Panshanger Park and River Mimram Walk
Hertfordshire
Panshanger Park is a huge restored landscape of lakes, meadows and woodland where gravel pits once churned the valley of the River Mimram. This long loop takes in the full park, skirting the Great Water, dropping down to the pebble beach on the Mimram and threading the woods around the historic Panshanger Oak, one of the largest veteran trees in England. It is a deservedly popular dog friendly walk for anyone within reach of Hertford or Welwyn.
Dogs are welcome throughout and can be off lead across most of the open grassland and along the riverside, but leads are needed in the nature reserve and in any fields being grazed by sheep. The paths are mostly level with a few short, gentle climbs between the lakes, and mud is a near certainty after wet weather. Parking is pay and display at either Thieves Lane or Panshanger Lane car parks, with no other facilities inside the park.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 20 min
- Walk Type
- River, Lake, Woodland, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on site; a small coffee van sometimes visits the Thieves Lane car park at weekends.
- Parking
- Pay and display car parks at Thieves Lane and Panshanger Lane; charges apply, usually busy on weekend mornings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panshanger Park and River Mimram Walk dog friendly?
Panshanger Park is a great choice for a day out with your dog, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. Dogs are welcome throughout this large restored landscape of lakes, meadows and woodland, making it one of the better options for dog owners within reach of Hertford or Welwyn.
Can dogs be off lead at Panshanger Park and River Mimram Walk?
Dogs can be off lead across most of the open grassland and along the riverside, which gives them plenty of room to roam. Leads are required in the nature reserve and in any fields being grazed by sheep, so it's worth keeping an eye out for signage as you go.
What should I know before visiting Panshanger Park and River Mimram Walk with my dog?
The paths are mostly level with a few short, gentle climbs, but mud is a near certainty after wet weather, so boots and a towel for your dog are wise. There are no facilities inside the park, though a small coffee van sometimes appears at the Thieves Lane car park at weekends. Parking is pay and display at either Thieves Lane or Panshanger Lane car parks, and it can get busy on weekend mornings, so an earlier start is worth considering.
What’s Nearby?
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