The day did not start well because of a train cancellation but 13 Poly Ramblers all met half an hour later than planned at Welwyn North Station which, by the way, is not in Welwyn but in Digswell. This was the only hiccup of the day. After leaving Harmer Green Lane, we crossed Lockleys Wood and followed an undulating path between fields that have been left fallow to benefit the wildlife. We went under the A1(M) via the Clock Roundabout and reached Danesbury Park, a historic parkland once linked to Danesbury House.

What is left of the park is the fernery, opened in 1860 to indulge the Victorians’ fern craze. After much renovation, it is now a charming garden with – when we visited it – lovely spring flowers. The ferns were ready to emerge, curling up out of dormancy. We had lunch in the fernery among the flowers.

We continued our walk alongside fields, passing large houses and following Normans Lane through Ninning’s Wood. We went under the A1(M) though a tunnel into Mardley Wood. We followed the edge of the wood and saw many bluebell plants, but they were not ready to flower. We arrived in Woolmer Green and there were two options: pub or café in the chocolate shop.  Surprisingly, everyone opted for the chocolate shop.  We had a nice break, sitting outside drinking coffee/tea/hot chocolate, etc and eating cakes. Some of us did some last-minute Easter celebration shopping.

After leaving Woolmer Green, we followed Bridgers Path alongside fields, passing Hempstall Spinney where we finally saw bluebell flowers. We reached Harmergreen Wood, an ancient woodland which is on top of a tunnel for the East Coast Main Line railway. We passed a ventilation shaft which enables air pressure forced through the tunnel by the trains to escape. I tried to persuade people it was the noise of a breathing dragon, but they did not believe me.  We walked through Lockleys Wood and along Harmer Green Lane again before reaching Welwyn North Station where this 7.5 miles walk finished.

Dominique. Photos from Ida