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Broxbourne Circular walk

Along the New River and up through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve and an assortment of ancient, diverse and wild woods.

Circular Hertfordshire

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sun, 01-Oct-23 Sunday Walk - Woods, Forests and Copses (and the New River): Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve 4 warm but overcast
Sat, 05-Nov-22 Saturday Walk - Woods, Forests and Copses (and the New River): Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve 7 persistent light rain
Sun, 01-Nov-20 Sunday Walk: Broxbourne is beckoning 14 grey but mild and largely dry skies
Sun, 01-Sep-19 Sunday walk: Hertfordshire woodlands 5 sunny dry
Sun, 04-Nov-18 Sunday Walk: Becoming Broxbourne 8 initially cloudy with brightening and mild autumnal conditions
Sun, 29-Apr-18 Sunday Walk - Broxbourne Circular or to Bayford (lots of woods = lots of bluebells?) 7 overcast and chilly but dry
Sun, 16-Jul-17 A nature reserve and ancient wildwood in Herts 8 dry warm and cloudy
Sun, 09-Apr-17 Sunday Walk: Broxbourne to Bayford - a Hertfordshire hike 6 hot and sunny
Sat, 05-Nov-16 Saturday Third Walk: You Want Leaf Colour and a short journey ? 17 cloudy with sun breaking through
Sun, 21-Feb-16 Sunday Second Walk - Hertfordshire woodlands 15 overcast all day
Wed, 15-Oct-14 Broxbourne Circular 5
Sat, 07-Jun-14 Broxbourne Circular 0
Sat, 19-Jan-13 Broxbourne Circular 7
Thomas G
Stargazer is away
Length: 24.3 km (15.1 mi) [for a shorter walk see below]
Ascent/Descent: 325m
Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 5 out of 10
Take the 09.27 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (09.41 Tottenham Hale, 09.48 Cheshunt), arriving Broxbourne at 09.53.
From Stratford, take the 09.15 Hertford (East) service (calls Lea Bridge 09.21), arrives Broxbourne at 09.45.
Return trains: xx.16 and xx.47 to Liv Street and xx.25 and xx.55 to Stratford.
After winding its way out of Broxbourne along a canal and through a park, this walk ascends through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve, an assortment of varied, ancient and wild woods, serrated by a plethora of streams. A circuitous route linking up separate woods follows age old trails, paths and green lanes through a magnificent and diverse woodland setting. While broadly following a well signposted trail through the Nature Reserve, the walk often diverts from it to take more interesting directions. Most of the distance and the ascent are covered before lunch, but the lunch pub serves food all afternoon, so a leisurely pace is entirely possible. There are plenty of signed and unsigned paths in the woods, thus following the detailed written directions is essential, and a map and a compass are recommended.
A shorter walk (18.8 km/11.7 mi, 3/10), finishing in Bayford, is possible. Note: Broxbourne and Bayford are within the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go area (but outside the numbered zones). A Hertford (All Stations) return ticket covers both stations and is the cheapest option if ending at Bayford.
Lunch: The Woodman & Olive in Wormley West End (14.5 km/9.0 mi, food all afternoon).
Tea: two pubs en-route, a few minutes from the station: The Bull and The White Bear.
For walk directions, map, photos, height profile, and gpx/kml files click here. t=swc.168
  • 30-Sep-23

    I am doing the Walk Tomorrow. But just to let you know. Instead I will take the Train. I will take the Bus. And what I will do. I will wait outside the Ticket Barriers until you all arrive.

  • 01-Oct-23

    9.27 so delayed that it is now scheduled to go fast from T'ham Hale to Bishop's Stortford to make up time. 9.57 departure therefore, by the looks of it.

  • 01-Oct-23

    As per the previous comment, we started half an hour later than posted.

    3 off the train and 1 outside off a bus, ie 4 in warm but overcast weather

    Being a fast-ish group, we got to The Woodman for 13.25 hours. The pub has simplified its offerings a little, insofar as Greek wines and Real Ale are not on the menu anymore, sadly.

