Thundridge - Barwick Ford - Thundridge

Graham Blamey

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This walk follows part of the Hertfordshire Way from the village of Thundridge. After passing the ancient moated church tower, we climb away from the River Rib Valley, cross a small plateau and descend to rejoin the river at Barwick Ford. Crossing and re-crossing the river, we climb again, into the woods around Plashes Farm, where muntjac deer can sometimes be heard, if not seen. Crossing the busy A10 at Colliers End, we find our way through old pasture fields and woods to a short section of tarmac-walking. Then a bridleway along-side the dried-up River Bourne takes us back to the start.

England - Central England - Hertfordshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Church, Flowers, Pub, River, Wildlife, Woodland

2/19/2023 - Janine Tregelles

We undertook this walk on the 18th February 2023. Beautiful warm day. Thoroughly enjoyed every second . The countryside looked magnificent and it was a joy to have warm sunshine . No mud!

7/16/2017 - Kevin Hilton

As it's been 8 years since anyone commented on this walk, I thought I would write a few words. We did this circuit early one morning in July. It is wonderful. Lots of variety, well maintained paths all the way and excellent signage. Plus there's a choice of pubs at the end. Thank you Graham.

5/20/2009 - Walkingworld Administrator

Many thanks to Adrian Perkins for updating this walk May 2009. He wrote: It is a completely wonderful walk - one of the very best.

1/5/2008 - Esther Venning

We've just come back from this walk, a good circular though very muddy in places due rain and horses. Suggest going in reverse to this route as the last 2 miles or so are quite dull in winter (and muddy). Lovely fords on the other stretch though.

4/27/2007 - Robin Philpott

I seem to keep coming back to this walk and it really is lovely. I'm not sure if I should mention running on a walking website but yesterday I ran this route and would recommend it for a decent but hilly workout.

4/16/2007 - Robin Philpott

I did this one again on a lovely sunny 15/04/07 and it's a real treat. Lots of birdlife and butterflies throughout the route and several sightings of muntjac deer. I measured it with GPS at 13.42km.

6/29/2006 - Robin Philpott

I did this walk in June 2006 and it is very enjoyable. Note that at point 15/16 on leaving the wood follow the path down to the new A10 and pass under it. The route just about disappears here in the undergrowth and is not clearly signed but go straight ahead along the field edge to a tall hedge and then follow this, keeping the hedge on your right, all the way uphill to St Mary's church and the old A10.

10/2/2005 - Laurence & Christine Marchant

Laurence & Christine Marchant

At point 2 a visit to the ruined church tower is worth the effort to read the Victorian Graffiti.

10/2/2005 - Laurence & Christine Marchant

Laurence & Christine Marchant

We comleted this walk today, 02/10/05 and we enjoyed it very much.

At point 2 after passing under the new road bridge you now need to turn left at way marked sign to Cold Christmas.

At point 15 / 16 after leaving the woods pass under the new A10 road then continue as described through the fields to the church and the old A10 road.

8/20/2004 - Sue hedges

I lead a couple of circular walks from Thundridge which can be combined to make a whole day of about ten miles. There is a new permissionary path at Barwick [first right after the ford] this leads the walker back to a lane near Sawtrees farm. Very pleasant low level walking. There is a 'pubby' pub in Thundridge at the South end of the village on the A10 'The Sow & Pigs'. They welcome walkers & allow parking. Sue Hedges