Purwell 'ring of springs' walking ROUTE 2 in more detail
- to Willian pond (TL223306)
- to springs (TL 22430;TL216297; TL214297 & TL214289) (options to return to base at any point)
- to Great Wymondley Roman settlement spring (TL27128)
- to the Centre of the ring.
At this point I should perhaps restate more clearly that I don't usual take 'circular' walks as such.
My preference is to meander alongside (or in) the rivers, observing nature. When I feel that I've travelled as far as I wish to, I will probably simply turn around and do my observing on the same geographical homeward route. Because my interests and focus is on the natural world, the return journey has never yet been the same as the outward one.
Route 2 is quite a long walk for me and I will often not bother walking to the furthest point at Wymondley Priory but start returning home at TL214289 or even TL 214297.
However, let's not get ahead of ourselves but start at the beginning, which, on this occasion is the designated centre of the Purwell 'ring of springs'.
The centre of Purwell 'ring of springs.
(TL194304)
This picture was taken from the old water mill in Grove Road, (Presently a children's nursery) looking upstream along the River Purwell with the River Hiz joining it from the right. In the picture we are facing the general direction we will be taking (approximately south-west from the centre) apart from an immediate diversion by road to circumvent the the need for starting the walk with a wade upstream.
This whole area used to be a flood-plane for Grove Mill and the small spinney on the right of the picture is the only remaining wildlife habitat remaining from that time.
The new flats on the left are an interesting design in that a huge hole was dug below river level to accommodate a car park. It would not be a place that I would feel confident to leave my car when the rivers rise but modern developments don't seem to consider previous flood-planes.
The centre of Purwell 'ring of springs.
(TL194304)
This picture shows the culvert for the river Hiz with the (higher level) river Purwell behind. The car wheel is new and has replaced the 'normal' supermarket trolley which I keep heaving out of the river at this point.
My long-term aim for this area is to design a kingfisher-friendly plinth to be placed in that strategic position where the two culverts meet to run under Grove Road. This would be a most apt landmark to signify the centre of the Purwell 'ring of springs'. Hopefully the design would include a suitable map illustrating where the springs and rivers are situated relative to the plinth.
Also in my mind's-eye I envisage a footbridge over the River Hiz at this point so that access to the spinney is made easier. this would enable a walkway to be made to enter Walsworth Common without having to negotiate the dangerous Woolgrove Road. (I tend to 'walk with waders' so the obstacle of the railbridge via this route offers no particular problems for me.) However, for now the general walker will need to walk to the traffic lights, turn right and run the gauntlet with traffic under the rail bridge.
Woolgrove Road rail bridge
If I chose to use this diversion I would cross the road onto the side where there is a footpath under the bridge. This too is dangerous but not quite as much as the side where the car is. Unfortunately, once under the bridge the walker needs to cross the road again and take the footpath on the right just behind the car and before the road sign.
Footpath to Walsworth Common.
It's but a short walk along here to get to Walsworth Common. There is usually an abundance of wildlife along this stretch if nobody else has walked there for a while. When I was taking these photographs I was preceded along here by a sparrow hawk. Hence not much chance of seeing the usual bird species.
Footbridge across the River Purwell by rail bridge
This is the first access bridge to Walsworth Common and I always ponder awhile here because there may be a good chance of glimpsing a kingfisher as it makes it's escape having spotted you first.
Purwell river/rail bridge
To your right is the culvert under the bridge which is plenty tall enough to walk through. The water is shallow enough to do it in wellies. Under the bridge at the end on the left is the spinney adjacent to the center of the 'ring of springs'. It could/ would be possible to raise the river bed on one side simply by moving all the rubble to one side to make a footpath and access to Walsworth Common without having to negotiate the road. One day, if my strength holds out and when I have finished the other section of the walk, I will address this again.
There is so much to see and do in this area, but it is mostly for humans so I have a diminished interest.
However, there is an active 'Friends of Walsworth Common' group who steadfastly pick up rubbish and try to keep the place looking reasonable. Also a mention of appreciation to the Hertfordshire Countryside Management who arrange volunteers to help with - would you believe, 'countryside management'!
I pin my colours to the mast in this regard and say that I would prefer to see the litter-louts caught and punished, rather than simply picking up after them.
