8 miles (13km)

Here, just inside Hertfordshire, the Walk soon leaves the old railway to go up to a viewpoint over Wheathampstead, which has a unique church spire rising above a church little changed for 650 years. The next landmark is Brocket Park’s mansion and lake. Beyond the riverside village of Lemsford comes the modern Stanborough Park with its massive man-made lakes fashioned for the residents of Welwyn Garden City. But on the edge of Hatfield the Lea still turns a working flour mill.

Refreshments
Wheathampstead: The Bull. Open all day.Wheathampstead: Brewhouse Gallery, High Street. Mon 11am-5pm; Tue-Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 10am-2pm.Lemsford: Long and Short Arm. Open all day.Lemsford: The Sun Inn. Open all day.Stanborough Park: Coffee Shop. Open in summer.

Accommodation
Harpenden: Carlton B&B, 8 Carlton Bank, Station Road, AL5 4SU; tel. 01582 765756.Harpenden: Hall Barn, 20 Sun Lane AL5 4EU; tel. 01582 769700.Welwyn Garden City: Premier Travel Inn, Stanborough Road Al8 6DQ (08701 977 263). North of Stanborough Park.

Transport
Harpenden: National Rail.Mill Green: National Rail from Hatfield.

Tourist Information
Welwyn Garden City TIC, Leisure Information Centre, Campus West, The Campus (01707 357150).

Map
OS Explorer 182 (St Albans & Hatfield).