The Hertfordshire Way
Stage 5: St Albans to Markyate
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland.
The Hertfordshire Way is a 166 mile long distance trail around the county divided into 14 legs, and beginning and ending at Royston. Bluetiger walked the fifth leg from St Albans to Markyate, 10.5 miles, in April 2003. The guidebook says that "for those who like history and our English Heritage the start of this leg is for you. With Medieval splendour, a Roman city to walk on, and three fine settlements en route. Add to this a small river, water mills and some fine scenery, and you have it all!"
St Albans is named after the first British Christian martyr who was executed on the site of the abbey, outside the Roman town of Verulamium, in AD209. The Abbey, parts of which were built in Norman times, is constructed from bricks taken from the Roman town. This picture is taken across the lake in Verulamium park.
The visible remains of Verulamium include a hypocaust, a theatre, and sections of the city wall, one part of which can be seen in this picture.
St Michael's church stands near the remains of Verulamium
Daffodils in St Michael's churchyard
Swans on the River Ver in the Gorhambury estate. The river is a fine example of a chalk stream. For many years it was dry because too much water was extracted by the local water company and farmers. However the rate of extraction has now been lowered and it flows again!
The old mill at Shafford Farm. There are several mills on this stretch of the river. This one has been converted into up-market flats.
Another stage, another friendly sign!
The Blackthorn is in flower
North of Redbourn the Way crosses the M1 motorway. The traffic is flowing freely for once on this stretch on a Saturday afternoon.
Between Redbourn and Flamstead, the Way crosses wide open spaces. The start of the stage at St Albans Abbey is just visible on the horizon. Although the surroundings look pretty featureless the sky just here contained larks, a buzzard, and a kestrel.
St Leonards Church, Flamstead with its 'Hertfordshire spike' spire. The church has some ancient parts, and there are some old wall paintings, believed to date from the fifteenth century, which have been uncovered in the nave. Parts of the chuch masonry have recently been restored.
The interrior with wall paintings visible in the nave
Interesting masonry pattern on the corner of the tower
The infant River Ver and the big house in Markyate Cell Park
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