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Home> Walks> England> Hertfordshire> Pirton and Deacon Hill

Pirton and Deacon Hill

Recommended by
Walk directions

Start at St Mary's churchyard in Pirton. Turn left into Crabtree Lane, then Great Green with the Motte and Bailey pub, to cross the Hitchin Road on to a bridleway, the Icknield Way. The track climbs steadily between fields, eventually curving left to pass the edge of Tingley Wood, now following the county boundary. Past the wood, fork left and continue southwards to the road.

Turn right along the left verge, leaving the road at a lay-by on the left, on to a green lane, here the ancient Icknield Way. At a gate go right to climb Deacon Hill through chalk downland and enjoy the wonderful views. Return to the track and follow it as it levels out with woods to the right, then descends with downland on the left (Telegraph Hill). Pass an information board and continue ahead.
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Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain  - Mix of green lanes, tracks and field paths
  Landscape  - Chalk downland, some pasture and some arable
  Dog friendliness  - Good deal of arable land, but sheep graze Deacon Hill. Keep on lead at Park View Stables
  Parking  - On village roads in Pirton
  Toilets en route  - None on route
Walks in Hertfordshire Dog-friendly walks in Hertfordshire
About the walk
The county boundary between Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire is complex along the chalk ridge traversed by the Icknield Way. Despite simplification in the late 19th century, Hexton to the west and Pirton still extend deep into Bedfordshire, sandwiching Shillington, which climbs between them up to...
Read more
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Walking in Safety

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About the area
As Hertfordshire is so close to London, many of its towns have become commuter havens. St Albans, less than 19 miles (30km) from the capital, has retained its distinctive character, along with many historic remains.
Explore Hertfordshire
Area image

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Hotel
Hitchin Priory Hotel
★★★
award
"An ideally located hotel with a long, rich history...."
  • Family rooms:
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Restaurant with Rooms
The Fox
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Cosy, country pub with modern ideas to keep guests happy..."
  • Rooms 8
  • Free TV
  • Direct Dial
  • Wifi
Hotel
The Farmhouse at Redcoats
★★★★
awardaward
"A perfect mix of the modern and the charmingly rustic...."
  • Family rooms: 5
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Nearby places to stay
Hitchin Priory Hotel
The Hitchin Priory Hotel enjoys a prominent location with the high street and the centre of Town just a short walk away. The priory dates back to the 14th century when it was founded as...
★★★    Rating
The Fox
The Fox is a country inn and fine dining restaurant situated in the north Hertfordshire village of Willian. It offers eight individually styled ‘country-smart’ bedrooms, each attractive...
★★★★    Rating
The Farmhouse at Redcoats
Part of Anglian Country Inns, the Farmhouse at Redcoats dates back to the 15th century. Quirky details, historic features and stylish interiors make for a memorable stay, while the surr...
★★★★    Rating
Holiday Inn Stevenage
Holiday Inn Stevenage is situated in the heart of the town centre, just 25 minutes from central London by train. Bedrooms are air conditioned and well equipped; ideal for business and l...
★★★★    Rating
Hyde Mill
Hyde Mill offers high quality bed and breakfast accommodation and self-catering apartments on the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire border. In an idyllic location on the banks of the River...
★★★★    Rating
The Wellington
Enjoying a prominent position in the heart of the pretty village of Welwyn, The Wellington offers a range of beautifully presented, individually styled bedrooms. The most is made of the...
★★★★★    Rating
The White Hart
Parts of the White Hart date back to the 13th century, but most of it is from the 17th century. The spacious bedrooms are individually decorated and thoughtfully equipped, some in a bou...
★★★★    Rating
High Trees Farm
Discover three beautiful holiday cottages at High Trees Farm, a 600-year-old working farm set in 200-acres of unspoilt beauty. The cottages enjoy panoramic views over a gently undulatin...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Fox
   AA Rosette Award
The Fox
The Orangery
   AA Rosette Award
The Wellington
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Fox
   AA Rosette Award
The Fox
The Orangery
   AA Rosette Award
The Wellington
   AA Rosette Award
The Wellington
The White Hart
The White Hart
   AA Rosette Award
The Tilbury
View all
Route details
2hrs 30min
Dog-friendly
Difficulty:
Medium

Gradient:
Moderate


Distance:
6.5 miles (10.4kms)

Ascent:
360ft (110m)

Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby  
Discover more walks in Hertfordshire
If you like this walk, you can try more routes in the area.
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Pirton and Deacon Hill

Recommended by
Walk details
2hrs 30min
Dog friendly
Difficulty:
Medium
Gradient:
Moderate
Distance:
6.5 miles (10.4kms)
Ascent:
360ft (110m)
Walk directions

Start at St Mary's churchyard in Pirton. Turn left into Crabtree Lane, then Great Green with the Motte and Bailey pub, to cross the Hitchin Road on to a bridleway, the Icknield Way. The track climbs steadily between fields, eventually curving left to pass the edge of Tingley Wood, now following the county boundary. Past the wood, fork left and continue southwards to the road.
1 of 6

