The Woodman Wildhill: Walking tips

What to take on your rambles

Photograph of walking boots, Ordnance Survey maps and OS app

The list of suggestions below is to help you enjoy our walks to the maximum. They cover what you should take and how you can contribute to the enjoyment of others trying the walks.

Wheelchairs and pushchairs

The majority of our walks are along narrow footpaths, involve sections that can be muddy at times, and cross undulating countryside. Hertfordshire County Council's Rights of Way team has done a great job replacing old stiles and wooden gates with wider, aluminium gates, but there are still parts of the county‘s network of public footpaths, bridleways, and byways that would be difficult for those attempting the walks with a wheelchair or pushchair.

Back-up map

We recommend anyone wanting to explore the 10 routes carry a copy of the Ordnance Survey Explorer map 182, St Albans & Hatfield, or download and use the Ordnance Survey mobile app.

What to wear

We recommend you wear water-resistant boots for our walks. Some of the footpaths cross fields of wheat or rape, which can result in you getting wet after rain or in the early morning. Also, many paths go through long grass, which can be heavy with dew if you are starting the walks early. There are also plenty of nettles, brambles and thistles in places, so we recommend you wear long trousers that dry out quickly, and maybe carry a stick to push back stinging or spiky plants.

Insects

There is always the risk of being bitten by an insect when walking in the local countryside. The NHS has issued some simple advice on avoiding insect bites, particularly from ticks. To reduce the risk of being bitten:

cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks.
use insect repellent on your clothes and skin.
stick to paths whenever possible.
wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off.

Livestock

Some of the walks go through fields where livestock graze. At certain times of the year, particularly during the spring and summer, animals may be more frisky. Please take care at all times. And if you have dogs, please obey any warning signs or requests to keep your pets on a lead.

We love hearing from people who have enjoyed our walks. Please leave a comment in the box beneath every walk. You might have spotted a mistake in the directions, or you might have a suggestion to make about the route, or some other information to share about the local history or environment. All contributions are welcome. Comments are pre-moderated, so there will be a delay in your comments going live. You can also contact the site by email using the form to the bottom right of any page.