In the footsteps of our ancestors
The intrepid LALG trailwalkers group are continuing the process of walking the Hertfordshire Way (a bit like walking versions of Ewan & Charlie, we are doing the walk “the wrong way round”).
Our stage 2 which is a reverse of leg 1 in 'The Hertfordshire Way' guidebook takes us from Wallington to Royston.
Firstly out of Wallington, past the Farm that is said to be the one that inspired Eric Arthur Blair when he wrote “Animal Farm”. Through a field with very large cattle present thence to Sandon, Kelshall and Therfield, over the heath, a climb up to view all the way to Ely, then on to Royston.
Lady Roisia raised a cross here in the middle ages, marking where two ancient roads crossed - the Icknield Way and Ermine Street. The place become known as Roisia’s Cross, then Roisia’s tun or town, and eventually Royston. The stone that held the cross is called the “Roye Stone” and is at the crossroads.
This part of Hertfordshire is glorious, a mix of open fields, beautiful woodland (great for “wood bathing”) and across spectacular heathland with rolling chalk downland. Whilst walking across open fields, in rolling countryside, we spotted a large herd of Fallow Deer, although we were about 400m or so from them, they were very wary, spotted us and trotted in to “dead ground” to stay hidden. As we continued on though, they appeared again, and within the herd were 2 or 3 “White Harts”, an exciting moment for all of us. White Deer hold a place in the traditions of many cultures, vestiges of that still remain as we were all entranced by the site of such beautiful, large wild animals living in their own way so close to us in our busy, bustling County.
Lunch was taken on the green at Therfield, with joy of joys for all long distance walkers, facilities available and open behind the local Pub, (those who walk will understand how delightful that is).
On Therfield Heath, is Hertfordshire’s oldest Barrow, over 5000 years old, there is evidence of our Iron Age ancestors. The Yorkist Army is said to have mustered here before the first Battle of St Albans during the Wars of the Roses. Now a golf course and gallops along with special areas where flowers grow and foxes frolic in their covert are testament to a more peaceful environment.
We trod along elements of the Icknield Way, a route that has been in existence since at least AD 903, it is not hard to imagine the 40 or more generations of people who have also walked this way, as pilgrims, itinerant workers, soldiers or families seeking new opportunities, history is all around us.
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