Watton-at-Stone Circular walk

18km (11.2 miles)

OS Landranger 166; Explorer 193 and 194

2 out of 10.

This walk is in the rolling hills of rural Hertfordshire.

Lunch is at the The Boot pub in the village of Dane End.

There is a short cut option late in the walk, more for those who find that they are tiring. An 800-metre section of it is along a twisting road.

If you do the full walk (i.e. not the shorter ending) there's a particularly attractive stretch alongside the River Beane near the end. The George and Dragon pub in Watton's High Street is a good place to stop for tea (or a meal) while waiting for the train back. Incidentally, the town's unusual name derives from a local variety of puddingstone.

a) Short ending.

You may shorten the walk by 3km to 15km.

Trains go from London Kings Cross to Watton-at-Stone, journey time is 45 minutes.

The Boot Mundon Rd, Dane End, SG12 0LH (01920 437034). Located 7 km from the start of the walk. Open lunchtime Tue-Thu, noon-2.30pm; closed Friday; Sat-Sun noon-11pm/10.30pm. Food: Tue-Wed pre-book only. Thu noon-2pm; Sat noon-2.30pm; Sun 1-4.30pm. Closed all day Monday. (Groups please phone to book.)

The Bull 113 High St, Watton-at-Stone, SG14 3SB (01920 831032)

The George and Dragon 82 High St, Watton-at-Stone, SG14 3TA (01920 830285)

The Lordship Arms Whempstead Road, Benington, SG2 7BX. (01438 869665) Snack menu, baguettes etc. served noon - 2pm. Located 4 km from the start of the walk.

The Rest & Welcome Haultwick, SG11 1JF (01920 438323) - closed

The Robin Hood Ware Road, Tonwell, SG12 0HN. (01920 463352) Food served noon - 2pm. For groups larger than 6, please phone ahead. Located 12.5 km from the start of the walk.

The Waggon and Horses 1 High Street, Watton-at-Stone, SG14 3ST (01920 830830) - closed