CAR PARKS are situated on the left of the river and right of the road at the Riverain Bowls club and a little further along is a NHDC car park situated at the bridge in this picture . This could be one alternative start of the walk for car drivers.
The Millstream Pub
The river and footpath run by the trees at the back of the pub. It is worth noting the size of the car park and for drivers it may be worth contemplating starting the walk from here. There is another pub (The Anchor) across the road with a car park but not quite as large as this one. I am sure the landlords will give permission for you to park here with the hope that you will also become customers when your walking is done.
Millstream Pub river-bridge to overflow car park.
The footpath actually runs through the overflow car park. If you look very carefully (or zoom-in) on the ground over the bridge towards the fence there is a black squirrel. It didn't give me a second chance to zoom-in before it was gone up the nearby tree. Keep following the river upstream until you come to the Cambridge Road near the North Herts College.
Pedestrian crossing on Cambridge Road
If you cross at the pedestrian crossing, the footpath continues just behind the lamp post in the centre of the picture. A man can just be seen making his way through the gate. The river will be on your right and you can follow it all the way through Purwell Meadows. Be aware that this is 'common land' where cattle are still grazed. These are ideal lawnmowers for this type of wildlife habitat.
Purwell Mill
In the middle of Purwell Meadows on your right, you will see Purwell Mill. If you want to be nosey, there is a right of way past the mill to another footpath running parallel to the present walk.
However, back to the original route 2 as planned.
However, back to the original route 2 as planned.
Carry on along Purwell Meadows (and, for nature lovers, follow the right -hand side of the football pitch) past the play area. On the right is Purwell nature reserve within which are water meadows and a lake that they call 'Coot's Corner'. We will pass that again as we return on this route and yet again on route 3.
In the Nature reserve is a protected area for water voles. 'Ratty' gets some preferential treatment in these parts. however there is a wealth of other wild life in this region and I often see this as my final destination as a nature walk prior to returning to base.
In the Nature reserve is a protected area for water voles. 'Ratty' gets some preferential treatment in these parts. however there is a wealth of other wild life in this region and I often see this as my final destination as a nature walk prior to returning to base.
Far-end goal posts in Purwell meadow
Just behind the centre of the goal posts there is the entrance to the byway that runs from Kingswood Avenue to Wymondley Road. (If you turn right you will gain access to the nature reserve and a little further along you will have a good view of Coot's Corner Lake - but we are not taking that route today as we will pass it again on the way home.
Turn left in the lane and on your right at the start of Kingswood Avenue the footpath joins part of the the Letchworth Garden City 'Greenway'
I would definitely recommend the regular walker to explore all of the 'Greenway' which has many miles of designated well designed and maintained walking, cycle and bridleways, with associated arboretums and nature reserves and so much more. (There are maps on noticeboards at strategic points.)
Kingswood Avenue entrance to the Letchworth Greenway
(Possible start to a shorter circular walk)
(Possible start to a shorter circular walk)
My wife often starts her 'circular' walks from here as she sometimes prefers to drive to her point of departure so that the walks are more varied. (and shorter)
Follow this path for some distance until you reach the Willian Road. (About 100 yards before that on your right behind some trees you may notice a small pond. I have not included this as a 'spring' because I think that it is simply filled by surface water from the fields. I may be wrong about this, so if anyone knows better please let me know and I will alter the blog accordingly.)
Follow this path for some distance until you reach the Willian Road. (About 100 yards before that on your right behind some trees you may notice a small pond. I have not included this as a 'spring' because I think that it is simply filled by surface water from the fields. I may be wrong about this, so if anyone knows better please let me know and I will alter the blog accordingly.)
Do not venture on to the road but turn right and continue walking on the inside of the fields until you come to the white house, where you can exit onto the road through a large gate.
Gate to Willian Road by the white house.
Once you are through the gate, turn right and carry on to Willian pond. There seems to be little option other than walking along the road or verge for a few yards here.
Willian Pond
An iconic landmark and beauty spot with the pub in the background.
A surprising number of people enjoy fishing here.
