There’s nothing quite like going for a hike when it’s snowing. I love how the countryside is completely transformed, turning everyday agricultural scenery into desolate wilderness (kinda) fit only for the adventurous and foolhardy.
I hopped on southbound train past Cambridge to the ancient market town of Royston, just inside the North Hertfordshire border and really only a stone’s throw (well just over 40 miles) from London. My destination was Baldock, eleven or so so miles to the south west.
Map showing route from Royston to Baldock
I arrived at Royston just before midday, it was snowing.
Royston town centre
I passed various historic buildings and signs. The Romans were busy here and King James enjoyed a spot of bowling.
King James was here
The good people of Royston were out on nearby Therfield Heath, sledging and having fun in the snow.
Sledging on Therfield Heath
I headed up the hill, which is also on the site of a golf course.
No buggies!
At the top of the hill is the entrance to a wood. As I walked through the trees I saw a hawk swoop on by, a small bird clutched tightly in its talons.
I left the woods and joined the Hertfordshire Way.
Herfordshire Way signpost
I quickly lost track of the Herfordshire Way signposts but luckily I had my compass with me so set a bearing westwards in the direction of Baldock and continued on my happy way.
For some reason I was surprised to see sheep out and about, not something we have much of in the Fens.
Sheep…
After some wandering I found myself on the Icknield Way.
Icknield Way signpost
This section was absolutely beautiful. I would have liked to have stayed on the trail but I really want to do the whole of the Icknield Way from start to finish, rather than half way along its length. I’ll leave that for another time.
On the Icknield Way
So I left the path, took another bearing westwards and continued on my way.
On the road to …ock
After a couple of miles of rather dreary road walking I found a footpath to take me the last four or so miles to Baldock.
But first a cuppa tea and chocolate bar under a railway bridge.
Ashell & Morden railway bridge
The last leg of the walk took me over white fields that seemed to disappear into the white horizon.
On the march to Park Wood, Bygrave
Hertfordshire is a county of many signposts.
At times it felt hard to believe I was just outside London, this really felt like walking on a desolate moor, rather than the home counties.
A wilderness of sorts
The trail took me through Park Wood, home of a number of Roman and Bronze Age barrows (not that I saw them in the snow).
Into Park Wood
I passed Sonny the horse.
Sonny
The last mile or so was along a snowy road. I took my harmonica out and played some blues riffs, It felt like the right thing to do.
The snowy road to Baldock
I had a short wait at Baldock before catching the train back to Ely. All in all a fine day’s hike in the snowy wilderness of North Hertfordshire.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Stunning pictures, Martin. Hope you gave Sonny a pat and a few words.
Heathland sledgers look like a Lowry in the countryside
Great photos Martin, especially the ‘No buggies’ shot, an award winner.
it was funny, I was wondering why there were all these large holes on the hillside…
A fine walk. The snow transforms everything, doesn’t it? Nice when it’s there — and nice when it’s gone. Loved the Royston Town Centre, the No Buggies and the broken signpost shots. And enjoyed the thought of you playing harmonica along that snowy road. Woody Guthrie came to mind!
Ah, Woody Gutherie, I sing songs while hiking, especially in the driving rain, it really helps! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Thanks martinxo – really enjoyable