Yesterday we went on another walk. We’ve used it a few times and it’s got some interesting things you can see along the way.

We started off at the St Michaels Memorial Hall on Branch Road in St Michael’s Village. From there, we towards Batchwood via Downedge. When you cross Batchwood Drive there is an entry to a bridle path along the edge of the field bordering Batchwood Golf course. We headed up that route along the edge of the field.

There’s a nice old wooden bench just as the walk flattens out. We stopped for a quick drink, which was nice and refreshing, and to take in the views.

After the break we traveled along what’s known as a bridle path which can be used by horses beside Lady’s Grove Wood (be wary of horse dung). This leads you to the Childwickbury Estate when, at the end of the walk, you walk out in to a wide open space with fields on either side.

Soon you see in the distance a big mansion which was previously owned by a famous film director (I’ve talked about it in another post).

Beside the house there were grand stables in which horses used to be kept in. During the summer they have a big arts fair which is really fun: there’s food stalls, music and entertainment.

Continuing along you arrive on a little village green, surrounded by a few houses, a church and a stables, which is all very nice.

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You take a right at a mini roundabout on the green. Along this road there’s a lovely big house that’s been very well kept. Then when you continue further you come to the old gatehouse, which is quite a distinctive looking building.

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Once outside the gate, you turn right to head back towards St Albans. You continue on the road until you reach a sign for a fruit farm where you can pick berries fresh. Maybe check it out. They look really nice! We’ve walked this route a few times and at the moment the fruits are well-ripened and look delicious. We’re going to try to go if we find a good day when the fruit isn’t all picked: they are really popular. The website is also very good and you can find recipes for tasty treats.

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You then go into the field and continue across till you see a pathway in the right corner. You then travel through the path till you see a clearing in which there’s a rugby pitch. In the pathway you’ll notice that at some points you can find cherries hanging above you. But, I don’t think you should eat them :D.

You follow along the side of the field right until you can see a small hill down into a bunch of trees. Make sure if you want to follow this you go down the pathway nearest to the right. You then have to decide, you can go straight forward to go on a swing hanging on a tree or go straight forward to go back to Batchwood. We decided to turn left and walked around a bit to see the swing.

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It’s really fun! You get to swing around really high but hold on carefully!

You then find a passage through some leaves on the left, if you’re facing forward to the swing. It’s quite long but as long as you follow it you’ll be able to get back. Be careful, there are some leaves that might sting you.

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By the end of it turn left and continue to walk forward until you see where you previously went into Chilwickbury. From there follow the route back till you get to where you started. Then you’re FINISHED!

You can see the route below and actually if you click on the map it brings you onto a website ,where you can get all sorts of different information. After you do that you can download the map onto google maps where you can then get directed by it . The photos were taking in the right places so you can know if you’re at the right area.