Site of secondary pond
Turn around to face the Willian Road to Wymondley and there is another pond behind the vegetation
Secondary pond at Willian - first view
The view from the road edge does not do justice to this pond, so I clamber over the vegetation to get a better view - below
Secondary pond at Willian - closer view
I have not identified this pond as yet another spring because it is clearly lower than its larger neighbour across the road and water is fed into it via a large pipe under the road. This is not to say that it not actually a spring in it's own right, but on this occasion the larger Willian pond takes the credit.
From this point take the Willian Road to Wymondley, up the slope and past the farm on your left.
Manor Wood junction
For those who really wish to visit each of the sources of the springs, you will need to walk the short distance to the car park at Manor Wood. According to the ordnance survey map the spring is to the right of the Willian Road just beyond where the red car is in the picture. However, having grappled my way through thick undergrowth to follow the riverbed, it is my opinion that the source of the spring is actually located behind the Manor Wood car park.
Manor Wood Car Park
This would also be a suitable place to start a walk for those with transport.
The source of the spring is some boggy ground near the trees in the background and the water would run from left to right from there. (I explored the source of the springs during a long drought so that there would be no doubt in my mind that they were springs rather than surface water run-off from the fields.)
To the right in the picture there is a footpath that takes you back to the Willian Road to a point just beyond the red car in the previous picture.
My own preference here is to avoid road-walking by crossing the road and making my way through the woods to a path at the end ,where I turn left towards the location of the next spring (TL214297). However, for the purposes of explanation and less complexity, I will direct you along the Willian Road, which is parallel to the scenic route, so that you will also pass spring TL216297.
Willian Road Entrance to Wymondley Wood.
About half a mile along Willian Road on your right is the vehicular entrance to Wymondley Wood.
Follow this down the slope and there is a 90 degree right hand bend . Pause awhile here and look to you left you will observe a large tree ( a rare Black Poplar) which is situated on this side of the Willian Road. This also marks the point of the spring TL216297. (in fact there are also drains leading from the other side of the road but I believe them to be for water run-off from the fields.)
Turning right on the bend in the track will bring you to a 'T' junction. (Just beyond the left turn illustrated below) The right hand track would be where you would come out if you had previously gone through the wood and turned left.
Ways meet at Wymondley Wood
There are two residences here but it is the one on the right that has the spring and pond behind it. (See next picture)
View of the pond/ and spring TL214297 from the track
I decided that this must be a spring because at the time of original observation there was a long drought and there was no water being fed to it by the preceding spring TL216297.
It is a pity that there is not a better view of the pond from inside the nature reserve. However, some time ago the owners did give me permission to enter their garden and take some decent pictures, so for those who are interested, I will include them on a posting that expands on the poem 'Ring of Springs' - just as soon as I have some time.
Once the pond has been viewed the walker needs to turn left (as you face the cottages) and walk a few paces to the entrance to the Wymondley Wood nature reserve and arboretum which is on your right.
Entrance to Wymondley Wood Nature reserve and arboretum
A good sized car park for those so inclined. All credit to the Letchworth Corporation and Heritage foundation for keeping alive the traditions and philosophies of the founding fathers of the first garden city by making it a green and pleasant place to live in and near.
Snowdrops in Wymondley Wood reserve
There is something special and reassuring about snowdrops as they herald the new year and the promise of spring. It will not be long now before all the other plants begin to come to life after the winter.
From this point there are two alternative routes to the next spring. My recommended and preferred route is to meander through the reserve to the far left corner and then straight on across the fields towards Wymondley. You should reach a track that crosses your path and if you turn left you will come once again to the Willian Road. When you have reached the road you will notice that you have been walking alongside quite a deep ditch on your right. The junction between this and the road marks the spring. (TL214289)
Alternatively, you could come out of the Wymondley Wood reserve car park and turn right. This will take you past the scout headquarters on your right .( If it's muddy I would suggest you walk within their grounds as it's always pristine grass.)
Make your way to the electricity pylon and turn left, following the path until just before the edge of the Willian Road. Staying on the inside of the hedge, turn right and follow the hedge. On your right is usually a plantation of rose bushes. A feast for the eyes at the right time of the year, courtesy of Harkness Roses.
At the end of this field is the last exit onto the Willian Road and this is the site of the same spring as mentioned above.
A short walk along the road to the first left hand turn in Great Wymondley will put you on Gravely Road and the right route to the next spring. (If you get to the pub you have gone just a little too far!- unless you fancy refreshments at this point.)
