There are several pleasant walking routes around Datchworth, including the Datchworth Loop, which takes you through picturesque lanes, fields, and woodland areas.
Nearest town: Stevenage
Duration: Around 2 hours
The walks vary in length and difficulty, making them suitable for both casual strollers and avid hikers. Along the way, you’ll enjoy tranquil countryside views, especially around Datchworth Green, the village’s centerpiece.
Food and Drink
For refreshments, the village boasts a couple of excellent venues:
The Tilbury: This contemporary pub and restaurant offers a mix of refined dishes and classic favourites. It’s a great choice for a hearty meal or a relaxing drink after your walk. Pets are allowed in certain areas of the pub so it is better to check in advance.
Datchworth Coffee: This cosy café on Datchworth Green serves up delicious coffee, breakfasts, light lunches, and homemade cakes. It’s dog-friendly, making it an ideal stop if you’re walking with your furry companion.
Local Attractions
Datchworth is rich in history, with its green being a focal point since medieval times. You can also visit the nearby St. Mary’s Church, an architectural gem, and Datchworth Village Hall, which often hosts community events. For a touch of local legend, don’t miss the Datchworth Stocks, a quirky historical artifact that dates back centuries.
If you are anything like me, and had to google what on earth I mean here, stocks are feet restraining devices that were used as a form of corporal punishment and public humiliation. Standing at the eastern side of Datchworth Green is the whipping post. Its last recorded use was on 27 July 1665 when two wanderers were publicly flogged. Stocks stood near the post too, but there is no trace of them now. The stocks are thought to have been removed in 1899, however, there are stocks located close to All Saints' Church. Which I thought was a rather unusually violent piece of Hertfordshire's history.
Free OS Map link area: Datchworth | OS Maps
Free OS Map link to this precise route: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/24215885/herts-45-datchworth?lat=51.854895&lon=-0.172747&zoom=14.9219&style=Leisure&type=2d
Comments