Sat 15th May 2010 - Leg11 : Hertford to Widford- 13.6 miles

Brilliant sunshine heralded a warm day with occasional cloud cover and no rain! David & Liz Beardwell, Guy Garfit and Ginny four legs, David Izod and, of course, Jim Webb set off from Hertford Parliament Square on this 11th leg. Passing over the river, excellent views of ancient buildings and the impressive McMullen’s Brewery were passed, before leaving residential Hertford for a raised course, bordering Goldings Canal, once an essential supply of the town’s drinking water.

Climbing gently we followed the river Beane valley in company, at a distance with the Hertford-Stevenage railway and main road. Bluebells were a feature here in the rising woodland to our right. Passing Waterford and leaving the railway on our left we encountered Stapleford church, a well preserved rendered building, although we struggled to view the ancient Norman gateway. Further up the Beane we heard our first waterfall, an impressive triple at Bullsmill. Crossing open country in Woodford Park, we enjoyed some longer parkland views with excellent tree specimens.

 

Ginny the dog was restrained early here, passing through a large flock of somewhat sinister sheep. They only moved marginally to let us through and then formed up facing us in rows, staring. Liz and I were bringing up the rear where they had closed up behind us.As I approached, one of them singled me out and took two paces towards me. Not wishing to distress the animal unnecessarily, Liz and I ran for the nearby path gate and hurried through, only to see the herd fill the closed gate entrance with pressure, one animal actually squeezing through the metal bars! We hastened on, no pursuit taking place, but the herd remained pressing into the gateway. I had never witnessed this almost aggressive behaviour by sheep before and Ginny hadn’t said a word!

Our way took us in sight of the impressive Woodhall Park House before turning away and climbing towards the park boundary wall crossing by stile where ancient step stones were in evidence. Traversing along the wall we eventually crossed the A602 and climbed through woodland to high ground past a water tower. More open country and occasional copses and farm houses led us almost suddenly down into the Rib valley at Wadesmill. Sitting in the peaceful pub garden of the Anchor at lunch, by the once dangerously busy A10, I reflected how quickly the atmosphere of perhaps one hundred years ago had returned, after the by-pass construction.

Mostly restored we left the village, passing several buildings of interest, up hill and along the valley side. We found the tower of a ruined church, delighted to see a scaffolding team cladding the building. Restoration or maybe H&S, but still work was being done and it wasn’t demolition! The path flirted with the riverside for a while until we spied a trusty Hertfordshire way sign (many of which were missing on this stretch), pointing across a treated gap in an Oilseed Rape field.

Being conscientious walkers we duly kept to the path only to find that the plants had been sprayed late when virtually full grown. They seemed to resent our passing, and the path was a lot longer than first perceived. Being in the van of our group my body hugging walking trousers became stained with pollen dust and highly unattractive…The alternative almost parallel lane is highly recommended! The path, now seriously uphill, flattened, at last, and led us eventually steeply down into Wareside. A well earned break was taken, outside the closed White Horse (probably as well) before the last lap to Widford.

Although, after twelve or so miles, I was flagging a bit, this next section of the walk was probably the most beautiful with excellent long Ash Valley views, and Widford Church a now welcome final highlight. A short road walk triggered a fond memory for me of the approach to Buxton Derbyshire, with industrial units tucked away in a long wooded quarry. Old railway lines, whilst saddening, can still set my imagination off on a reverie of what life was like in their heyday. Somewhat cruelly for the weary, Widford Church comes close after thirteen miles only to be whipped away on our right as we are tantalisingly drawn up the valley for the best view ,Good oh! Seriously it was a lovely view both of the Church approach and back down the valley from some charmingly challenging steps. Destination at last and our trusty vehicle back to Royston. The best leg I have been on and in the best weather. Ginny the dog snored on the way back...and we all knew why….

David Beardwell