4.5
(804)
4,956
hikers
13
hikes
Hikes around Ickleford explore the gentle countryside of North Hertfordshire. The landscape is characterized by open fields, pockets of woodland, and paths that follow the rare chalk streams of the River Hiz and River Oughton. The terrain is generally flat, making it suitable for leisurely circular walks from Ickleford through the region's nature reserves and along historic trackways.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
4.4
(7)
29
hikers
7.85km
02:03
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
12
hikers
5.28km
01:20
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
4.89km
01:18
50m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
hikers
12.4km
03:12
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
6
hikers
16.0km
04:08
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. 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
The staircase includes tyre rails/tracks on the side to aid dragging up & down bikes, which fit my 40 mm gravel tyres and helped with the bikepacking load.
1
0
This is a scenic, elevated path with a punchy climb if coming from the west; watch out for the metal rail sticking out of the ground. It does not seem to be the "official" Icknield Way, as the latter concerns a bridleway further south on direct route to Ickleford.
0
0
Found this a little bit of a challenge with my fully loaded bikepacking bike with plus sized tyres. Good idea having the little track at the side of the steps but I found it a little narrow. Oh yes, the bridge literally reverberates when the trains go underneath.
0
0
veer off the Greenway slightly from Wilbury Hill, towards Ickleford. Down the track for a beautiful view of the lavender fields.
0
0
Icknield Loop, nice view of surrounding hills and lavender fields at Caldwell Farm.
0
0
birds seen here include swans geese kingfishers erget and grebe, there are also numerous ducks.
0
0
Yes, many trails in the Ickleford area are great for walking with dogs. The paths around Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve and Ickleford Common are particularly popular with dog walkers. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near wildlife and the English Longhorn Cattle that sometimes graze in the reserves.
The region is well-suited for families, with generally flat terrain and several short routes. There are over 9 easy-rated hikes to choose from. For a straightforward and pleasant outing, consider the Hiking loop from Ickleford, which is a gentle 6 km walk that's manageable for most fitness levels.
For walks setting off from the village, many people park near Ickleford Common. It's a convenient starting point for several local routes and reviews mention it has a number of parking places available.
The area is rich in natural beauty. A highlight for many is the Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve, a highly-regarded local spot known for its clear chalk streams and diverse wildlife. You can also explore the tranquil paths along the River Hiz at New Pound Farm, another area praised for its natural scenery.
Yes, you can plan a route that combines a good walk with a pub stop. The Pirton Toot Hill – Church Café loop from Ickleford is a moderate hike that passes through the village of Pirton, where you can find places for refreshments before looping back.
Walking along the River Hiz offers a peaceful experience. The river is a rare chalk stream, characterized by clear water and abundant wildlife. The paths are typically flat and well-trodden, making for a relaxing walk through the Hertfordshire countryside.
While most trails are gentle, there are options for a longer day out. The Standalone Farm – Norton Common Nature Reserve loop from Ickleford is a moderate hike of over 16 km that takes you through varied landscapes, including the Norton Common Nature Reserve.
The Icknield Way Path is an ancient trackway, often called the oldest road in Britain. Ickleford lies directly on its route, and numerous local footpaths connect the village to this historic trail, allowing you to walk a section of it as part of a longer hike.
There are over a dozen curated hiking routes starting in and around Ickleford. These range from short, easy loops perfect for a quick stroll to more moderate, longer hikes that explore the wider region.
The trails around Ickleford are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the peaceful riverside paths along the rare chalk streams and the well-maintained trails through scenic nature reserves like Oughtonhead Common.
Yes, there are several routes connecting Ickleford to neighbouring villages. A popular choice is the walk to Pirton, which often incorporates parts of the Icknield Way Path. You can also find trails leading towards Letchworth Garden City, passing through local nature reserves.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.