    We got to The Bull at 16.15 and settled at a table outside. 1 took the next train, 2 one train later, 1 a bus. What we saw: precious little mud, low water levels in the plantiful streams, some kites, plenty of fungi, 1 feral youth tearing through Wormley Wood on a quad bike, with his mate on an electric mountain bike just ahead.

Thomas G
Length: 24.3 km (15.1 mi) [for a shorter walk see below]
Ascent/Descent: 325m
Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 5 out of 10
Take the 09.25 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (09.37 Tottenham Hale, 09.45 Cheshunt), arriving Broxbourne at 09.51.
Broxbourne Station is ‘oysterable’, but if a Network RC user, a paper return ticket should be cheaper…
Return trains: xx.19 to 17.19, then nothing until Sunday morning.
This walk should be perfect for the season and has proven to be so in years past:
"After winding its way out of Broxbourne along a canal and through a park, this walk ascends through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve, an assortment of varied, ancient and wild woods, serrated by a plethora of streams. A circuitous route linking up separate woods follows age old trails, paths and green lanes through a magnificent and diverse woodland setting. While broadly following a well signposted trail through the Nature Reserve, the walk often diverts from it to take more interesting directions. Most of the distance and the ascent are covered before lunch, but the lunch pub serves food all afternoon, so a leisurely pace is entirely possible. There are plenty of signed and unsigned paths in the woods, thus following the detailed written directions is essential, and a map and a compass are recommended."
A shorter walk (18.8 km/11.7 mi, 3/10), finishing in Bayford, is possible [caution: different train line and operator, trains go to Kings Cross or Moorgate, but Bayford is now also inside the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go area. The cheapest ticket option for a Bayford ending anyway is a Hertford (All Stations) return].
Lunch: The Woodman & Olive in Wormley West End (14.5 km/9.0 mi, food all afternoon).
Tea: there are two pubs en-route, a few minutes from the station: The Bull and The White Bear.
For walk directions, map, photos, height profile, and gpx/kml files click here. t=swc.168
  • 06-Nov-22

    7 set off from Broxbourne station in persistent light rain for an atmospheric autumnal circuit through various woods. Although the tree colour was not as striking as in years' past, it was still pretty and there were many interesting fungi in the woods....All but one (who was never seen again) ate at the Greek inspired pub and were pleasantly surprised when paying the bill that due to a transition between licenses, they were unable to charge for their alcoholic beverages (what a bonus)! I think most left a generous tip to cover the cost of their chosen spirit....

    After lunch the 6 pub lunchers split ranks with the three men opting for a male bonding experience along an improvised short-cut where they encountered a section of fallen trees creating an assault course that required navigation; while the remaining three opted for a female bonding experience following the instructions/GPX on the recommended route back through the woods without much incident -- aside from a momentary thought they might miss the 17:19 train! All reconvened at The Bull where even the walkers doing the full route had time for a swift half before catching the last train back to London at the advertised 17:19! With an early return to London, 4 decided to wrap up the day with some wine and tapas! A fun day out -- notwithstanding the dreary weather!

Stargazer
Stargazer

SWC Walk 168: Broxbourne Circular t=swc.168

Distance: 15.1 Miles or 24.3 km (or 11.7 miles/18.8 km using the shorter Bayford option)

Difficulty: 6 out of 10 or 4 out of 10 for the Bayford ending

Train: Take the 9:57 AM Greater Anglia Cambridge North train from London Liverpool Street, arriving at Broxbourne at 10:23. Return trains from Broxbourne are at 16; 47 and 53 minutes past the hour until quite late on a Sunday……Buy a day return to Broxbourne; unless going to Bayford where a Hertford (All Stations) ticket should work for both out and in bound travel.

This is a perfect walk for this time of year with its extended exploration of various woods…with an added bonus, that the short travel distance from London permits a long walk on a shortish day…..You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.

