HOOP photo gallery 2b: Ickleford to Wilbury Hills

In these photos the Hitchin Outer Orbital Path leaves the village of Ickleford and skirts the northern edge of Bury Mead Springs nature reserve, before passing Gerry’s Hole and crossing the first of two railway lines. A field-edge walk then emerges at Wilbury Hills on the edge of Letchworth.

Click on any thumbnail to see an enlarged version. You can then scroll through the pictures and their captions using the arrows that appear on the edges, or by using your mouse wheel.

: The old pump at Ickleford

: Ickleford village sign

: Look for the Icknield Way riders’ route signs to get you on your way

: Out of the village and heading for Bury Mead Springs

: As elsewhere, great care has been taken with the waymarking

: A bridge of solid beams takes you over the river

: A murky, foul-smelling river suggested all was not well

: Picturesque views as the river heads off northwards

: A railway once ran here – now only part of a bridge remains

: The doleful story of Gerry and his hole

: Swimming not recommended

: Gerry’s Hole is a haven for aquatic plants, insects and wildlife

: The Cadwell Crossing takes you over one of the two rail lines north of Hitchin

: A lavender field. Near the path but – despite the publicity – not on it

: Speed records were set on this long, straight section of track

: South towards Hitchin’s industrial area

: If you see this view you’re close to a geocache – but can you find it?

: The path leaves the railway behind and heads for the fields

: Dead tree sentinel

: This way – but to where?

: Not recommended

: Looking south east across the edge of town

: Stand by for an unsheltered, open section

: Agriculture meets industry

: A harvested field

: The steady climb up to Wilbury Hills

: Arriving at the Stotfold Road

: The path dodges into woodland to avoid following a dangerous road

: Emerge from this wooden bridge and turn right down the path ahead

: A quick glimpse of Bedfordshire through the hedges and trees

: The car park at Wilbury Hills is not one we like to use

: Emerging on the Stofold Road for a second time, about to cross it

Adventures in outdoor swimming

Over the summer we've got a few wild and not so wild swimming adventures planned - we'll add them here as they happen. Learn more here.