Dykes, Bunyans and Wicked Ladies
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We will start at Nomansland common and head close to the Wicked Lady pub, named after the famous 17th century highway woman. We will soon pass the remaining chimney stack of John Bunyan’s cottage (17th century, author of Pilgrim’s Progress) and then follow a sunken green lane to the Brocket Hall estate.
After crossing the River Lee, we will navigate through the grounds at the rear of the hall before arriving into the first of the ‘Ayots’ villages, Ayot Green. A short stretch of disused railway (the Ayot Greenway, previously carrying trains between Welwyn Garden City and Dunstable) will take us deeper into tranquil Hertfordshire countryside. We pass Bladder wood and Stocking Spring wood before arriving at Ayot St. Lawrence where we will stop for lunch - there is a pleasant pub here
After lunch there will be time to take in the ruined (for romantic effect!) original church and the Grecian new church. We will then take paths through woodland and fields back to the outskirts of Wheathamstead where we will take in the Roman fortification of Devil’s Dyke (1st Century BC) before we head back to Nomansland.
Don't waste that space!
Summer walks get busy so please only book if you know you can make it. If your plans change please free up the space for someone else.
Is it dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on the walk, but please abide by the Countryside Code (https://tinyurl.com/rlqvp3h). Please also remember not everyone loves dogs as much as you do so please be mindful of other members.
New Members
Please feel free to join this as your first OutdoorLads event. If you have any questions then feel free to message me, or go to the "My First Event" section under "About Us".
Image / photo credits: All images taken by the event leader with permission for ODL use.
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
Bring a packed lunch - there is a pub at Ayott St Lawrence (just over midway) and at the end of the walk