Turn right along the left verge, leaving the road at a lay-by on the left, on to a green lane, here the ancient Icknield Way. At a gate go right to climb Deacon Hill through chalk downland and enjoy the wonderful views. Return to the track and follow it as it levels out with woods to the right, then descends with downland on the left (Telegraph Hill). Pass an information board and continue ahead.
2 of 6

At a fingerpost turn sharp left. The track climbs downland, emerging in open fields. At the crest head towards a solitary oak, avoiding a track running off sharp left and take the next left track after a few paces. Head into woodland beside a waymarker along the left side of a hedge.
3 of 6

Passing Little Offley go between two outbuildings, and straight on to a track. Where this bears right, go straight on, heading for Wellbury House, to a lane. Turn left round Wellbury House grounds. Follow the track past the drive to New Wellbury Farm and Park View Stables, going right at a waymarker into a copse. Cross the stables' yard to follow the grassy track uphill. Once through a kissing gate, cross a track and bear right across meadow to the road.
4 of 6

Cross the road, go left within the tree belt, then right, signposted to the Chiltern Way extension. Follow the field-edge path, go through a gate and bear right into pasture, heading towards the chimneystacks of High Down House. Follow signs downhill, then, through a gate and turn sharp left alongside a hedge. Turn right to follow another hedge to Hitchin Road.
5 of 6

Cross the road into Walnut Tree Road, then go left through a kissing gate into pasture. Walk diagonally right to Pirton's church and castle.
6 of 6
Location
Starting point
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Mix of green lanes, tracks and field paths
  Landscape - Chalk downland, some pasture and some arable
  Dog friendliness - Good deal of arable land, but sheep graze Deacon Hill. Keep on lead at Park View Stables
  Parking - On village roads in Pirton
  Toilets en route - None on route
Walks in Hertfordshire Dog-friendly walks in Hertfordshire
About the walk
The county boundary between Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire is complex along the chalk ridge traversed by the Icknield Way. Despite simplification in the late 19th century, Hexton to the west and Pirton still extend deep into Bedfordshire, sandwiching Shillington, which climbs between them up to...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more
Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more
Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more
About the area
Area image
Hertfordshire
As Hertfordshire is so close to London, many of its towns have become commuter havens. St Albans, less than 19 miles (30km) from the capital, has retained its distinctive character, along with many historic remains.
Explore Hertfordshire

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)
Hotel
Hitchin Priory Hotel
★★★
award
"An ideally located hotel with a long, rich history...."
  • Family rooms:
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Restaurant with Rooms
The Fox
★★★★
awardawardaward
"Cosy, country pub with modern ideas to keep guests happy..."
  • Rooms 8
  • Free TV
  • Direct Dial
  • Wifi
Hotel
The Farmhouse at Redcoats
★★★★
awardaward
"A perfect mix of the modern and the charmingly rustic...."
  • Family rooms: 5
  • Free TV
  • WiFi available
Nearby places to stay
Hitchin Priory Hotel
The Hitchin Priory Hotel enjoys a prominent location with the high street and the centre of Town just a short walk away. The priory dates back to the 14th century when it was founded as...
★★★    Rating
The Fox
The Fox is a country inn and fine dining restaurant situated in the north Hertfordshire village of Willian. It offers eight individually styled ‘country-smart’ bedrooms, each attractive...
★★★★    Rating
The Farmhouse at Redcoats
Part of Anglian Country Inns, the Farmhouse at Redcoats dates back to the 15th century. Quirky details, historic features and stylish interiors make for a memorable stay, while the surr...
★★★★    Rating
Holiday Inn Stevenage
Holiday Inn Stevenage is situated in the heart of the town centre, just 25 minutes from central London by train. Bedrooms are air conditioned and well equipped; ideal for business and l...
★★★★    Rating
Hyde Mill
Hyde Mill offers high quality bed and breakfast accommodation and self-catering apartments on the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire border. In an idyllic location on the banks of the River...
★★★★    Rating
The Wellington
Enjoying a prominent position in the heart of the pretty village of Welwyn, The Wellington offers a range of beautifully presented, individually styled bedrooms. The most is made of the...
★★★★★    Rating
The White Hart
Parts of the White Hart date back to the 13th century, but most of it is from the 17th century. The spacious bedrooms are individually decorated and thoughtfully equipped, some in a bou...
★★★★    Rating
High Trees Farm
Discover three beautiful holiday cottages at High Trees Farm, a 600-year-old working farm set in 200-acres of unspoilt beauty. The cottages enjoy panoramic views over a gently undulatin...
★★★★    Rating
View all (8)
Places to eat nearby View all
The Fox
   AA Rosette Award
The Fox
The Orangery
   AA Rosette Award
The Wellington
   AA Rosette Award
Places to eat nearby
The Fox
   AA Rosette Award
The Fox
The Orangery
   AA Rosette Award
The Wellington
   AA Rosette Award
The Wellington
The White Hart
The White Hart
   AA Rosette Award
The Tilbury
View all
Stay in the area  
Eat or drink nearby