Sunday Walk: Bluebells, Knebworth to Hitchin

11.6 miles, difficulty 4/10.

The big stars of this walk to Hitchin are the bluebells, first in Graffidge Wood and, later, Hitch and Wain woods. “Arguably the best bluebell walk in the SWC repertoire” said one admirer.

A variant of the Knebworth Circular, it goes through Knebworth Park, glimpses Knebworth House and, later, passes near the ancestral home of the Queen Mother. You also pass a church associated with that family, that’s worth a look. 

Trains: Get the 10:06 Cambridge  train from Kings Cross Platform 10  (Finsbury Park 10:12) arriving Knebworth 10:46.

Return from Hitchin at xx:57 and xx:29. There's also a slower one at xx:34 Get a return to Hitchin.

Lunch: The recommended choice, after you’ve turned onto the Hitchin walk, is the community-owned, CAMRA-recognised, Red Lion in Preston 01462 459585. You should reach this about 1:30. Booking advised. 

An earlier possibility would be a short diversion to the village of Whitwell, using the main (circular) directions (page 9), to find Emily's Teashop 01438 871928. (The Bull Inn there 01438 871513 also does food).

Tea: The directions recommend Halsey's Deli in Hitchin - Market Place, near St Mary's Church - open till 5.

If it's beer you're after, try the Half Moon, 57 Queen Street (01462 452 448), winner of several CAMRA awards .You'll find this on the right hand side where you would turn left into Bridge Street (para 25).

Walk Directions: here

If you prefer to use a printout, the pages needed are 6-9, then 21-25 At point 17 in the main walk, skip forward to page 21 to continue.  t=swc.353.variant