The mid month update is a little earlier this month so I could send it before I go away. It has reminders of walks still to come this month, a plea for more walk leaders, information on the 2027 Stansted Stagger and a reminder of where you can find walking related discounts.

September Walks
Sun 13th Sep 2026 Essex Walker Marshal’s Walk
A chance for those who are volunteering on the Essex Walker challenge event on 25th October to walk the route (18 or 26 miles), testing the Route Description and GPX file.

Sun 20th Sep 2026 Village stroll from Hertford
Group Walk - 18ml. 9am Hartham Lane Car Park, Hertford, SG14 1QR. Out of Hertford on the Cole Green Way, to Little Berkhamstead, and Newgate St, returning via Broxbourne woods and Hertford Heath. Snack breaks at 7 and 14 miles. Parking charge of £2.10 can be claimed from Paul on the day. C: Paul Smith T: 07803 854803 (email contact anytime, text or call outside of normal working hours please). E:hapamaja@gmail.com

Thu 24th Sep 2026 Hula-HOOP Hoof
Group Walk - 15ml. 9.30amPirton Sports & Social Club, Walnut Tree Road, Pirton, Hitchin SG5 3PX. ///tarnished.feast.flaking. (GR TL150315). Join us for a circuit around Hitchin as we take on the HOOP (Hitchin Outer Orbital Path). We'll use the historic Hambridge Way to access the HOOP which we'll tackle in a clockwise direction. Our route takes us through Ickleford and past Cadwell Lavender Farm before we head up to Wilbury Hill for a morning break. From there we'll head south on the fields between Hitchin and Letchworth where we'll briefly leave the HOOP onto permissive paths for our lunch at the picnic tables in Wymondley Woods. We'll rejoin the HOOP to pass Nine Springs and head through Charlton before dropping into the heart of Hitchin Town Centre for an afternoon break at the historic cobbled Market Place square. We'll hit the home stretch through via Oughtonhead Common Nature Reserve before heading back into Pirton. This is a joint walk with BBN. The car park is free. There are toilets in the PSSC Cafe which opens at 8am. Please bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. Free toilets in Hitchin town centre. No dogs please. C: Ritchie Lawrence T: 07933 568633 E: ritchie.lawrence@gmail.com

Walk leaders wanted
Currently we have no social walks planned for October or November and Lizzie, our Walks Secretary would love to hear from you at essexandherts.walks@ldwa.org.uk if you’d be willing to try leading for the first time or have led before and have a walk that you’d be happy to lead and share with the group.

2027 Stansted Stagger
Entries have now opened for the 2027 Stansted Stagger on Sunday 3rd January 2027, with the Stagger marking it’s 25th anniversary. The 25 mile route follows a punctured figure of eight, crossing the River Stort by the quaint medieval village of Manuden, with the centre at Albury and the farthest point at the equally quaint iron age village of Braughing. If you’d be willing to provide support on 3rd January please let Tracy / I know at essexandherts@ldwa.org.uk. You will still have a chance to walk the route as a Marshal’s walk is planned for Sunday 8th November.

Walking Related Discounts
Just a reminder that there are a range of walking related discounts available to LDWA members. Details of these can be found at: https://ldwa.org.uk/discounts/discounts.php

Enjoy your September walks and don’t forget you might now need to pack your waterproofs.

Sue
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