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Catchpole Wood

3 ha

Plan your visit

WildlifeBirdsForaging
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome3 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🌞Midsummer — early morning visits most comfortable; look for deer fawns in quieter clearings
  • 🌿Foraging is at its best in summer here
  • 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome

Best for

7 activities

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals; Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals

Free

Bird watching

Birds — Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Magpie +49 more · last seen 2025; Birds — Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Magpie +49 more · last seen 2025

Free

Foraging

Plants — Dandelion, Common Sorrel, Rough Hawkbit +11 more foraging species; Deciduous woodland — fungi, berries and wild garlic

Varies

Seasonal nature

Plants — Yorkshire-fog, Cock's-foot, Red Fescue +57 more · last seen 2025; Plants — Yorkshire-fog, Cock's-foot, Red Fescue +57 more · last seen 2025

Free

Dog walks

Dogs allowed — public woodland

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — Meadow Brown, Small White, Gatekeeper +36 more · last seen 2025; Insects — Meadow Brown, Small White, Gatekeeper +36 more · last seen 2025

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

18 signed routes nearby · 8 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
STOOP Link Path 3 - Stevenage Outer Orbital Path LinkWalking route

A link from Stevenage to the STOOP path (at approx 4 o'clock on clockface)

Named route
Old Railway & River LeaWalking route7.9 km

After a brief visit to the remains of Wheathampstead railway station, the walk follows the Ayot Greenway (route of the Permanent Way) to Ayot Green. The return journey follows the course of the River Lea.

Named routeLength 7.9 kmRound tripLocal walking route
Wheathampstead to Shaw's Corner Circular Walk, Shaw's CornerWalking route12.2 km

Mostly easy walking across established footpaths and fields. There are some steps along the route, and a steep gully at section 2. Assistance dogs only at Shaw's Corner.

Named routeLength 12.2 kmDuration 03:00Round tripLocal walking route
Above the Lea ValleyWalking route6.5 km

From quiet woods to expansive views over the Lea valley, this walk includes Gustard Wood at the northern tip of Wheathampstead and the Grade I splendour of Mackerye End.

Named routeLength 6.5 kmRound tripLocal walking route
Hertfordshire WayWalking route267 km

Long distance path

Named routeLength 267 kmRegional walking route
🚴

Cycling

59 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
Ayot GreenwayCycling route
Named route
Route 12Cycling route
Named routeRef 12National Cycle Network
Route 61Cycling route34 km

Route 61 travels from Maidenhead to Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City and Hertford before arriving near Hoddesdon.

Named routeRef 61Length 34 kmNational Cycle Network
NCN National Route 57Cycling route
Named routeRef 57National Cycle Network
Recreational Cycle Route 16Cycling route

Local circular? cycle route

Named routeLocal cycle route
Chilterns CyclewayCycling route
Named routeRound tripRegional cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

View of a pair of raccoon dogs in the Cat Survival Trust #2

View of a pair of raccoon dogs in the Cat Survival Trust #2

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