Harpenden Common Nature trail
Welcome to Harpenden Common, a place of natural, scenic beauty stretching almost two miles from the centre of Harpenden. The Common offers so much to discover; it is a much valued public green space where we can all enjoy spending time within a beautiful landscape amongst incredible wildlife.
Harpenden Town Council is pleased to announce that the new and improved Nature Trail on Harpenden Common is now complete. The 3.9 miles route is split into four trails which are suitable for all abilities. Pick up a leaflet at the Town Hall, which includes a map, guide to what to look out for and a special "Tree Trail" summary feature or download the leaflet here and download the map here.
If you'd like to find out more about the trees on Harpenden Common, a more detailed Tree Trail is available here to download.
Yellow Trail (1.2 Miles): This trail is the is ideal for anyone looking for a shorter walk close to the Town Centre. Generally flat, this trail takes you through Harpenden’s Coronation Meadow; one of Sixty "meadows" identified as part of the Queens 60th Coronation anniversary campaign to restore the UK's threatened wildflower meadows. This trail gives you the best opportunities to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a thriving ecosystem.
Blue Trail (2.3 Miles): This trail brings you through our orchard and into our regionally scarce acid grassland. This trail also takes you back in time through Harpenden’s sporting heritage, including Harpenden Common Golf Club founded in 1885, Rovers FC founded in 1926 and Harpenden Cricket Club founded in 1863, if you follow the red trail, you can also find Bamville Cricket Club, which was founded in 1934. You will also pass by the old horseracing paddock where the occasional races were held on the common between 1830 and 1914.
Red Trail (3.7 Miles): This trail immerses you into the wonderous world of our woodlands and in the colours and smells that trees provide. This trail is for those who want to explore the Common to its fullest and discover all our interpretation boards and information points. Taking this route will bring you around the golf course, where you can find heathland being restored, past our hayfield where orchids grow and around Southdown Ponds to find where wildfowl thrive.
Horse Ride (3.9 Miles): The horse ride has undergone significant work in the past three years with over a mile of path improvements undertaken to improve access for all users. This route is the only trail designated for horse riding and cycling on the Common.
These trails have been designed to be as access friendly as possible with areas of surface and unsurfaced paths. It is important to note that the Common is used by a variety of residents for different purposes and to be aware of the risks when walking alongside the golf course and the horse ride.
