The best walks and hikes around Great Amwell
4.5
(1088)
7,023
hikers
26
hikes
Hiking around Great Amwell offers diverse landscapes, characterized by historic waterways, nature reserves, and woodlands. The region features the New River and River Lea, providing mostly flat riverside trails. Notable natural features include the Amwell Nature Reserve with its lakes and reedbeds, and Easneye Wood, offering varied woodland paths. The terrain is generally gentle, with minimal elevation gain across many routes.
Best hiking trails around Great Amwell
- The most popular hiking route is Stanstead Abbotts & Broxbourne loop via Greenwich Meridian Way, a 8.3 miles (13.4 km) moderate trail that takes about 3 hours 24 minutes to complete, following the historic New River.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Easneye Wood – Top of Hollycross loop from Great Amwell, an easy 4.3 miles (7.0 km) path. This route leads through the scenic Easneye Wood, offering tranquil woodland scenery.
- Local hikers also love the Amwell Nature Reserve – View of Amwell Nature Reserve loop from St Margarets, a 6.7 miles (10.8 km) trail leading through the Amwell Nature Reserve, often completed in about 2 hours 47 minutes.
- Hiking around Great Amwell is defined by historic waterways like the New River, the River Lea, and the ecological richness of Amwell Nature Reserve and Easneye Wood. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and more challenging ability levels.
- The routes in Great Amwell are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 350 reviews. More than 2,800 hikers have used komoot to explore Great Amwell's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
4.9
(7)
15
hikers
13.4km
03:24
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(18)
46
hikers
6.97km
01:50
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(12)
61
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
58
hikers
8.40km
02:10
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(7)
45
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This is a lovely lock located along the River Lea, close to the Amwell Nature Reserve. The area features a lockkeepers cottage and beautiful scenery all around, making it very picturesque. The lock is known to be one of the trickiest to negotiate along the river, so if you're there whilst a boat is passing, you'll be able to watch these savvy boaters navigate their way through.
2
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Beautiful area of walking along the River Lee Navigation. Opportunities to spot baby Gosling, Ducklings & baby Cygnets.
1
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This beautiful woodland is moments away from the busy towns of Ware and Stanstead Abbotts in Hertfordshire. This is a great place for spotting Red Kite's if you're keen on birdwatching.
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Hertford Lock 1 is situated along the River Lea on the eastern side of Hartham Common. The lockkeepers' cottage is very pretty and a lovely backdrop for a photo.
4
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It's a shame you can't ride through here but it's still a nice place for a rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Great Amwell?
There are over 25 hiking trails around Great Amwell, offering a variety of experiences. These include routes along historic waterways, through nature reserves, and into woodlands.
Are there easy or beginner-friendly hiking options in Great Amwell?
Yes, Great Amwell is well-suited for easy and beginner-friendly hikes. Over half of the trails are rated as easy, featuring mostly gentle terrain with minimal elevation gain, especially along the New River and River Lea.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on hikes in Great Amwell?
Hikes in Great Amwell feature diverse natural landscapes. You can explore the historic New River and River Lea, the rich habitats of Amwell Nature Reserve with its lakes and reedbeds, and the tranquil woodlands of Easneye Wood. The area is also known for its wildlife, including various bird species and dragonflies.
Are there any circular walks available in Great Amwell?
Yes, many of the trails around Great Amwell are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Easneye Wood – Top of Hollycross loop from Great Amwell is an easy circular route through scenic woodland.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Great Amwell?
Many trails in Great Amwell are dog-friendly, particularly those along the New River and River Lea, and through Easneye Wood. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially in nature reserve areas where wildlife is abundant, and check for any specific signage regarding dog access.
What historical landmarks or points of interest can I discover while hiking?
Great Amwell's trails offer several historical points of interest. You can walk along the 17th-century New River, visit the medieval St. John the Baptist Church with its historic churchyard, or seek out Emma's Well, an original source for the New River. Traces of an Iron Age hill fort and a large tumulus at Barrowfield also add historical depth to your walks.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Great Amwell?
Great Amwell offers enjoyable hiking year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, while summer is ideal for exploring the Amwell Nature Reserve's Dragonfly Trail (May to September). Autumn provides beautiful foliage in Easneye Wood, and winter offers peaceful, crisp walks along the waterways.
Are there family-friendly hiking routes in Great Amwell?
Absolutely. The generally flat terrain along the New River and River Lea makes many routes suitable for families. The Easneye Wood – Top of Hollycross loop from Great Amwell is an easy 4.3-mile path that is popular with families, offering tranquil woodland scenery.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Great Amwell?
The trails in Great Amwell are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 350 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful riverside paths, the rich wildlife viewing opportunities in Amwell Nature Reserve, and the well-maintained woodland trails.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the hiking trails in Great Amwell?
Yes, Great Amwell and its surrounding villages offer several pubs and cafes where you can refresh after your hike. Many routes pass close to local establishments, providing convenient stops for food and drink.
How can I access the New River Path from Great Amwell?
Great Amwell is a significant point along the New River, making the New River Path directly accessible from the village. This 28-mile waymarked footpath offers mostly flat and scenic walks through open countryside.
Is there parking available for hikers in Great Amwell?
Yes, parking is generally available in and around Great Amwell, including designated car parks near popular trailheads and local amenities. It's advisable to check specific starting points for the most convenient parking options.
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