Best Dog Walks in Hertfordshire
Posted by Warren Smith on
Did you know that around one-tenth of Hertfordshire is covered by woodland area? That means that there are plenty of great dog walks in the county! Here are some of our favourite routes for you to try out – whether you are local to the area or just visiting Herts.
Radwell Meadows Country Park
Radwell Meadows Country Park is nestled between Radwell and Baldock. This East Loop is a shorter walk with minimal elevation, making it accessible for all abilities. However, longer and more challenging routes are available in the park. Your dog will love the off-the-lead areas, allowing for energy-sapping sprints and jumps across this idyllic Hertfordshire green space.
Broxbourne Woods South National Nature Reserve Trail
Managed by Hertfordshire County Council and the Woodland Trust, Broxbourne Woods is a Special Area of Conservation covering over 239 hectares of land. While not all of it is accessible to the public, you can take your Bernese Mountain Dog on various walks.
Our favourite is the 7.7km circular near Hoddeson. However, several paths emerge throughout this area, making it possible to shorten or extend the walk at multiple junctures. Your dog will adore the wildflowers that pop up during the spring and the wildlife all year.
Cedars Park
"Cheshunt: Cedars Park" by Nigel Cox is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Broxbourne Borough Council does a stellar job of maintaining Cedars Park for all to enjoy, having consistently been awarded Green Flag status since 2009. Human and canine visitors can enjoy the green views of well-kept gardens and historical Theobald Palace grounds.
There are plenty of dog-walking routes throughout the grounds, so there are many opportunities to have fun with your dog at Cedar Park.
Cassiobury Park
"Cassiobury Park" by Stephen McKay is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
One of the greenest spaces in Watford, Cassiobury Park offers a range of activities for its visitors, including cafes, a miniature railway track, and plenty of dog-walking routes. The Friends of Cassiobury Park website has done a great job curating multiple routes which span various durations in and around the park.
Therfield Heath
"Therfield Heath, near Royston" by Malc McDonald is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Described as a wonderful place to walk the dog, Therfield Health has excellent views. On days with more precise conditions, on higher ground, it is possible to see the neighbouring county of Cambridge from the Heath, allowing your dog to pick out your next walking destination. It's also a perfect place to give your pooch a treat!
If that isn’t enough, Therfield Heath also has a long barrow monument (an ancient structure made from rocks) and other monuments of historical significance. Flower enthusiasts can see some rarer blooms in the early spring, like pasqueflowers.
Chess Valley Walk
If you and your dog have lots of time for a longer walk, then the Chess Valley Walk is a great way to pass the time. This 10-mile walk passes through the natural beauty of the Chilterns, following the River Chess from Rickmansworth to Chesham.
Despite the length of the walk, the terrain is primarily flat and well-marked, making it easier and more accessible for paws not accustomed to challenging routes. Be sure to fuel them up with the right dog food before!
One of the plus points about this route is that both ends are well served by public transport. Both Chesham and Rickmansworth have London Underground stations on the Metropolitan Line.