Walking near Letchmore Heath

And so it was on my visit, except the leaves blew wildly in a late October gale. This was a day to batten down the hatches and forget about wearing a hat.

The wind was fairly raging as I headed south across the fields. As the path climbs steadily, the view to Watford opens up, but it was hard to focus with eyes welling with tears thanks to the wind (most unhelpful when the map has to be checked with care to ensure correct navigation). My goal was the airstrip at Elstree Aerodrome, which I reached and crossed in the knowledge that today, at least, my health would not be endangered by light aircraft, which would be reduced to matchwood if they were flying today.

Great care is needed in normal conditions, however, when traversing the runway. A line of six red navigation lights shows the way for walkers as well as pilots, and the airstrip should be crossed only after ensuring the way is clear. One wonders if such a footpath could exist in any other country except England.

Crossing a runway is an exciting experience: look right and left and up before you do.

Aldenham Country Park has much to offer, including toilets and refreshments, sheer luxury for a hiker, and strategically placed signs invite a visit to Winnie the Pooh Wood. There were no people or bears about as I battled on in the wind, which whipped the waters of the lake against the dam wall as I passed along. The dam was built by French prisoners-of-war around 1795, to provide water for mills and maintain water levels for the newly-constructed Grand Junction Canal. It was made of soil, clay and vegetation, and has always leaked, not an inspiring thought to anyone on the dam wall on such a day.

The spire of Elstree Parish Church is a sure guide as the path crosses open fields. The church has associations with two brutal murders: that of Martha Ray, a milliner's apprentice who found fame as a singer and was shot dead by an unwanted admirer, James Hackman, at Covent Garden, in 1779, and William Weare, murdered by John Thurtell, in 1824. Both murderers were hanged, and their victims buried in Elstree churchyard.

Martha Ray's headstone, behind the church, is clearly identified. There is no sign of Mr Weare's resting place.

North of the church is the Artichoke pub. Here, the inquest into the death of William Weare was held; the licensee at the time, Robert Field, was foreman of the jury. The name Elstree' is synonymous with film studios, but the village has historic associations of a different kind, equally as famous in their day.

From Allum Lane, a footpath traverses meadowland to a narrow wood, and leads through dense undergrowth for half a mile, emerging at the golf course clubhouse.

Ducking and diving is required to avoid low branches and saplings encroaching on to the path, a sign that it is little used, perhaps. After crossing Roman Watling Street, better walking follows within the grounds of the Haberdashers' Aske's School, first over open country, then through glorious woodland and beyond. I enjoyed the woods, partly for their autumnal appearance and a fresh carpet of leaves, and also because they provided an effective wind-break.

Further on were more wind-blown fields, then the road leading past Aldenham School. A plaque on the wall proudly proclaims the school to be founded 1597'. So it was, by one Richard Platt, with kind permission of Queen Elizabeth I.

In Letchmore Heath, the road and village green were strewn with broken branches.

Approximate distance: 7 miles

Start and Finish:

Village Green,

Letchmore Heath

Abbreviations: l.= left, r.= right

n.s.e.w. = north, south, east, west

br. = bridge.

r.o.w. = right of way.

PH = public house

m.= mile

s/post = signpost

f/postfingerpost

b/way = bridleway

ch. = church

f/p = footpath

Routefinder:

*CARE NEEDED CROSSING ELSTREE AIRSTRIP

Take r.o.w. from duckpond, s and s.e. to airstrip which cross: a line of six red ground navigation lights mark the route to the gap in the security fence beyond. Turn l. to rd and Hogg Lane, then r. to London'. After 0.25m. take f/p to Elstree Hill into Aldenham Country Park. A number of footpaths are available for exploration.

Cross the dam, turn l. beyond to Aldenham Road, cross, taking f/p, bearing r. through 2 iron kissing gates to Elstree High Street. Turn r. to ch. From ch head n. to Allum Lane, turn r. and take f/p opposite up the hill, following marker posts. Cross stile, turn l., take f/p through wood to golf clubhouse and to A5183. Cross main rd, follow f/p 51 to rd, turn l. past Slade Farm, take f/p 42 to rd, passing Aldenham School to Letchmore Heath.

Pubs and Places of Refreshment:

Letchmore Heath: The Three Horseshoes

Elstree: Hollybush

The Artichoke