River Ver Trail

Its course has powered industry, supported holy orders and continues to be an important, if threatened, wildlife habitat. Take the train and explore the rich river Ver

- Liz Hamilton, Herts Campaign to Protect Rural England

Resolving to use public transport whenever possible to reach places where I plan to walk, I recently went by train to Watford Junction, then took the Abbey Line to St Albans. From here I explored the river Ver valley downstream from the city. Much of the route I followed is sheltered from the worst of the weather, ideal for a winter’s walk on a fine day.

The six-and-a-half mile Abbey Line opened in 1858; with intermediate stations at Bricket Wood and Park Street it was the first railway to reach St Albans. Later it connected to the branch line to Hatfield which opened in 1865 and closed to passengers in 1951. Housing growth in north Watford and south of St Albans ensured the survival of the Abbey Line and three more stations were added later. Also known as the Abbey Flyer, one train shuttles along the single track and the end-to-end journey time is 16 minutes.

The Abbey Line provides easy access to some of the county’s Green Belt countryside. I planned to walk the local section of the River Ver Trail, which connects walkers to intermediate stations along the line for return journeys. The trail follows the river for 17 miles from its source near Markyate to the confluence with the Colne near Bricket Wood. In addition, eight circular walks exploring the Ver valley have been devised by the Ver Valley Society in conjunction with the Herts Countryside Management Service. The Watermeadow Walk includes the route I planned to follow.