The recommended lunch stop is a picnic and/or Covid compliant visit to the Woodman & Olive located 9 miles/14.5 km into the walk (01992 463 719). Back in Broxbourne, Covid-compliant tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at The Bull or White Bear within minutes from the station. On the Bayford ending, the Farmer’s Boy is 10 minutes from the station.

Enjoy the walk!
  • 01-Nov-20

    About 14 alighted from the train in Broxbourne under grey but mild and largely dry skies for this delightful romp through various woods in full autumnal color...Although a little more squelchy than usual at this time of year (given that October has apparently been the wettest for 150 years), the walk did not disappoint with its vibrant fall foliage through gently undulating woodland...

    At one point before lunch, after hearing a sharp crack, the middle group had quite a dramatic encounter when a rather large beech tree fell over and crashed to the ground about 50 meters to the side of the path....I think a first for all of us to witness...

    About half the group (in different sittings) enjoyed the Greek fare on offer at the lunch pub...before the final stretch back to Broxbourne...At the end, the group I was with stopped in one of the locals for a taste of Hertfordshire ale....

    An excellent and full use of one of the last days before lockdown sets in....

Chris L
Chris L
Broxbourne Circular
Length: 24.3km (15.1 miles) Toughness: 7/10

09:57 Cambridge train from Liverpool Street (Tottenham Hale 10:10) arriving at Broxbourne at 10:23.
Or 09:44 Hertford East train from Stratford arriving Broxbourne at 10:15.
Return trains from Broxbourne to Liverpool Street are at xx:16 and xx:47 (journey time 27 mins)
Return trains from Broxbourne to Stratford are at xx:27 and xx:55 (journey time 30 minutes
Return trains from Bayford to Moorgate, calling at numerous stations in north London are at xx17 and xx:47 (journey time 50 minutes).

If returning from Bayford, the outward and return journeys are on separate, non-intersecting, lines operated by different train companies, so you’ll probably need two single tickets. If you plan to do the full circular walk back to Broxbourne the ticketing issue won’t be a problem. The easiest option is to use an Oyster card, since both stations are within the Oyster zone.

This walk follows a circuitous route that explores age old trails, paths and green lanes through a diverse woodland setting. As always when walking in woods, following the written directions carefully is essential, and a map and compass are recommended. In the afternoon it is possible to divert to Bayford, cutting the walk’s distance to 11.7 miles.

The recommended lunch stop is The Woodman & Olive (01992 463719) in Wormley West End. As always on a Sunday, reserving a table is advisable.

You will need to download the Walk Directions.

T=swc.168
  • Anonymous
    13-Sep-19

    5 sunny dry

Stargazer
Stargazer
SWC Walk 168: Broxbourne Circular T=SWC.168

Distance: 15.1 Miles or 24.3 km (or 11.7 miles/18.8 km using the Bayford optout option)

Difficulty: 6 out of 10 or 4 out of 10 for the Bayford ending

Train: Take the 9:40 AM Greater Anglia Hertfordshire East train from London Liverpool Street, arriving at Broxbourne at 10:13. Return trains from Broxbourne are at 10; 16; 39 and 47 minutes past the hour until quite late on a Sunday……Buy a day return to Broxbourne; unless going to Bayford where a Hertford (All Stations) ticket should work for both out and in bound travel.

With its detailed exploration of a series of varied and ancient woodlands, I have eyed this walk for an autumnal outing for a spell….and indeed it was done 2 years ago at this very time with good reviews…. As an added bonus, the short travel distance from London permits a long walk on a shortish day…..You can find more information about the walk and download the walk instructions here.

The recommended lunch stop is the Woodman & Olive located 9 miles/14.5 km into the walk (01992 463 719). Back in Broxbourne, tea and other late afternoon refreshments can be had at The Bull or White Bear within minutes from the station. On the Bayford ending, the Farmer’s Boy is 10 minutes from the station.

