Spring is nearly here and it’s time to dust off those cobwebs and head out for a crisp, sunny, springtime walk.

Here are the best buggy friendly walks in and around Hemel Hempstead.

Gadebridge Park

This park is a great place to go if you’re interested in a short walk with lots of amenities nearby. There isn’t a ton of pavement but the path leads up through the middle and along the back of the fields where you’ll find a beautiful walled garden. There’s a great kids play park and even a free splash park during the summer months for some water fun with your baby.
Why not head onto Hemel old town high street and go for a coffee while you’re there.
Make sure you park in the car park off of the Leighton Buzzard road as that one is free whereas the other one is not.

Boxmoor Trust

A lot of Boxmoor Trust isn’t pushchair friendly but head for the Orange Walk and you’ll find an accessible boardwalk perfect for pushchairs.
It’s about 1.25km long and should take you around half an hour.
You can find out more info Here.

Chipperfield Common

This is a lovely 1 mile circular walk through the woods that starts from the Cricket Ground Car Park. If that car park is busy there is plenty of alternative (and free!) parking around the cricket field.
Blackwells Cafe and Bar is just across the street if you’re looking for someone to stop for a drink afterwards.

Leavesden Country Park

This is a lovely place to go for a short walk and a trip to the Woodlands Cafe. Paths are nice and flat and there is a children’s play area and outdoor gym if you’re feeling enthusiastic. Parking is free next to the Woodlands YMCA.

Ashridge

Ashridge is a very popular place for families to go walking. With a pushchair you have two good walks available to you.
There’s a 1km circular route with very good paths or a 2km linear walk where the paths are a little ‘earthier’.
Parking is free, and unless you’re going at peak times on a sunny day you’ll get parked easily. There are toilets with baby changing facilities and a cafe on site.

Stanborough Park

If you head off towards Welwyn Garden City you’ll find Stanborough Lakes. These two lakes are a hive of activity during summer with fishing, waters sports and children paddling in the stream. There are good paths looping around each lake, which are suitable for pushchairs all year round.
Why not take a picnic, head to the cafe or stop to feed the ducks with your baby on your way round.
(The ducks here are very confident! They will follow you along the path and swim alongside you in the lake so be prepared if your little ones are a little unsure of them!)
Parking is £1.50 for an hour or £3.50 for up to 3 hours.

Wendover Woods

Wendover woods has four walking trails, including a Play Trail and a Gruffalo Trail. Although I can’t guarantee you’ll come home with clean buggy wheels, I wouldn’t let that put you off.
It’s a beautiful place with a large car park, a great cafe and good facilities.
Parking is £2.50 for up to 2 hours.

Cassiobury Park

Cassiobury Park has been voted one of the top 10 parks in the UK. With lots of accessible paths, cafes, parks, splash park and even a miniature railway, you and your baby won’t struggle for things to do.
Parking is a little limited so try and avoid peak times or plan alternative parking before you leave, just in case.

Tring Park

Tring Park is one of the largest areas of unimproved chalk grassland in the country. Head for the Ridgeway National Trail for the most accessible route. There are no facilities on site so you’d need to head to the Tring Natural History Museum or the Tring Forge car park to use the toilet, which has baby changing facilities.
You can find more information Here.

**I have recently seen a review on Trip Advisor from someone saying they couldn’t access the park from where they parked because of steps and gates so it’s definitely worth doing some research before you go.

Heartwood Forest

Half a million trees have been planted over the years to create a ‘forest in the making’. There is a circular walk from the main car park on a surfaced path and other paths dotted around that are suitable for wheels.
Parking is free but there are no facilities on site.

Verulamium Park

Verulamium Park is 100 acres of beautiful parkland close to St. Albans city centre. There is a lake, park, splash park, cafe and much more for families to enjoy. Why not go for a lap of the lake and then end up in the Inn on the Park Cafe for a coffee before heading home.
Parking is £1.70 for up to 3 hours but it is limited. Alternatively try the Drovers Way, Gombards or Civic Centre car park during peak times.

Rushmere Country Park

Head to the sculpture trail for a 1.5km pushchair friendly path through the beautiful woodland. There are longer routes as well that may get a little muddy in the winter months.
There is a lovely cafe on site as well as good facilities.
Parking is £3.

Ruislip Lido

Fancy a trip to the beach but closer to home? Head to Ruislip Lido. A walk around the Lido will take 20-30 minutes and there are plenty of play areas for children. There’s also a miniature railway around the lido for if little legs get tired.
As you can imagine, it gets very busy here in the summer and it’s worth noting that swimming is not permitted (but there is a water splash area).
There is a cafe and toilet facilities on site and parking is £3.50 or £5 per day depending on the time of year.

Rickmansworth Aquadrome

With a choice of walking around one or both lakes or to take the easy access trail through the wet woodland, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. There’s a Cafe and a large children’s play area.
There is plenty of free parking and toilet facilities on site.