Woodland trail through bluebell-covered forest in Hertfordshire — a spring walk full of colour, stillness, and old paths.

Hertfordshire – Chalk Hills, Woodland, and River Valleys

Rolling countryside, wooded commons, and quiet routes north of London

Hertfordshire is a county of chalk hills, woodland, farmland, and river valleys in the East of England. Walking routes cross the Chilterns National Landscape in the west and follow the River Lea through meadows and parkland, linking places such as Tring, Berkhamsted, St Albans, Hertford, and Ware across gently rolling ground shaped by chalk ridges and hedged fields. The Ridgeway National Trail enters the county near Tring, adding a long-distance route across the highest ground before continuing east.

Much of the terrain is firm and varied underfoot. Footpaths, bridleways, canal towpaths, and woodland tracks allow steady progress through countryside that alternates between open views and tree cover. Gradients are generally moderate, with short climbs onto chalk ridges and easier walking along valley floors.

The character changes gradually across the county. The Chilterns bring beech woodland, commons, and dry valleys typical of chalk landscapes, while the Lea Valley provides flatter riverside walking between historic towns. Central areas remain largely agricultural, with small villages, hedged lanes, and scattered woodland.

Settlements are frequent but compact, making it easy to move between towns and countryside on foot.

Trails and Routes Through Hertfordshire

The Ridgeway (National Trail)

A long-distance route crossing the chalk hills near Tring and Ivinghoe Beacon, linking open ridge walking with wide views.

Chiltern Way

A circular long-distance route passing through woodland and chalk landscapes in the west of the county.

Lea Valley Walk

Riverside walking following the River Lea between Hertford, Ware, and south toward London through meadows and parkland.

Grand Union Canal Towpath

Level walking along the canal between Tring, Berkhamsted, and Hemel Hempstead.

Walking Character

Chalk hills and gentle ridgelines
Beech woodland, commons, and farmland
Riverside and canal-side paths
Hedged lanes and small villages
Moderate terrain with short climbs
Frequent towns and access points

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hertfordshire located?

Hertfordshire lies in the East of England, directly north of London, bordered by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, and Buckinghamshire.

What defines walking in Hertfordshire?

Chalk hills, woodland, and river valleys create varied but generally moderate terrain with a mix of ridge, woodland, and riverside routes.

Are there long-distance trails here?

Yes. Routes such as the Ridgeway, Chiltern Way, and Lea Valley Walk pass through the county.

Is the terrain hilly?

Gently rolling rather than steep, with short climbs onto chalk ridges and easier valley walking.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring through autumn offers the best conditions, particularly when woodland and meadow paths are dry.