Wheathampstead - Ayot Green - Brocket Park - Wheathampstead

Brian and Anne Sandland

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Wheathampstead - Ayot Green - Brocket Park - River Lee - Wheathampstead

Soon after leaving the town you join the superb track which follows the route of a former railway line. You will stay on this track for several miles before turning off to walk into Ayot Green. The next leg takes you through Brocket Park, much of which is now taken up by the Palmerston Golf Course. The park was landscaped by Capability Brown and has the inevitable Palatine bridge at one end of its lake. The Hall has a colourful history. It was owned successively by Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston (each in their turn Prime Minister and related by marriage). It is alleged that the wife of Melbourne had a number of affairs and was involved in some unusual activities at the Hall. Palmerston (whose nickname, it seems, was Cupid) died at the Hall and according to one version he died on the billiard table in an amorous embrace - but not with his wife. Other notable visitors to the Hall included the Prince Regent and Queen Victoria, although there are no allegations about the latter's behaviour whilst there. The Hall was sold by the third Baron Brocket whilst in prison for insurance fraud. It has been converted into a hotel and golf club. The last leg follows the River Lee back to Wheathampstead and halfway, at Waterend, you pass a fine Tudor house.

England - Central England - Hertfordshire - Countryside

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Church, Flowers, Food Shop, Good for Kids, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Mostly Flat, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Stately Home, Tea Shop, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland

9/1/2015 - Brian and Anne Sandland

After turning left just beyond the postbox (see Waypoint 9) the route parallels the river all the way back to Wheathampstead so if walkers bear that in mind they will not end up back on the railway track and should not go astray.

8/20/2015 - mark archer

An enjoyable walk, although it really only got going upon reaching Ayot Green - two miles along a disused railway track is precisely that and it got a bit the same, however Ayot Green was a gem. Good instructions throughout although beyond Waypoint 10 where it says 'stay on this path' after the ford. Well I did and ended back at the disused railway track. It should say, 'where the wider track bends right, continue straight ahead.' Anyway, thank you Brian and Anne for a lovely walk!