Getting There
Northbound route: leave the A1(M) at Junction 6 and at the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A1000 signed Welwyn Garden City.
At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit, signed The North, A1(M).
Southbound route: leave the A1(M) at junction 6 and at the roundabout take the 3rd exit, signed Welwyn. Bear right onto the A1000, signed The North, A1(M).
Both routes: at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit signed Knebworth B197.
Pass the North Star Public House on the left hand side. Enter Woolmer Green and take the 1st left turn onto Heath Road.
The car park is on the right hand side, at the end of the houses.
Return to A1(M) Northbound
Turn left out of the car park and at the T-junction turn left.
At the mini-roundabout, continue ahead on the B197 and at the next roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Stevenage Road (B197).
At the next roundabout take the 1st exit onto London Road (B197), and at the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Monkswood Way (signed Town Centre).
At the next roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A602, signed Hitchin and continue ahead to return to the A1(M) northbound.
Return to A1(M) Southbound
Turn left out of the car park and at the T-junction turn right.
At the roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A1000, signed Welwyn Garden City.
At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit to continue on the A1000.
At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit to rejoin the A1(M) southbound.
Mardley Heath
Walk length: 30-45 minutes
Mardley Heath is a well looked after community nature reserve, and combines shaded woodland with open space that’s ideal for dogs. There are plenty of paths criss-crossing the area, and no particular route to follow.
There’s a strong population of rabbits here, who seemed to be very dog-wise when Jem gave chase.
We headed downhill, past the gate and through a carpet of bluebells to the path at the foot of the hill. We then turned right, away from the sounds of the A1, and followed the path as far as a field (part of the Stevenage Orbital Path). The woodland path then bears right, and uphill again to emerge in a clearing just below the car park.
Facilities
Free parking (height restriction). Dog poo bins.