Carry on along the Gravely Road passed the football field on your left to some nasty bends and a junction. Ignore Gravely Lane on your left and make your way along Priory Lane. Continue along Priory Lane towards the priory - see landmark picture below.
Junction of Gravely Road, Gravely Lane and Priory Lane (in that order)
You need to be going where the car is coming from. The big white house in the distance is the Priory which is where you are headed.
The trees surrounding spring TL271281
(in the grounds of the Priory)
The Priory can just be viewed on the left of the picture. In the centre is a copse of trees with an evergreen to mark the spot of the spring at the side of the road. The walker has a distinct advantage over drivers in that they will see the spring through the hedge, whereas drivers need to keep their eyes firmly on the road on this single-lane stretch.
Spring TL271281 at the Priory
This spring is the furthest one from the centre of the 'ring of springs' and as such has the significance of being the furthest point from the Wash along this river system.
(Note: I believe that the river system emanating from Sharpenhoe Clappers is actually a greater mileage from the Wash but this does not distract from the importance of this spring to the Purwell Valley)
(Note: I believe that the river system emanating from Sharpenhoe Clappers is actually a greater mileage from the Wash but this does not distract from the importance of this spring to the Purwell Valley)
Rivulet from the spring TL271281 at the Priory
From these small beginnings larger systems grow.
From here it's just a few more paces to the entrance to the Priory on your left.
View of the pond at the Priory from the lane.
I am always amazed at how such a small spring can feed such a large pond. It is easy to envisage the importance of these springs to the Romans. They controlled the water sources and therefore they controlled the populous!
By following the Priory Lane into Little Wymondley you will also be following the river on your left even though it is not visible. When you come to the Pub on your right the river also veers right.
Culvert under Priory Lane leading towards Hitchin
Turn right here and follow the Road towards Hitchin. The river runs through pipes for most of the way until it gets past the houses when it is in a ditch.
Culvert under road at cross roads junction between Stevenage Road and Arch Road.
The river is piped under the junction at an angle so that it emerges amongst the trees on the other side of the road - at the top left of the picture.The walker now has another choice to make. Either to follow the river or to turn right towards Little Wymondley. (As the first option is a little 'tricky' I will begin with the second.)
Turn right and after a hundred yards or so up the slope there is a bridal track across the field on your left. (if you come to the rail bridge with track under the road you've gone to far!)
Ditch leading to Little Wymondley-Maybe another spring?
Across this a bridle way is a small ditch with water coming from Little Wymondley and flowing towards the main stream. I have not yet explored this one yet. It probably doesn't lead to a spring because it runs a straight course and and therefore looks like a man-made drainage ditch for the fields. However, you never know until someone checks it out. It might just lead to yet another spring to add to the 'ring of springs'.
Bridle way under rail bridge near Great Wymondley
Take the track under the railway bridge towards the cottage.
Junction of bridle way and Wymondley Road near Coots Corner
The bridle way brings you onto the Hitchin Road by some cottages on your right. Cross over the road and you'll be in the lane which takes you past Cootes Corner lakes, Purwell Nature reserve and back to Purwell Meadows
Unless you parked at Kingswood Avenue, you simply can now simply turn left and trace your steps back to the centre of the rings of springs alongside the river Purwell that you travelled along much earlier.
Coots Corner fishing lakes from footpath
I have some photographs from inside the the grounds of the lakes but these will be posted on the second alternative route for this walk. The whole of this area, including Purwell water meadows may well be a huge spring in itself. however, this is very difficult to ascertain for sure as there are so many rivers seemingly running into the area. It may simply be a flat enough piece of land for the water to spread itself out.
Beginning for the Purwell Meadows Nature Reserve
There has obviously been a lot of work done to restore the fences around the reserve. However, I do hope that they leave an entrance at this end so that we can walk through the reserve from end to end.
If not, the bridle way is very pretty and you can still see the water meadows en route.
If not, the bridle way is very pretty and you can still see the water meadows en route.
If you carry on down the lane it will bring you out at Kingswood Avenue.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE from Arch Road junction following river.
I will now concentrate on the alternative route from the junction of Arch Road and Hitchin Road.
