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United Kingdom
England
East Of England
Hertfordshire
East Hertfordshire

Bishop'S Stortford

The best city hikes and walks around Bishop'S Stortford

4.5

(419)

2,551

hikers

39

hikes

Urban hiking trails around Bishop'S Stortford offer a diverse landscape featuring river paths, ancient woodlands, and country parks. The region is characterized by the historic River Stort Navigation, providing picturesque waterside walks. Hikers can explore areas like Hatfield Forest and Southern Country Park, which offer varied natural settings. The terrain generally consists of gentle gradients, making many paths accessible for different abilities.

Best urban hiking trails around Bishop'S Stortford

  • The most popular urban hiking route is Bishop's Stortford Town Centre…

Last updated: July 1, 2026

4.0

(1)

32

hikers

#1.

Cycle Stortford Meeting Point – Waytemore Castle Mound loop from Bishop's Stortford

7.31km

01:51

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Bishop'S Stortford

Hertfordshire Way — A grand loop through a historic home county

Other adventures around Bishop'S Stortford

Hertfordshire Way — A grand loop through a historic home county

Hiking Collection by

Alex Foxfield

Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
June 27, 2025, Black Lion

Beautiful grade II listed building. Here is what the official entry says: "2. Mid C16 double fronted house. Exposed post and panel timber-framing, steep red tile pitched roofs. Two and a half storeys. North elevation to Bridge Street has jettied first floor and jettied second floor twin gables. Ground floor has central door flanked by modern mullion and transom windows in original positions and one old mullioned 2-light window. Two modern mullioned oriels on first floor and band of 5 blocked original mullioned 2-light windows. Cable moulded bressummer and carved angle post. Gables have mullioned 2-light windows and pendants to apexes and wall plates. Early C17 extension to west. Two storeys, one bay. Jettied first floor with C19 horizontal sash window. East elevation to Devoils lane has original mullion windows on ground and first floors. Plastered 2-storey, one bay, jettied extension to south with ground and first floor C18 sash windows. Further extension to south. Early C17, matching west extension of north elevation. Two storeys. Jettied, half-timbered first floor with one old mullioned window and 3 modern casements. Interior. Exposed dragon beam in ground floor, much restoration. (RCHM (1911) 65)." (https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1101601?section=official-list-entry)

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Nice historic builing now hosting a restaurant/bar with a relaxed terasse on the upper floor. Good place for a break with a view to enjoy good weather.

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This is where we meet up for rides.

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Natalie
January 23, 2023, The River Stort

The River Stort passes through Bishops Stortford on its was through Essex and Hertfordshire from the village of Langley to the River Lea. From the town the river has been made navigable, known as the Stort Navigation.

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Waterside Stortford is a 5.6km, flat trail which runs from Bat Willow Hurst Country Park to the north of the town, through the centre here, to just beyond Twyford Mill lock in the south. There are information points throughout the trail providing more information about the features of the trail.

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The history of Waytemore Castle is shrouded in mystery. It is thought that it was a Saxon fortress built in the 10th century against invasion by the Danes but there is no record of it in the Domesday Book of 1086, a thorough survey and record of England commissioned by William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Now all you can see of the castle is the mound on which it stood and the stream to the south and west which would have been a much larger moat. The ruins on top are much later than 10th or 11th century. It has never been excavated for archeological research so who knows what secrets it holds.

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Bishop's Stortford is a large commuter town that expanded rapidly from the Second World War onwards. It's home to the motte-and-bailey castle remains of Waytemore Castle, which stand above the River Stort in the centre of the town. Being an important market town, there are many old pubs, including the timber-framed, 16th-century Black Lion.

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S A
June 15, 2021, Castle Park

A gorgeous park and green space for a pit stop, maybe a picnic, r&r and then get back on it! Coffee shop is close as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many urban hiking trails are there around Bishop's Stortford?

There are over 40 urban hiking trails available around Bishop's Stortford, offering a variety of experiences from easy strolls to more moderate explorations. Most of these routes are considered easy, making them accessible for many.

Are there easy urban hikes suitable for beginners or families in Bishop's Stortford?

Yes, Bishop's Stortford offers many easy urban hikes perfect for beginners and families. For a pleasant riverside walk, consider The River Stort – Cycle Stortford Meeting Point loop from Bishop's Stortford. Many trails feature gentle gradients and well-maintained paths, such as those found in Southern Country Park or along the River Stort Navigation.

What kind of natural features and wildlife can I expect to see on urban hikes in Bishop's Stortford?

Urban hikes in Bishop's Stortford often lead through diverse natural settings. You can explore ancient woodlands like Birchanger Woods, or follow the historic River Stort Navigation, known for its chalk stream ecology. Southern Country Park is particularly rich in wildlife, with a main lake, reedbeds, and chalk banks that attract wildflowers, bees, and butterflies between June and August. Keep an eye out for fallow deer in areas like Hatfield Forest.

Are there any historical landmarks or interesting sights along the urban trails?

Absolutely! Bishop's Stortford's urban trails are rich with history. You can visit the ancient Parndon Mill and Lock, now an arts hub, or explore the area around the medieval Waytemore Castle Mound. The town itself boasts medieval, Georgian, and Victorian architecture, which you can discover on various town trails. The Waterside Stortford trail also features information boards detailing the area's history and ecology.

Are the urban hiking trails in Bishop's Stortford dog-friendly?

Many urban hiking trails in Bishop's Stortford are dog-friendly, offering open spaces and woodland paths for you and your canine companion. Areas like Hatfield Forest and Southern Country Park are popular choices for dog walkers, providing ample room to explore. Always ensure dogs are kept under control, especially near wildlife or livestock.

Are there circular urban walks available in Bishop's Stortford?

Yes, many of the urban hiking routes in Bishop's Stortford are designed as convenient circular walks, allowing you to start and end your journey at the same point. An example is the Bishop's Stortford Town Centre – Bridge The Gap Café loop from Bishop's Stortford, which offers a pleasant circuit through the town and along the river.

What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in Bishop's Stortford?

The urban hiking experience in Bishop's Stortford is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the blend of natural beauty with historical elements, and the variety of routes suitable for different abilities, from tranquil woodland strolls to riverside paths.

Are there urban hikes that include cafes or pubs along the way?

Yes, several urban hikes in Bishop's Stortford offer opportunities to stop at cafes or pubs. The Corn Exchange – Black Lion loop from Birchanger is an example of a route that can incorporate local establishments. Many trails pass through or near the town centre, providing easy access to refreshments.

What is the best time of year for urban hiking in Bishop's Stortford?

Urban hiking in Bishop's Stortford can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, especially in areas like Southern Country Park. Summer offers lush greenery and vibrant wildlife. Autumn provides beautiful foliage in the woodlands, and even winter walks can be pleasant on the well-maintained paths, with fewer crowds and crisp air.

How accessible are the urban hiking trails by public transport or car parking?

Bishop's Stortford is well-connected, making its urban trails accessible. The town centre itself is a hub for many routes, with public transport options and various parking facilities available. Many trailheads are located within easy reach of residential areas or public transport stops, allowing for convenient access to your chosen hike.

Are there any urban trails that offer a mix of town and countryside scenery?

Definitely. Many urban trails in Bishop's Stortford seamlessly blend town exploration with natural landscapes. The Bishop's Stortford Town Centre – Cycle Stortford Meeting Point loop from Bishop's Stortford is a great example, allowing you to experience the town's charm before venturing into greener spaces along the River Stort and surrounding areas.

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