Lea Valley Walk

The Lea Valley Walk takes you along a proper stretch of countryside between Dunstable and beyond, following the river as it winds through Hertfordshire's greener bits. It's less a single destination and more a route you can dip into - some folk do the whole thing, others just take a section as a gentle afternoon stroll.

What you're actually doing is walking alongside water meadows and through patches of woodland, with occasional views across the valley. The path is well-trodden and straightforward enough, though it can get muddy after rain so come prepared. You'll spot waterfowl if you're lucky, and the light through the trees is genuinely nice in late afternoon.

This works best for walkers who want something low-key rather than dramatic - no peaks, no scrambling, just the simple pleasure of following a river. Families can manage sections of it without fuss, though young kids might lose interest if you're aiming for hours on end. History types will appreciate that you're walking through land that's been shaped by water for centuries, even if there aren't plaques marking it all out.

If you're camping at Merlin Farm near Whipsnade Zoo or Woodlands Caravan Site, the Lea Valley Walk makes for a decent morning or afternoon leg-stretch without needing to drive anywhere. It's the kind of thing you do between other activities rather than plan a whole day around, but that's rather the point - unpretentious and honest.