Enjoy the walk (and watch for falling leaves)!
  • 05-Nov-18

    8 set off from Broxbourne Station under initially cloudy with brightening and mild autumnal conditions for a very enjoyable long Sunday stroll....This walk is really perfect for this time of year, exploring a variety of ancient woodlands with good tinting colors of autumn before any mud develops. Within the woods, the terrain is gently undulating with a number of water features and good vistas -- so always interesting with some nice surprises.... Four sampled the Cypriot themed lunch pub with three opting for a more extensive 2-course examination of the offerings...All very tasty....The picnickers eventually joined for drinks and we all set off together for the pleasant afternoon stretch with the low sun providing some lovely golden light against the trees. We enjoyed some nice sunset colors in the sky before arriving back in Broxbourne about 4:45 where three went direct to the train station and five opted for post walk refreshies and educating discussion on topics ranging from mushrooms to mixed drinks in one of the local hostelries before catching the 17 something.....A great day out really maximizing the season's offerings...

Thomas G
Length: 24.3 km (15.1 mi) or 18.8 km/11.7 mi if finishing in Bayford (4/10)
Ascent/Descent: 329 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
Take the 09.43 Cambridge North train from Liverpool Street (09.50 Hackney Downs, 09.57 Seven Sisters), arriving Broxbourne at 10.15. Broxbourne is within the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go area.
Return trains from Broxbourne: xx.10, xx.16, xx.39, xx.47; from Bayford xx.22 and xx.52.
After winding its way out of Broxbourne along a canal and through a park, this walk ascends
through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve, an assortment of varied, ancient and wild woods, serrated by a plethora of streams. A circuitous route linking up separate woods follows age old trails, paths and green lanes through a magnificent and diverse woodland setting. While broadly following a well signposted trail through the Nature Reserve, the walk often diverts from it to take more interesting directions. Most of the distance and the ascent are covered before lunch, but the lunch pub serves food all afternoon, so a leisurely pace is entirely possible.
There are plenty of signed and unsigned paths in the woods, thus following the detailed written directions is essential, and a map and a compass are recommended.
A shorter walk (18.8 km/11.7 mi, 4/10), finishing in Bayford, is possible. Caution: Bayford station is on a different train line run by a different operator, trains go to Moorgate, a separate ticket is required. And Bayford is not within the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go area, but a Hertford (All Stations) return ticket covers both stations. This should be the cheapest option for the short walk.
Lunch will be at The Woodman & Olive in Wormley West End (14.5 km/9.0 mi, food all afternoon).
Tea: The Bull and The White Bear, both just a few minutes from the station. There is also The Old Mill Retreat Café (open to 17.30) just off route on the (Old) River Lea, we’ll endeavour to find it (thanks Sean). On the Bayford ending, there is The Farmer’s Boy, 10 minutes from the station.
For walk directions, map, photos, height profile, and gpx/kml files click here.
T=3.168
  • 24-Apr-18

    Now I might do the Walk on Sunday. But I can't Guarantee I will. If I do. Then really and conveniently I can take the Bus.

  • 29-Apr-18

    6 off the scheduled train and the walk poster one train behind, so 7 in overcast and chilly but dry weather.

    Due to the immediate obstacle of the start of the walk along The New River being closed for path widening works (for a shared cycle/footpath), the group of 6 tried (and failed) to find an alternative route through the station car park. The proper diversion was in fact well signed and led through some nice residential streets, while adding only about 5 minutes of walking.

    The New River, the Spital Brook and the subsequent streams in the woods were as full as I've seen them (having walked this about 10 times in all seasons), which was nice on the one hand as the route follows waterways for quite some distance and crosses streams quite often. On the other hand that also meant high levels of mud, especially in the woods. You can't have it all...

    What we didn't have much of were bluebells, in fact there were none in the main Broxbourne Woods NNR, but then the very last small wood right on the fringes of town was delightfully full of them. Personally I like a forest walk any time of the year, but especially this time of year - with the foliage a bright green, and the muddy bits were nothing worse than what we experienced elsewhere over the last months.

