Here are five local trail runs, all starting or within a short drive from Harpenden.
1. Heartwood Forest
Heartwood Forest which covers 858-acres is cared for by the Woodland Trust and has many trail paths to explore, each visit offers a different run experience. In Spring, the woods are carpeted in bright bluebells, early summer sees the return of the beautiful wildflower meadows, the strong Autumnal colours are truly stunning and when the winter frosts and snow finally arrive the frosted trails make a great playground for more adventures! According to the Woodland Trust, Heartwood Forest is the largest continuous new native forest in England; “a place where everyone can find space, peace, wildlife and miles of beautiful woodland to explore.”
2. The Ayots & Shaws Corner
Nestled deep in the Hertfordshire countryside, The Ayots offer plenty of rural trails to explore. The Ayot Greenway is a rail trail which extends 3 miles from Ayot St Peter to Wheathampstead. The routes here are varied and include crossing fields and farmlands (when all dogs must be held on a lead or harness).
Our routes often pass by Shaw's Corner, the home of playwright George Bernard Shaw, which is now cared for by the National Trust. In the summer the footpaths lead you through the many fields of tall wheat, and where the dogs have only you to guide them. In the winter months this route is definitely muddy, and this is when the warm wash & shampoo comes in handy!
3. Wheathampstead & River Lea Circular
This is perfect for early morning trails in the warmer summer months. All trails start in Wheathampstead village and follow the River Lea along the bank. The dogs love having the opportunity to drop in and out for a paddle before heading up-hill to follow the well trodden Heritage trail. It is common to meet other dog walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers catching the early morning views and sunrise.
4. Redbournbury Mill & the River Ver
This 8km trail starts close to Harpenden Rugby Club. Follow the footpaths across the fields to meet the River Ver, a chalk stream where the dogs have an opportunity to paddle and play. The trail then takes you passed Redbournbury Mill, which now operates as a working museum and craft bakery, worth a rest-stop if the bakery is open! You complete the circular route heading up the hill towards Harpenden Common and returning back to the Rugby Club through Rothampstead Manor.
5. Harpenden Common leading to the Childwickbury Estate
This trail is a longer route out to Childwickbury covering a distance of 10km. Childwickbury is a small hamlet situated between Harpenden & St Albans. Childwickbury Manor House sits in beautiful parklands with a long sweeping drive, once through the grounds pass the PYO fruit farm before returning back along the fields and skirting the edges of Harpenden Golf Course to complete the circular on Harpenden Common.
If you would like to introduce your dog to the joys of running in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside or would like more information on our trail routes, please get in touch at hello@rundog.info.
Lorna
Founder of RunDog, Harpenden
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