In these photos the Hitchin Outer Orbital Path leaves the village of Ickleford and skirts the northern edge of Bury Mead Springs nature reserve, before passing Gerry’s Hole and crossing the first of two railway lines. A field-edge walk then emerges at Wilbury Hills on the edge of Letchworth.
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The old pump at Ickleford
Ickleford village sign
Look for the Icknield Way riders’ route signs to get you on your way
Out of the village and heading for Bury Mead Springs
As elsewhere, great care has been taken with the waymarking
A bridge of solid beams takes you over the river
A murky, foul-smelling river suggested all was not well
Picturesque views as the river heads off northwards
A railway once ran here – now only part of a bridge remains
The doleful story of Gerry and his hole
Swimming not recommended
Gerry’s Hole is a haven for aquatic plants, insects and wildlife
The Cadwell Crossing takes you over one of the two rail lines north of Hitchin
A lavender field. Near the path but – despite the publicity – not on it
Speed records were set on this long, straight section of track
South towards Hitchin’s industrial area
If you see this view you’re close to a geocache – but can you find it?
The path leaves the railway behind and heads for the fields
Dead tree sentinel
This way – but to where?
Not recommended
Looking south east across the edge of town
Stand by for an unsheltered, open section
Agriculture meets industry
A harvested field
The steady climb up to Wilbury Hills
Arriving at the Stotfold Road
The path dodges into woodland to avoid following a dangerous road
Emerge from this wooden bridge and turn right down the path ahead
A quick glimpse of Bedfordshire through the hedges and trees
The car park at Wilbury Hills is not one we like to use
Emerging on the Stofold Road for a second time, about to cross it
