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North Herts Council is encouraging residents to embrace the health and wellbeing benefits of walking as the New Year begins.
With January recognised nationally as a time to get more active – and coinciding with National Walk Your Dog Month – the council is highlighting a selection of local routes suitable for a range of abilities, including options that are dog‑friendly when walked responsibly.
North Herts offers an abundance of picturesque paths – perfect for embracing a healthier lifestyle, connecting with nature, and enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. With routes suitable for all abilities, there’s never been a better time to make walking part of your New Year routine.
Here are some of the best dog-friendly walking routes in and around North Herts for residents to enjoy this New Year:
Top walks in and around North Herts
- Baldock Circular and Ivel Springs Local Nature Reserve
A gentle, family-friendly loop through farmland and village paths around Baldock – perfect for a relaxed countryside stroll. View the Baldock Circular route here: Baldock Cycling.
- Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve and Lodgefield Plantation Loop
Discover rare wildflowers and sweeping chalk grassland views near Pegsdon and Pirton. This route combines nature and tranquillity. Find the walking route here: Walk at Knocking Hoe National Nature Reserve - Hitchin & Letchworth Local Group.
- Clothall and Wallington Circular
Explore historic villages and rolling fields on this scenic route, offering a taste of rural Hertfordshire. Find the walking route here: Wallington-and-Clothall-Walk.pdf.
- St Paul’s Walden and Hitch Wood Walk
A moderate walk through picturesque parkland and woodland, with Hitch Wood’s seasonal bluebells providing a stunning backdrop. Find the walking route here: Around St Pauls Walden - Walk.
- Aspenden, Cottered Warren and Wakeley Circuit
A longer countryside walk featuring varied landscapes and glimpses of local heritage – ideal for seasoned walkers. Find the route here: Cottered Warren & Wakeley from Aspenden - Walk.
- Letchworth Greenway
A circular walk of 20.5 km (12.7 miles) through the countryside around Letchworth Garden City. The route is clearly waymarked, but there are few places for lunch or coffee directly along the trail – pack what you need or go off-route for a pub or shop.
View the route here: Letchworth Greenway – Get Outside.
Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment, said:
“These walking routes showcase the best of North Herts – our rolling hills, vibrant woodlands, and diverse natural habitats. We want to inspire everyone to get out and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of connecting with our local landscape.”
How to get started
- Find your route: Visit Hertfordshire County Council’s walking and cycling route pages for maps and GPX files.
- Prepare properly: Wear sturdy footwear, check the weather, and bring water.
- Respect nature: Stick to paths and follow the countryside code.
Hertfordshire Health Walks
If you’d prefer to take part in an organised walk, you could consider joining a Herts Health Walk. There are currently 17 free, weekly walks across North Hertfordshire.
All Health Walks are graded, from gentle ‘First Steps’ walks, to more brisk Grade 3 and 4 walks, so there is something for all abilities and fitness levels. For the latest timetable, follow them on Facebook: Hertfordshire Health Walks | Facebook.
Find your nearest Greenspace
The new North Herts Council app has a ‘'Find My Nearest' section with nearby greenspaces and parks listed. The North Herts Council app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
Just search for ‘North Herts Council’ on the Apple app store and Google Play store and tap download to get started.