    Interesting if slightly devastating development: in the (privately owned by the Hatfield House Estate) north westerly woods (Cowheath Woods and Bramble's Wood) an enormous amount of large permanent tents have been set up over the last few years, evidently for a company offering Bushcraft and Survival Skills Camps (Polaris Bushcraft). Always well away from the public rights-of-way that our route follows, but often in sight, and - as enraged mountain bikers' comments in several internet forums show - aggressively blocking routes that they have been using for decades (but have never been a r-o-w).

    We arrived at the only pub en route, the usually excellent value Woodman & Olive, to find a sign outside declaring that the pub was shut for a Private Function. That of course does not stop a bunch of hungry and thirsty SWCers from entering, which was just as well, as it turned out the sign was accidentally left out from the evening before and staff had been wondering why there was so little custom for lunch! 3 of us settled for a longish lunch, the 4 sandwichers took their tea or hot chocolate and soon moved on w/o the diners. Those 3 then also had a drink at The Bull back in Broxbourne. 18.10 train.

PeteB
SWC 168 Broxbourne Circular

Length 24.3km (15.1m); toughness 7/10 (although this walk is described as not as tough as this rating implies.)

Trains: 09.28 London Liverpool Street (Tottenham Hale 09.40) arrives at Broxbourne 09.53

 Return fast trains at xx:16 and xx:47

 After winding its way out of Broxbourne along a canal and through a park, this walk ascends through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve, an assortment of varied, ancient and wild woods, serrated by a plethora of streams. A circuitous route linking up separate woods follows age old trails, paths and green lanes through a magnificent and diverse woodland setting. While broadly following a well signposted trail through the Nature Reserve, the walk often diverts from it to take more interesting directions. Most of the distance and the ascent are covered before lunch, but the lunch pub serves food all afternoon, so a leisurely pace is entirely possible.

Lunch: The Woodman & Olive 20 Wormley West End, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7QN (01992 463 719. Food served, Sun 12.00-18.00. The Woodman & Olive is located 14.5 km (9.0 mi) into the main walk.

See here for more information about the walk and click on the pdf tab for full walk instructions T=swc.168
  • 16-Jul-17

    6 on this walk including one early starter whom we caught up with not long before lunch. I separated from the group just before lunch as I had no wish to visit the pub and after walking on found a spot to have lunch where following a ludicrous accident I managed to lose most of my water!!! Feeling a bit deflated I decided to take some short cuts and got back to Broxbourne quite early and dropped into a pub for refreshments and watch Federer for a while as he destroyed Cilic. 3.37pm train home. This is a walk with too much woodland for my tastes and it can feel a bit oppressive on a warm day but it was good to do it in dry conditions unlike the last time I ventured out here. Weather dry warm and cloudy . Hope the others enjoyed their day and it would be good to get any views about the pub.

  • Moira
    16-Jul-17

    Pub was delightful. Very friendly staff. Nice garden outside although we opted to sit inside. I had a wonderful vegetable moussaka and salad. Lots of Greek music in the background including Zorba the Greek. We met 2 other SWC walkers there who had started early. The were leaving as we arrived.

  • Anonymous
    16-Jul-17

    8

Mr M Tiger
Broxbourne to Bayford SWC Walk 168
Toughness: 5 out of 10
Length: 18.8 km. 11.7 miles
After winding its way out of Broxbourne along a canal and through a park, this strenuous walk ascends through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve, an assortment of varied, ancient and wild woods, serrated by a plethora of streams. Most of the distance and the ascent are covered before lunch, but the lunch pub serves food all afternoon, so no need to hurry.
The shorter option to Bayford is suggested but feel free to do the whole 15.1 miles back to Broxbourne if you prefer. A shortcut before lunch would shave a further 930m off the length.
Trains
Get the 9:28 Cambridge train from Liverpool St (Tottenham Hale 9:40) arriving Broxbourne at 9:53
From Bayford, trains return to Moorgate at xx:22 and xx:52. (Earlier stops include Highbury and Islington and Finsbury Park).
If finishing in Broxbourne, trains return to Liverpool St. at xx:16 and xx:47.
Broxbourne is within the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go area (in Zone 8), while Bayford is not. The stations are on different lines. A Hertford (All Stations) return ticket covers both. This should be the cheapest option for the short walk. Neither station is within the Freedom Pass zone..
Lunch
The Woodman & Olive, in Wormley West End. (01992 463 719)
Note that this is 14.5 km (9.0 miles) into the walk. You might want to bring elevenses.
Tea
For Bayford - The Farmer’s Boy Brickendon (01992 511 731). Closes at 6
If finishing in Broxbourne there are several choices (see notes).
Directions here
There are a lot of paths in the woods, both signed and unsigned, so following the detailed written directions is essential. A map and compass are recommended.
T=swc.168
  • 06-Apr-17

