The best walks and hikes around Sawbridgeworth
4.5
(534)
3,261
hikers
40
hikes
Hikes around Sawbridgeworth explore a landscape of gentle countryside and riverside scenery. The region is characterized by level towpaths along the River Stort, which are complemented by routes through local woodlands and open agricultural fields. The terrain is predominantly flat with some minor inclines, offering accessible walks through the East Hertfordshire landscape.
Best hiking trails around Sawbridgeworth
- The most popular hiking route is River Stort Towpath – River Stort Navigation loop from Sawbridgeworth, a 6.5 mile (10.5 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to complete. This route follows the scenic towpath along the river.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Gravel Pit Coppice loop from Sawbridgeworth, an easy 4.6 mile (7.4 km) path. The trail features level terrain through woodland areas.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Pishiobury Park – River Stort Towpath loop from High Wych, a 3.8 mile (6.1 km) trail leading through historic parkland, often completed in about 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Hiking around Sawbridgeworth is defined by waterside walks along the River Stort, paths through woodlands, and trails crossing open meadows. The network of routes provides options suitable for different fitness levels.
- The routes in Sawbridgeworth are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 270 reviews. More than 1,700 hikers have used komoot to explore Sawbridgeworth's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
4.1
(7)
21
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.5
(2)
27
hikers
6.57km
01:43
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
21
hikers
17.4km
04:26
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
23
hikers
12.9km
03:18
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Nice path along the canal with views.
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Walking through Harlow on a Sunday was quiet an Experience 🎒👋
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Beautiful grade II listed building. Here is what the official entry says: "2. Mid C16 double fronted house. Exposed post and panel timber-framing, steep red tile pitched roofs. Two and a half storeys. North elevation to Bridge Street has jettied first floor and jettied second floor twin gables. Ground floor has central door flanked by modern mullion and transom windows in original positions and one old mullioned 2-light window. Two modern mullioned oriels on first floor and band of 5 blocked original mullioned 2-light windows. Cable moulded bressummer and carved angle post. Gables have mullioned 2-light windows and pendants to apexes and wall plates. Early C17 extension to west. Two storeys, one bay. Jettied first floor with C19 horizontal sash window. East elevation to Devoils lane has original mullion windows on ground and first floors. Plastered 2-storey, one bay, jettied extension to south with ground and first floor C18 sash windows. Further extension to south. Early C17, matching west extension of north elevation. Two storeys. Jettied, half-timbered first floor with one old mullioned window and 3 modern casements. Interior. Exposed dragon beam in ground floor, much restoration. (RCHM (1911) 65)." (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1101601?section=official-list-entry)
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Nice historic builing now hosting a restaurant/bar with a relaxed terasse on the upper floor. Good place for a break with a view to enjoy good weather.
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An evil climb westbound, no plainer way of saying it. Is at its worst between Sawbridgeworth FP 27 and the bend to the right. There's roughly a 65 foot height differential between the two ends.
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An awkward climb westbound. Awkward because it's steep, but the cars can get pretty fast, which increases the disparity between your speed and theirs. You will also need to pull out in order to get past cars parked on the road. If you are approaching here from the east, having sat waiting for the gates to go up on the level crossing at the station, I advise letting the queue of cars pass you before proceeding. Easy flowing downhill eastbound, with no parked cars.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the walks around Sawbridgeworth suitable for families?
Yes, many trails are great for families. The area is known for its level terrain, especially the towpaths along the River Stort, which are perfect for all ages. A good option is the Full of Beans Cafe – River Stort Towpath loop from Sawbridgeworth, an easy 4.5-mile (7.4 km) walk with a convenient cafe stop.
Can I take my dog on the trails near Sawbridgeworth?
The footpaths along the River Stort are generally well-suited for dog walking, offering long, level stretches away from traffic. However, always be mindful of wildlife, anglers, and other path users. It's recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near nesting birds or livestock in adjacent fields.
Are there any circular walks that start and end in Sawbridgeworth?
Yes, Sawbridgeworth is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. The region's network of footpaths and towpaths allows for many loop options. For a moderate walk that combines riverside scenery with local cafes, consider the 8.4-mile (13.6 km) The Miller's Cottage – Full of Beans Cafe loop from St James' Park.
What is the scenery like on the River Stort towpath walks?
The towpath along the River Stort offers classic English countryside scenery. You can expect to see a variety of canal boats, locks, and weirs. The path is lined with willow and alder trees and provides excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife, including water voles and diverse birdlife. It's a peaceful and predominantly flat walking experience.
How many hiking trails are there around Sawbridgeworth?
There are over 40 curated hiking routes to explore around Sawbridgeworth on komoot. These range from easy, short loops perfect for a quick stroll to more moderate, longer hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Sawbridgeworth?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the peaceful, scenic walks along the River Stort Navigation and the well-maintained, level towpaths. The mix of riverside paths, quiet woodlands, and open fields is also a commonly highlighted feature.
Are there any walks that can be started from a train station?
Yes, Sawbridgeworth railway station is a convenient starting point for many walks. You can easily access the River Stort towpath from the station for linear or circular routes. This makes it easy to explore the area using public transport.
Where can I park for a walk in Sawbridgeworth?
Sawbridgeworth has several public car parks in the town centre, which are a short walk from the River Stort towpath. For walks starting in specific locations like Pishiobury Park, there are often dedicated parking areas available. Always check local signage for any time restrictions or fees.
Are there any woodland walks in the area?
While the river is a main feature, there are lovely woodland trails to explore. Nearby Hatfield Forest is a significant ancient woodland, and local routes often incorporate smaller woods and coppices. These paths offer a different experience from the open riverside, with more shade and varied flora.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The River Stort and its surroundings are rich in wildlife. Keep an eye out for water voles along the riverbanks, as well as kingfishers, herons, and various ducks and swans on the water. The nearby woodlands and parks, like Pishiobury Park, are home to a diverse bird population and other woodland creatures.
How difficult are the hikes around Sawbridgeworth?
The majority of hikes in this area are rated as easy. The landscape is predominantly flat, especially along the river, with only minor inclines on routes that venture further into the countryside. This makes Sawbridgeworth an accessible destination for walkers of most fitness levels.
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