Ware walks

[Matt40]

Hi,

I always think one of the nicest scenic roads around Ware is Anchor Lane. I noticed for the first time as I turned right from Anchor Lane to to go up the hill towards Ware that there is a huge gate on the left that I presumed was a driveway but it seems to be a road that google earth says is thundridge circular walk or something. Does anyone know this or been for walks here by that river? It looks lovely, going to drag my kids up there for exercise I think.

Matt

[RichardH]

That's the main gates into Youngsbury. You can't go through that gate, but you can get into Youngsbury by walking down to the left of the Feathers along Youngsbury Lane and through the gate. The path then joins the road through Youngsbury - under the A10 and into the grounds. Dogs on leads, and keep to the paths, as there are lambs in the field. You walk through the grounds and eventually come out at North Drive. Turn right up the hill and over down again, and you will walk along the edge of Youngsbury. Either keep following the track down to the ford, cross it and tunr right, or where the track breaks to the left go straight on along the footpath and into the fields - follow the path along and to the right over a couple of footbridges and you will end up at the old Church. (Which you will also do if coming from the ford). Keep following the path and then turn right under the A10, follow along the south bank of the Rib and you'll be brought back into Wadesmill, just near the village shop.

The White Horse and also the garage in High Cross have leaflets with details of these walks and more.

[Matt40]

Thanks for the info. I'll print this off. I can feel a good walk being planned for next weekend now

[RichardH]

Take a look here for more. There are several Thundridge and Wadesmill walks that incorporate parts of my suggested route - the first Wadesmill one suggested it as half of a figure of 8. The Thundridge ones also use parts of it.

[Matt40]

Thanks for that link. There's enough walks on there to last a lifetime.

[Matt40]

I finally got to walk around this fine place today, spring is finally coming out. Thanks for all the information. It's a lovely up there. Who owns the estate and does it open to the public? I felt like a naughty school boy peering in!

[RichardH]

It is privately owned, but as long as you stick to the footpaths (and keep dogs on leads - sheep & horses roam free) you're fine. The house is not open to the public - though they were doing some filming up there last week for series 2 of "The Crown" (Netflix) - so you may get to peek inside some parts of it!

[Matt40]

Can you cycle it as well? Some parts of it lend itself well to biking e.g. around the ford. The place even has it's own motorway bridges to get in! I was interested in buying a house in Wadesmill a while back but ouldn't convince the other half (practicalities of kids transport etc). I wish I had insisted a bit more.

[RichardH]

Yes, most of the paths are bridleways so you should be good to go!

I recommend you get yourself a copy of the Ordnance Survey OS Explorer Map 194 - you will see all the footpaths and bridleways marked - there are loads of walks open to you. Some good ones starting out in Braughing, too. The OS map comes with free access to the map on your phone as well, which I have found quite handy.

[Matt40]

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into it. Trying to get fitter this year, bike and walking. I cant just keep cycling down the boring flat tow path although got as far as dobbs weir this morning