I prefer this route because it follows the river on its natural course. However, it does have some 'tricky' bits for the 'normal' walker who doesn't 'walk with waders' or is not afraid of 'potholing'.
These 'tricky' sections are negotiable by alternative, easier walking divertions which I will point out as we go.
These 'tricky' sections are negotiable by alternative, easier walking divertions which I will point out as we go.
The entrance is fairly easy to see from the junction. If you look towards the Hitchin bus stop the footpath is just before it. The grey post in the left of the picture is the footpath sign.
You will have been walking parallel to the river on your left and this can be seen very clearly as you pass under the road bridge. Would that all the sections of these walks were kept as well as this stretch. It would make the walker's task so much easier.
Footpath to St. Ippollytes (not taken on this walk)
Ignore the path to St. Ippollytes on your left and make your way towards the tree in the corner of the picture on the right where there is a style (below)
I was wondering why the quality of the footpaths in this area was so good. Is it because it is the responsibility of Stevenage rather than North Herts to maintain them?
Turn right at this junction. However before doing so, have a look at the map located on a post in front of the bush on the left of the picture
I draw your attention to this map because it shows clearly where you can 'officially' walk. The white gate in the distance is where most walkers might have to turn right or left. I would suggest left and then right when you reach the road. This will bring you out at Ashbrook. (which is where the route takes you if you were determined enough to go straight on and follow the river course) At Ashbrook you can continue on the footpath.
Right hand footpath leading back from whence you came!
We are not taking that route.
I am not advocating everyone follow the river bed as I do. It is sometimes hard going and hazardous unless you are like myself and 'walk with waders' on these occasions. What looks like and impass, with private land on right side of the stream and the sewage works on the left is not insurmountable. If one understands that all waterways are the responsiblity of the Rivers Authority, they have made no dictates about people river-walking in the river beds.
With this in mind, I just follow the path of the river. In this case the short stretch to Ashroook is navigable by walking along the left bank, through the stinging nettles until fallen trees and bushes get in the way. If these were cleared it would make a relatively easy walkway right to the road.(Maybe a job for some future date)
I just jumped the small stream and jumped back again after each obstacle. Every now and then the Rivers Authority contract people to clear away the vegetation from the river beds. Unfortunately they have not been to this stretch for quite some time, so some of the bushes are actually obtructing the natural course of the river.
With this in mind, I just follow the path of the river. In this case the short stretch to Ashroook is navigable by walking along the left bank, through the stinging nettles until fallen trees and bushes get in the way. If these were cleared it would make a relatively easy walkway right to the road.(Maybe a job for some future date)
I just jumped the small stream and jumped back again after each obstacle. Every now and then the Rivers Authority contract people to clear away the vegetation from the river beds. Unfortunately they have not been to this stretch for quite some time, so some of the bushes are actually obtructing the natural course of the river.
As any reasonable potholer will tell you, this culvert is negotiable. If you are willing to stoop for some distance under the road and in the water, you will emerge on the other side at Ashbrook by the cottages without having to take your life in your hands trying to cross the busy bypass.
(Be warned - some of the traffic does not abide by any speed limits)
For those of you adventurous enough to have gone through the culvert you will see that there is little chance of an easy trip through the next one which is half the size. Anyway, there seems no real need for putting yourself out that much as the road it goes under is only the access road to Kingshot school and not much traffic passes that way at speed.
If it seems as though the retriever wants to greet me, that will be because I am the one that grooms and baths it. Now that spring has sprung I'm sure I will be seeing it again in the very near future.
After the greetings and strokes, the footpath continues immediately behind the dog and follows the stream all the way to Ninesprings.
The river runs to the left and the footpath veers to the right for a short distance. I tend to hug the river bank (It is easier to do this with the right gear that does not allow the vegetation to get into your footwear) but I feel sure most walkers would prefer to stick to the path.
The meeting of the two river systems, one from Wymondley and the other from St. Ibbs is just here, next to the recreation ground at Ninesprings.
It is worth just glancing back along where route 3 will bring us.
The river is on the left and the back gardens of the houses are on the right as we are looking at it.
We are now going in the other direction.
The river is on the left and the back gardens of the houses are on the right as we are looking at it.
We are now going in the other direction.