    Now I might do the Walk on Sunday. But I can't Guarantee I will. Depends on my plan's. But if I do. For my convienance. I would take the Bus instead of taking the Train as it's nearer Home. And I can meet you and wait for you at Broxbourne Station.

  • Colin
    10-Apr-17

    Six turned out for this much enjoyed walk. The four who did the Bayford finish were unanimous that this variation was not strenuous as had been described in the posting. Would be well to avoid the s-word in the next description as this may explain the low numbers.

  • Anonymous
    10-Apr-17

    6 hot and sunny

  • 10-Apr-17

    Thanks Colin (and anonymous). "Strenuous" is from the online description. I was very tempted to take it out but, as Ive never done this walk, I thought it fairer to leave it in than be economical with the (perceived) truth. The long walk to lunch can;t have helped numbers. (Good title for the next posting?)

  • Sandy
    11-Apr-17

    The remaining two of us had a picnic lunch on the Wormley Wood loop, missed out the pub (it was past 2 pm) and went on to complete the circuit back to Broxbourne. We sped up after lunch, aided by more straightforward navigation, and when we got to the turning for Bayford it seemed a bit early to go home.

  • Sandy
    11-Apr-17

    PS Just read Saturday's walk reports and perhaps the huge turnouts at two of them also help explain the low numbers here. I make that 100 walkers over the weekend - wow.

Thomas G
SWC Walk 168 – Broxbourne Circular
Length: 24.3 km (15.1 mi) [for a shorter walk see below]
Ascent/Descent: 329 m; Net Walking Time: ca. 5 ½ hours
Toughness: 6 out of 10
Take the 09.40 Stansted Express from Liverpool Street (09.53 Seven Sisters), arriving Broxbourne at 10.10. This train is on diversion today, and therefore not going via Tottenham Hale… Broxbourne Station is ‘oysterable’, but if a Network RC user, a paper return ticket should be cheaper… Return trains: up to five per hour.
This walk has not been posted on a Saturday for 2 ½ years and should be perfect for the season:
"After winding its way out of Broxbourne along a canal and through a park, this strenuous walk ascends through the Spital Brook valley into Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve, an assortment of varied, ancient and wild woods, serrated by a plethora of streams. A circuitous route linking up separate woods follows age old trails, paths and green lanes through a magnificent and diverse woodland setting. While broadly following a well signposted trail through the Nature Reserve, the walk often diverts from it to take more interesting directions. Most of the distance and the ascent are covered before lunch, but the lunch pub serves food all afternoon, so a leisurely pace is entirely possible. There are plenty of signed and unsigned paths in the woods, thus following the detailed written directions is essential, and a map and a compass are recommended."
A shorter walk (18.8 km/11.7 mi, 4/10), finishing in Bayford, is possible (caution: different train line and operator, trains go to Kings Cross or Moorgate, a separate single paper ticket will be required, as Bayford is outside the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go area).
Lunch will be at The Woodman & Olive in Wormley West End (14.5 km/9.0 mi, food all afternoon).
Tea: there are two pubs en-route, a few minutes from the station: The Bull and The White Bear.
For walk directions, map, photos, height profile, and gpx/kml files click here.
T=3.168
  • 27-Oct-16

    Now I might do the Walk on Saturday. But I can't Guarantee I will.

