Hertfordshire Walks
If it's big views and even bigger climbs you're looking for, these walks around Pegsdon Hills are among the most rewarding in Hertfordshire. From a short ascent to the summit of Deacon Hill to challenging full-day hikes across the surrounding landscape, every route promises a memorable adventure.
Download the Hertfordshire Walks App to follow these routes with real-time GPS navigation.
Walk information
This first route option is a short adventure to the peak of the beautiful Deacon Hill on the county border of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
There's a steep climb to the top, that the kids will no doubt enjoy, and then you're rewarded with some wonderful panoramic views before carefully descending back down.
Based on 4 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Hertfordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Make sure you go through the stile to the right. The one on the left takes you on a parallell path on the othher side of a fence which you cant cross to ger back on track
Parking is tricky. Find a layby or nearby side road and take care crossing!
Excellent walk with a view - our two year old managed the whole walk including the climb.
Walk information
The second option is basically a longer and more strenuous adventure deep into the heart of the beautiful Pegsdon Hills.
You'll first make the climb up to the top of Deacon Hill where you can enjoy the panoramic views and then embark on a wonderful loop of walking around the sharply undulating valley area between Noon Hill and Deacon Hill.
You'll then head back along the same path over the top of Deacon Hill, but it's so lovely up there, it's worth enjoying it twice in both directions.
Based on 6 user ratings
A very popular walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Hertfordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Very small free car park at the beginning. Make sure you go through the small wooden gate at the exit of the car park don't go over the metal car barrier gate as this will take you off course. There are some really big hills to conquer but well worth it as views are stunning definitely going to return maybe attempt a longer walk in early summer as paths a bit boggy in winter.
Free roaming sheep throughout, so dogs need to be kept on their leads. Paths get pretty slippy, so wear decent boots.
Walk information
This third walk option (the red-dotted route) is a longer version of the second walk.
It also takes you on an adventure deep into the wonderful Pegsdon Hills and then the Hoo Bit Nature Reserve, before then heading off on a big loop of hilly walking in the countryside to the north of Deacon Hill, exploring the Knocking Hoe nature reserve.
There is a lot of hill climbing on this route, so please go prepared with lots of energy!
Refreshments:
The View, Pegsdon
Based on 10 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Hertfordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Lovely walk - lots of hills at the beginning but amazing views
Beautiful walk, pub was fantastic, definitely go again and perhaps go off map!
More managable than I expected. Hilly sections, especially at the start but the views were worth it. It would be slippery on the hills when wet.
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk. Took about 2 hrs 45 mins. Beautiful views. Lots of up and down walking, lots in the open and lots in the woods.
Walk information
This fourth route option is a much longer and more strenuous adventure in this wonderful hilly area on the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire county border.
You'll first head off on a steep climb to the top of Deacon Hill where you'll enjoy panoramic views before the walk takes you on a journey around the dramatic hills of this area offering a great workout and some lovely views as you go.
After that, you'll explore the Hoo Bit nature reserve and the Telegraph Hill before then walking along the Lilley Hoo nature reserve to the south.
Then, after a bit of woodland walking, you'll head north and embark on a long and pretty countryside ramble along the Chiltern Way, all the way to the village of Pirton where you're rewarded with a well-earned country pub pit stop about three quarters of the way around the walk.
Be aware that this is a very long and hilly walk that will require suitable clothing, footwear, refreshments and energy levels.
Refreshments:
The Motte & Bailey, Pirton
Based on 4 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Hertfordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Overall excellent walk. Beware of the cows in Pirton
Walk information
This final route option is a truly epic adventure based on a route sent in from one of our Facebook group community and it takes in two glorious Nature Reserves, The Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve and the Barton Hills Nature Reserve.
After climbing up onto Deacon Hill to enjoy the wonderful views you'll then head off on a scenic and peaceful walk along the Icknield Way Trail. After a long walk you'll then join onto the John Bunyan Trail and the Chiltern Way to head back up towards the Barton Hills.
After another beautiful section of walking through the Reserve, you'll touch into the outskirts of Barton-Le-Clay before taking the John Bunyan trail back east towards the start point.
This is a very hilly and strenuous long walk so you'll be glad to know that this final section of walking is relatively flat compared to the first sections of the walk and there's an added bonus of two pubs to visit along the way.
Refreshments:
The View, Pegsdon
The Raven, Hexton
Based on 8 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Hertfordshire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
The View appears to be closed at the moment so i definitely recommend stopping at the Raven PH. The pub was dog friendly and offered affordable pub grub. The walk itself was stunning and the route map was once again faultless. Parking is limited so I certainly recommend getting an early start. Also this walk does require proper walking gear as you are regularly walking uneven ground and exposed to the elements.
Greta walk as part of heavy pack carrying training. The start was confusing and we almost missed the peak of the hill.
Great walk. A couple of hills for a challenge which were good training.
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1.5-7.75 miles
1.5-3.25 miles
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2.25 miles
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1.5-9.25 miles
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1-7 miles
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