Today, 5 April is National Walking Day. A day which reminds us it’s healthy to get outside, take in the fresh air and enjoy some gentle exercise. Walking is also a great way to connect with nature, moving at a pace where we can notice what grows, flows and moves around us. All of that has wonderful benefits for our wellbeing.

What could be nicer as the weather turns to put a spring in our step than to head out and explore our precious chalk rivers and the walking routes that run close to these internationally unique and most biodiverse of all UK rivers. Here, in Hertfordshire, we are blessed with 10% of the world’s total of these picture-perfect rivers, from babbling brooks and streams over gravel in the mid-west of our area, to the deep running clay catchment rivers of the east.

Here, Sarah Perry, our Rivers Catchment Coordinator has identified her top five places to see chalk rivers and links to some wonderful walks you can enjoy, not just today but anytime of the year.

1. River Rib
Standon to Barwick Loop (approx 10km)

Ancient history lies beneath your feet in this river valley, with the Rib winding alongside the Roman Road Ermine Street, that once connected London to York. The river is publicly accessible along much of its route between Standon and Barwick Ford, and even further south towards Thundridge and Wadesmill. Take in built historic points of interest set amongst traditional floodplain meadows, wooded valley slopes, conservation headland and noteworthy meanders. Keep an eye out for Kingfisher who love to nest in the steep clay banks, as well as Glow-worms in the ancient meadows. An excellent walking companion has been developed by Friends of the Rib & Quin:
friendsoftherib.wordpress.com/the-river-rib-from-braughing-to-the-river-le

2. River Beane
Watton to Waterford (approx 8km)

From Watton-at-Stone train station, it’s possible to walk along much of the length of the River Beane to Hertford North station (and return via train), taking in our nearby Nature Reserves at Waterford Heath and Beane Marsh to extend the route. A classic chalk river, the Beane has been altered through water abstraction and industry over the years, but none-the-less still supports good populations of invertebrates like Mayfly, Banded Demoiselles and Common Blue Damselfly. Take in Woodhall Estate parkland, woods and historic water meadows with the river at their side. The Beane has been a focus of much restoration and campaigning activity for 30 years and presents a changing tableau towards a re-naturalised state including weir bypasses, new channels and wetland creation to support its wildlife. Find out more from the River Beane Restoration Association.

3. River Hiz
Ickleford Common (approx 3km)

One of only three rivers in Herts to flow north into Bedfordshire (instead of south to the Thames), the Hiz is a largely unspoilt chalk river from where it is joined by the River Oughton, just north of Hitchin in Ickleford. A longer or shorter bankside walk can be taken through this quaint village, which is home to several pubs for light refreshment! The Hiz marks the boundary of the historic Ickleford Common, flanked on its opposite side by family-owned pasture and Hitchin Lavender Farm, open to the public in summer. An easy walk over flat open ground, the winding river can be viewed up close to try and catch a glimpse of an elusive wild Brown Trout cutting redds (spawning holes) in winter or to admire the delicate Water-crowfoot blooms in spring. Explore the route using Ickleford Parish Council’s village maps.

4. River Stort
Bishops Stortford to Roydon (various length routes)

Walk the Stort along its navigation towpath, connecting Bishops Stortford in the north to Roydon in the south, served by several train stations along the way to make a linear sustainable journey. Explore Hertfordshire’s most intact floodplain lying between the Stort Navigation and Old River Stort, fed by several brooks off the clay headland. A necklace of Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and traditional grazing marsh are home to protected Water Voles, who use the waterways to travel from place to place. If you’re a water-lover, it’s also possible to paddle the river by joining Whoosh Canoe Club who also help with invasive species control as part of our partnership effort.

5. River Mimram
Tewinbury and Panshanger Park (various length / vista)

Claimed to be the “jewel in Hertfordshire’s crown” of chalk rivers, the Mimram does not disappoint. It is easy to visit both Tewinbury and Panshanger Park Nature Reserves, by car or foot from Hertford, to enjoy a sunny afternoon on the riverbank. Follow the Chalk Stream Trail at Tewinbury to learn more about this idyllic river or have a go at spotting colourful Grayling as they sway in the current under bridges in Panshanger Park.

We hope you enjoy strolling through the countryside, gazing upon these stunning habitats and spotting some of our wonderful, local wildlife . Please do share photos of your chalk river walks with us - tag us @hertswildlifetrust on Instagram and Facebook and @HMWTBadger on Twitter. If you can’t get out you can still ‘Immerse Yourself in our Chalk Streams’ with this wonderful blog by Trust Volunteer, Melanie Woods.