  • 04-Nov-16

    If I do make it. I will take 2 Buses instead of the train for my convenience. But I will take the Train on the way back as further than Enfield Chase. Then I don't have far to go Home.

  • Karen
    05-Nov-16

    17 cloudy with sun breaking through

    15 off the train at Broxbourne, 1 at the station, and one late joiner on the next train who caught up with the group. Set off along the New River for a stretch and soon into Broxbourne Woods. A wonderful display of autumn colour with plenty of foliage still on the trees and yet, somehow, the ground completely carpeted with golden leaves. Leaf flurries added to the atmosphere. For mushroom enthusiasts, lots of interesting specimans to be seen; we were lucky to have our resident mycologist in attendance.

    11 dined at The Woodman and Olive where the food was good and a change from the usual pub fare. Sandwichers joined for a drink, then 4 went on ahead and the remaining 13 followed not too long after. Broke into two groups, the slightly faster group aided by the fact the walk author was amongst them and so no stopping to check directions was required.

    The faster group reached The Bull at 16:00 with time for a drink, joined by the rest 15 minuts later who also had refreshments, and all made their way to the station to catch the 17:09 train back to London.

    A surprisingly lovely walk for this time of the year in such close proximity to the city. And though a long one for the shorter days, the short train journey and thus early-ish start to the walk helped get us back long before darkness fell

  • Anonymous
    06-Nov-16

    Lovely,lovely walk for the time of the year. A delightful palette of autumn colours and with the sun filtering through the trees in the afternoon sun, it was magical.

    A huge thanks to Thomas!

  • 06-Nov-16

    According to yesterdays Walk. As we started from Broxbourne there and back. It was good we started along the River. We stopped at a Greek Pub Restaurant at the Woodman and Olive. Now I never been to a Greek Pub Restaurant before. They are also doing food for Christmas day as well. Later on we continued with our walk. And while we were walking. Thomas said to me. Do you want to do a longer walk or a shorter walk. While I said to him. I don't care what one I do. I am enjoying it as long as I can. And on the way back. We stopped at the Bull Pub in Broxbourne for a Drink and a chat. But it was a shame that we couldn't end it in Bayford because it would get dark early now as the Clocks went back one Hour last week. Now you all went by Train. While I took 2 Buses because it's more convenient for me. It was very nice meeting up and doing the Walk. And I was Home at 18:15. Thank you very much!

  • 06-Nov-16

    Another thing. What I meant to say. Thomas said to me. Do you want to do the long walk or the short walk. While I said to him. I don't care which one I do. I am enjoying it as long as I can. Then Thomas said to me. That's it that's the sprit.

  • 06-Nov-16

    Finally. I took Quite a lot of pictures on my Mobile phone. And put it on Facebook as well.

Chris L
Chris L
Extra Walk 168a Broxbourne to Bayford
Length: 18.8km (11.7 miles) Toughness: 5/10

09:58 Cambridge train from Liverpool Street (Tottenham Hale 10:10) arriving at Broxbourne at 10:23.
Or 09:45 Hertford East train from Stratford arriving Broxbourne at 10:15.
Return trains from Bayford to Moorgate, calling at numerous stations in north London are at xx22 and xx:52 (journey time 45 minutes).

The outward and return journeys are on separate, non-intersecting, lines operated by different train companies, so you’ll probably need two single tickets. If you plan to do the full circular walk back to Broxbourne the ticketing issue won’t be a problem. The easiest option is to use an Oyster card, since both stations are within the Oyster zone.

This walk follows a circuitous route that explores age old trails, paths and green lanes through a diverse woodland setting. As always when walking in woods, following the written directions carefully is essential, and a map and compass are recommended. Today is the first posting of the alternative ending at Bayford, though those with sufficient energy could choose to complete the 15-mile main walk back to Broxbourne. Most of the walk is done before lunch, hence the relatively early start.

