Hertfordshire is blessed with an abundance of gorgeous undulating countryside, dotted with pretty villages, historical market towns - and wonderful country pubs.
With summer upon us, we believe that there is nothing better than combining a long peaceful countryside walk with a post-effort reward in a sunny pub beer garden.
To help with this, we've worked with the team at the Hertfordshire Walks app to recommend nine perfect countryside walks with delightful pubs en route.
Routes and maps for all the walks can be accessed via their website, or in the app.
1. The Rusty Gun, St Ippolyts - 4.75 miles (approx 2.5 hours)
For this lovely woodland and countryside walk, you can start either at the free car park at Hitch Wood, or at the Rusty Gun pub in St Ippolyts.
Half of the walk is spent in gorgeous, open countryside, with the other in the welcome shade of Hitch Wood.
It passes through the small village of Preston - with its own pub - and past the ruined old Minsden Chapel.
The Rusty Gun pub has its own brewery and farm shop, and serves food and drink both inside and outside, in its beer garden - making it the perfect endpoint for a summer's day.
The route and map are available here.
2. The Boot, Sarratt - 3.75 miles (approx 2 hours)
Sarratt is a quaint village in the southwest of Herts, home to a traditional pub called The Boot.
From the village, you can embark on a beautiful stroll down the hills into the gorgeous Chess Valley, enjoying expansive countryside views.
At the bottom of the valley, you'll walk through the delightful Sarratt Bottom nature reserve, stroll alongside the River Chess, and explore the twisted Mount Wood before working your way back up to the cosy pub and beer garden.
The route and map are available here.
3. The Old Barge, Hertford - 2.25 miles (approx 1 hour)
This shorter walk in Hertfordshire's county town is perfect for those bringing their kids along for the day.
Parking in Hartham Common, you can then stroll around Hertford itself - taking in the castle gate house - before walking alongside the River Lee Navigation canal.
For the younger ones, there's a sand pit play park in Hartham Common to enjoy.
And to top it off, The Old Barge makes an ideal pit stop for this walk. Nestled on the banks of the River Lea, it offers a food menu, a varied selection of beers and ales, and a courtyard perfect for summer afternoons.
The route and map are available here.
4. The Hollybush, Redbourn - 5 miles (approx 2.5 hours)
In the beautiful area of countryside between Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Harpenden, you'll find the pretty little village of Redbourn.
This pub walk from the village visits the Hollybush pub, with a traditional feel, a wide range of food and ales, and a family-friendly beer garden.
READ MORE: Hertfordshire app for weekend walks in the countryside
Sights you'll on the walk include a pretty common and stunning church, peaceful fields and the Grade II-listed Redbournbury Mill and bakery - first built in the 11th century.
The route and map are available here.
5. The Waggoners, Ayot Green - 4.25 miles (approx 2 hours)
This circular walk on public footpaths takes you around the grounds of the beautiful Brocket Hall estate and golf course.
Starting at the Waggoners pub in Ayot Green - with plenty of parking - you pass through the pretty village, past the church and onto the Ayot Greenway, a disused railway path.
Then, you'll head into Brocket Hall park with a beautiful lake and bridge, before heading back up to the Waggoners for a well-deserved drink and bite to eat from their menu of French and English cuisine.
The route and map are available here.
6. The White Horse, Burnham Green - 3.75 miles (approx 2 hours)
A wonderfully varied walk taking in the beautiful countryside surrounding the pretty village of Burnham Green.
Starting at the White Horse Pub, with a warm and friendly atmosphere and large beer garden, you'll head through open countryside and into Barnes Wood and Hammergreen Wood, offering some delightful shade on a hot summers day.
Along the way, you'll emerge into a clearing overlooking the dramatic entrance to a train tunnel deep in the woods.
This pub walk is a wonderfully varied walk in the Hertfordshire countryside surrounding the pretty village of Burnham Green.
The route and map are available here.
7. The Jolly Fisherman, Stanstead Abbots - 4.25 miles (approx 2 hours)
Starting with a peaceful stroll along the River Lee Navigation canal from the village of St Margarets, you'll pass by the Amwell Nature Reserve.
The reserve is the perfect location to take a break and observe the birds from the impressive bird watching platform.
You'll then head along sections of the Hertfordshire Way before reaching Easneye Wood, with plenty of trees and wildlife to enjoy.
Finally, you'll return to St Margarets where you can indulge in a well-deserved reward at the riverside Jolly Fisherman pub with its large beer garden.
The route and map are available here.
8. The Star, Standon - 4.25 miles (approx 2 hours)
This pub walk is a gorgeous and peaceful walk around the beautiful Standon Lordship countryside, near the village of Standon.
You'll start at the Star pub, a traditional country pub with a friendly atmosphere and great food and drink options.
From there, you'll take in the picturesque village and its church, heading up the hill into the nearby countryside to enjoy some fantastic views.
After your walking adventure, you can treat yourself to some food and drink in the Star's large and sunny beer - while the kids enjoy themselves in their rustic play area.
The route and map are available here.
9. The Fox and Duck, Therfield - 6.25 miles (approx 3 hours)
This is a wonderful, longer adventure taking in some of North Hertfordshire's beautiful and peaceful countryside.
Starting in the lovely village of Therfield, you'll walk downhill towards Royston with sweeping views along the way.
At the bottom, you'll wander through the woodlands of Therfield Heath and then some farmed fields before the long clamber back up to the village through open countryside - be sure to wear your suncream and bring plenty of water!
The effort will be worth it at the end, with cold beverages on offer at the Fox and Duck pub.
The route and map are available here.
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