health Walks Stevenage Health Walks group offers

walks around Fairlands Valley Park,

aimed at those who require walking as

a form of rehabilitation or a way to ease

themselves back into a form of sociable

exercise. The walks are led by a bank

of experienced volunteer walk leaders

and aim to encourage walkers to push

themselves with their walking pace

but still be able to talk and participate

easily within the group. Look out for our

quarterly brochures or visit

www.stevenage. gov.uk to "nd out more

information.

Home StartHome-Start Herts trains volunteers who

support local families facing a tough

time. The volunteers who are parents

themselves offer 2-3 hours a week to

support children and their families.  The

volunteers give practical and emotional

support and have on-going training and

supervision.  Please do contact Home-

Start Herts if you would like to volunteer

or if you know of a family who may need

some support – 01438 367788.

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Sunday 13 May

Walk Description Meet Leaders

Photo. Up

to 4 miles.

This walk will provide photographic

opportunities for all, including

camera phones and compact

cameras. It will take advantage of

seasonal opportunities in the area.

9.30 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start.

Chris Young

07508 471928

Medium

6.3 miles.

A circular walk from Weston,

returning via Hall’s Green and

Weston Park.

9.30 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start

Richard

Huxtable

01462 629006

Long

11 miles.

From Stevenage we go west across

the Langley Valley to Chapelfoot,

Stagenhoe, Whitwell, St Pauls

Walden and Langley.

9.30 am. Stevenage

Showground (opp Lamex

Football Ground) for car

sharing to start (or

09.45 am Symonds Green

Meadway car park).

Peter Hill

07941 889066

All photographs by Rod Grable.