The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Great Amwell

There are over 25 family-friendly hiking trails around Great Amwell, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures. This guide focuses on routes specifically chosen for their suitability for families.

Great Amwell offers a diverse range of landscapes perfect for families. You can expect scenic walks along historic waterways like the New River and River Lea, tranquil paths through woodlands such as Easneye Wood, and rich wetlands at the Amwell Nature Reserve, which is great for wildlife spotting.

Yes, Great Amwell has several easy circular routes. For a pleasant woodland experience, consider the Easneye Wood – Top of Hollycross loop from Great Amwell, which is about 7 km (4.3 miles) and takes under 2 hours. Another great option is the Easneye Wood – Amwell Nature Reserve loop from St Margarets, also around 7 km, offering a mix of woodland and nature reserve views.

The Amwell Nature Reserve is an excellent choice for wildlife spotting. It's an internationally important site for wintering wildfowl and boasts a vibrant community of breeding birds, dragonflies, and damselflies. The dedicated Dragonfly Trail is particularly active from May to September. You can explore this area on the Amwell Nature Reserve – View of Amwell Nature Reserve loop from St Margarets.

Absolutely! Many routes in Great Amwell follow historic waterways like the New River, an aqueduct built in the 17th century. You can also find the Chadwell Spring, the original source of the New River, and the New River Source Monument. For a broader historical experience, Hertford Castle is a notable attraction nearby.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Great Amwell, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the area's beautiful riverside paths, tranquil woodlands, and the abundance of wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for family outings.

For families looking for a longer adventure, the Stanstead Abbotts & Broxbourne loop via Greenwich Meridian Way is a moderate 13.4 km (8.3 miles) trail that takes around 3 hours 24 minutes. It follows the historic New River, offering continuous waterside views.

Great Amwell is enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for spotting wildflowers and enjoying the vibrant wildlife, especially dragonflies at Amwell Nature Reserve (May-September). Autumn offers beautiful foliage, and even winter walks can be charming, particularly along the waterways. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Many of the trails in Great Amwell are accessible from nearby towns like Ware or St Margarets, which have train stations. The River Lea Navigation Path, for example, offers continuous waterside walks that can be joined from various points, often close to public transport links.

Yes, the villages surrounding Great Amwell, such as Ware and Stanstead Abbotts, offer pubs and cafes where you can grab a bite. Many scenic spots along the New River and River Lea, as well as within Easneye Wood and Amwell Nature Reserve, are perfect for a family picnic.

Given the varied terrain, including riverside paths and woodlands, comfortable walking shoes or boots are recommended. Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather, and bring waterproofs, especially during cooler or wetter months. Sun protection is advisable in summer.