The recommended lunch stop is The Woodman & Olive (01992 463719) in Wormley West End. As always on a Sunday, reserving a table is advisable.

You will need to download the Walk Directions.
  • Kelda
    16-Feb-16

    Could be tempted...anyone else contemplating a Sunday outing?

  • 17-Feb-16

    Intend going

  • Anonymous
    17-Feb-16

    Are you sure you can use Oyster from Bayford? tfl.gov.uk doesn't seem to know about it...

  • Kelda's neighbour
    17-Feb-16

    Well if you two are coming out on Sunday, it would be a shame to stay at home; and indeed you can travel with an Oyster card to Broxbourne but it seems not from Bayford.

  • Kelda
    17-Feb-16

    Excellent news! Has a table been reserved for lunch?

  • 19-Feb-16

    It is true that Bayford, on the Hertford North line, is just outside the Oyster zone, though all stations to Hertford East are within the zone - just one of the curious Oyster anomalies. Apologies for the misinformation.

    A table for 6 has been reserved at The Woodman & Olive in the name of the SWC, but please phone the pub as you set out from Broxbourne to confirm numbers and expected arrival time.

  • Anonymous
    19-Feb-16

    Hi, interested in this walk but wondering about the mud levels if it's been raining ?

  • 19-Feb-16

    Plan to come and have pub lunch. Pamela H

  • 19-Feb-16

    I might intend to go. But I can't Guarantee I will. If I do. I would take the Bus instead of the train and probably meet up at Broxbourne station. That's my convenience.

  • 20-Feb-16

    If you have a London Freedom pass. And if you take the Train from Bayford. Including a Railcard or not. Ask for a Single to Crews Hill.

  • Kelda
    20-Feb-16

    Thanks Chris. What time is the table booked for?

  • 20-Feb-16

    Kelda, I told them probably around 1:00pm, but Thomas will be with you and it's his walk, so he should be able to advise you.

  • 20-Feb-16

    Advice from Sean on best rail ticket to buy: "Although Broxbourne and Bayford are on different lines you can get quite cheap super off-peak tickets to "Hertford Stations" and both lines go there (H North & H East). That ought to be valid out and back."

  • 22-Feb-16

    15 overcast all day

    14 off the train, 1 on an earlier train, who we caught & overtook in the woods, but later surprisingly re-encountered at the lunch pub, as she had tsubsequently gotten lost in the woods and had to ask locals for the most direct route to the pub.

    High levels of mud, even compared to the winter that the original research to this walk had taken place: several 'ponds' in places where I had never encountered any before. The conditions slowed our pace quite a bit, so that we only got to the pub at 13.40. The Woodman & Olive is a very pleasant place, with tasty East Med cuisine, but possibly could do w/o the piped music in an already noise-filled, packed pub.

    Two walkers then took the ultimate shortcut, following roads back to Broxbourne, the sandwichers had moved on already, which left 8 of the lunchers to embark on the Bayford ending, 4 of which halted at The Farmer's Boy for a bevvie (or hot chocolate).

    Quite a rebellious group all-in, repeatedly questioning the 'leaders' choice of right/left turn, perplexing when it was well known that said 'leader' was the walk's author, but hey: that's the SWC spirit, we love it for that!

  • friendly neighbour
    22-Feb-16

    Rebellious? Who are you talking about? Meek, and following orders (B=B and all that) at the bar was much more like it. And a leader, whose vocab does not cotain the word shortcut, suddenly announced he was going to Bayford. The rest of, 3 of whom were being exceptionally brave initially and ready for another 10k of deep mud, were told that said leader called it a day at 4pm. Disappointment all around! We followed suit, not wanting to outdo said excellent leader. We had a lot of fun despite the knee-deep mud (10/10 for organising that) and the pub food was delicious (we missed Greek dancing somehow). So good, I forgot my map :(

    got home in time to check in at teatime on future co-hols/walkers that did urban park walk! (they survived)