The best walks and hikes around Balls Wood
4.5
(1070)
7,150
hikers
528
hikes
Hikes around Balls Wood explore a 59-hectare ancient woodland and nature reserve in Hertfordshire. The area is characterized by a mix of mature hornbeam, oak, and conifer trees, with wide, sunny paths known as rides cutting through the woodland. The landscape also features more than 20 ponds and connects to the adjacent Hertford Heath Nature Reserve, offering varied environments for walking.
Best hiking trails around Balls Wood
- The most popular hiking route is the Hertford Heath Nature Reserve & Balls Wood loop, a 3.1 mile (5.0 km) trail that takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This easy route combines the woodland of Balls Wood with the open heathland of the neighboring reserve.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is the Public Byway and Open Fields – Hertford Heath Nature Reserve loop from Little Amwell, a moderate 5.7 mile (9.2 km) path. This route extends beyond the woods into the surrounding countryside, crossing open fields.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Little Red Box by the Tree – Hertford Heath Nature Reserve loop from Hertford Heath, a 2.9 mile (4.7 km) trail leading through a mix of woodland and heath, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Balls Wood is defined by ancient woodland paths, open heathland, and trails through the wider Hertfordshire countryside. The network of routes provides options for both short, easy walks and longer, more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Balls Wood are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. More than 6,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Balls Wood's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.0
(1)
16
hikers
4.92km
01:16
30m
30m
Explore ancient woodlands and open heathland on the easy 3.1-mile (4.9 km) Hertford Heath Nature Reserve & Balls Wood loop, featuring WWII B
4.3
(3)
13
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
5
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This nature reserve is an important habitat and Biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. It's a fine example of lowland heath on pebble gravels that supports a wide diversity of animal species.
1
0
Although I ignored this fence you should not do so unless the paths are very dry.
0
0
These ponds were created by German Bomb Craters from the Blitz in 1940/41
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Balls Wood?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Balls Wood, but they should be kept under close control to protect the sensitive wildlife and habitats within the nature reserve. The area is popular with dog walkers, especially on trails that combine woodland and open fields.
Are there any family-friendly walks in the area?
Absolutely. The region is well-suited for family outings, with many easy and relatively flat trails. A great option is the Hertford Heath Nature Reserve – Little Red Box by the Tree loop from Hertford Heath. It's a short, accessible walk that offers a wonderful introduction to the woodland and heathland scenery.
What is the general difficulty of the hikes around Balls Wood?
The hikes are generally easy to moderate. The terrain is mostly gentle, with well-maintained paths through woodland and heath. While there are over 500 routes to explore, the vast majority are suitable for regular walkers, with only a small number of trails classified as difficult.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, circular walks are very common in this area. They allow you to explore the diverse landscapes without retracing your steps. For a longer loop that takes you into the surrounding countryside, consider the Public Byway and Open Fields – Hertford Heath Nature Reserve loop from Little Amwell, which crosses open fields and public byways.
How do I get to Balls Wood and where can I park?
The main access to Balls Wood is via a footpath from The Roundings in the village of Hertford Heath. While there is no dedicated car park for the reserve itself, on-street parking is typically available in the village. Please be considerate of local residents when parking.
What kind of wildlife and plants can I see in Balls Wood?
Balls Wood is a designated nature reserve rich in biodiversity. The ancient woodland is famous for its spring bluebells and wood anemones. It's a habitat for birds like the great spotted woodpecker, butterflies such as the white admiral, and you might even spot reptiles like slow worms. The trees are a mix of ancient coppiced hornbeams, oak, and ash.
What are the 'wide sunny rides' in Balls Wood?
The 'rides' are wide, straight paths that cut through the woodland. They were intentionally widened by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust to let more sunlight reach the woodland floor. This encourages the growth of wildflowers and creates a perfect habitat for butterflies, making them a beautiful feature of any walk.
Is there a good time of year to visit for hiking?
Balls Wood offers a unique experience in every season. Spring is spectacular with its carpet of bluebells. Summer is ideal for spotting butterflies along the sunny rides. Autumn brings rich colours to the woodland, and winter offers stark, beautiful landscapes and the chance to see flocks of wintering birds.
Are there any pubs nearby for a meal after a walk?
Yes, the College Arms pub is located in the village of Hertford Heath, very close to the main footpath entrance to Balls Wood, making it a convenient and popular spot for walkers to get refreshments after their hike.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Balls Wood?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient woodland, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful mix of woodland and open heathland scenery.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
Yes, if you're looking for a longer outing, there are routes that extend into the wider countryside. The Amwell Nature Reserve – Hertford Heath Nature Reserve loop from Little Amwell is a moderate hike of over 10 km that connects multiple nature reserves, offering a more substantial challenge.
Most popular routes around Balls Wood
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