Once again we have the choice of following the river under the railway line or taking a short diversion around the road. The road route is to be found at the left hand side of the play area and the culvert on the right.
Thanks for this post from David Day (blog follower)
Hi StuartBridge prior to the culvert
For most walkers it hardly seems worth going under this bridge. However, Just to prove it can be done I would negotiate that obstacle to immediately be met with another.
Culvert under the railtrack
This is the longest of the culverts on this route as it goes under the main London /Peterborough line.
Wymondley Road rail bridge
Roundabout at St. Michael's Way and Wymondley Road.
Culvert under road at junction
Entrance to Coots Corner Fishing lakes
View of Coots Corner lakes from in the grounds
Mallards landing on the lake
Bridle Way junction at Coots Corner and cottage
View of Coots Corner from Footpath
First section of Purwell Meadows reserve.
For most walkers it hardly seems worth going under this bridge. However, Just to prove it can be done I would negotiate that obstacle to immediately be met with another.
This is the longest of the culverts on this route as it goes under the main London /Peterborough line.
The centre of the roof is about waist high, so those with sturdy and exploratory dispositions can bend to navigate it. I would not be undertaking it with a haversack on my back and it is a long way to be in the stoop position. (It's relatively easy if, like me, you have an inventive mind and a fold-up bike that ,with a little adjustment, allows you to rest your upper torso in the laying position whilst you can propel yourself with your legs) Do not try this route if you have any back trouble or do not have the stamina to make it all the way. Rescue services (if they find you) will not appreciate your efforts to be adventurous in this way. Potholing has its own dedicated rescue service but you could well die if you have to wait for them to come from their nearest base in Wales! Also, if you walk on your own, as I often do, it is unlikely that anyone will find you if you got stuck in such a culvert.
Much better to take the road route which is but a few extra yards out of the recreation ground in the left hand corner and to the Wymondley Road where you turn right.
Make your way under the bridge to the roundabout.
The roundabout on the left leads to St. Michael's Mount. On the right of the houses, in line with the furthest visible bit of the kerbing, is a footpath that eventually leads to North Herts College, past Coots Corner fishing lakes on your right. However, that will form part of route 3. For this route (2) we take the right hand road towards Little Wymondley.
I cannot understand why they built this culvert smaller than the preceding ones as there will be just the same amount of water flow. However, I do not think this one is navigable without specialist equipment. Anyway it is so much easier just to walk across the road and make your way towards Little Wymondley for a couple of hundred yards until you are at Coots Corner
The wrought iron fish on the sign is barely noticeable on the picture but the gas marker is clear enough and this marks the entrance to Coots Corner fishery. I would suggest you take a quick detour into the grounds so that you can get a better view and appreciation for yourself of this beauty spot.
Now make you way out of the grounds and continue toward Wymondley for just a few yards
To your right is the cottage where you would have come out if you had taken the first alternative route from Arch Road. To your left is the footpath which will lead to Kingswood Avenue past the nature reserve.
As I have already put pictures and comments on the other route there seems no pressing reason to repeat them here. However, just to round of the walk here they are again.
Getting back to you at last re the spring I was mentioning.
Here are three photos. I will send them separately as well a little larger.
The centre one shows the pipe coming from the pond which was filled in some years ago. There was always a pipe taking the spring water from the pond to the Ashbrook here.
The pond was in line from the pipe in the position where the ploughed field meets the grass - a distance of around 15 metres.
The first picture is a close up of the point of entry to the Ashbrook and the third photo shows the area in question at the bend in the river.
The grid ref is TL 204 283
The path follows the Ashbrook from the bridge over the St Ippollytts brook in the recreation ground in Ninesprings Way.
The Ashbrook joins the St Ippollytts brook 20 metres to the right of the bridge. The pond was at the bend in the Ashbrook.
I remember as a child watching the springs bubble up into the pond.
The farmer says that the area is often wet there and the spring was filled in before he took over, perhaps to release a little more cultivatable land.
Stuart, hope this is of interest.
I have known Derek Turner for years. He speaks admiringly of The Hutton Highway along the Hiz.
RegardsDavid Day
You are now on your way back to base and I hope you have enjoyed the walk.
(and taken your litter home!)
Best wishes
(and taken your litter home!)
Best wishes
No comments:
Post a Comment