The Hicca Way
The Old George
T
he choice of name for this path which meanders along the River Hiz
is based on history going back to the days of King Offa of Mercia who
founded a religious settlement in Hitchin. When the Danes invaded the rivers
from the North Sea it is recorded that some built a fort on the confluences of the
River Ivel and the River Hiz. A ‘Danegeld’ was paid to the invaders so that they
would not invade the nearby settlement of the Hicca Tribe who lived in Hitchin.
The path follows the route the Hicca tribe would have more or less followed
from Hitchin to the Danish Fort near the south east corner of Henlow.
The footpath which opened on the 22nd of July 2012 was the culmination of
many years work by local volunteers. It runs from the north of Arlesey down the
western side of the town on through Ickleford, Hitchin and finishes in Charlton
village. The walk is mainly through open country with some sections along
urban footpaths.
Henlow Bridge Lakes is the start or end of the Hicca Way depending which
way you are walking. From there walk across the river by the station and enter
the entrance of Glebe Meadows nature reserve.
Passing through you will come to the Old Moat nature reserve. You actually
cross the Old Moat to get to the Mill Pits and is worth taking note of the wildlife.
The whole area is listed as of County Wildlife importance.
Heading further south brings you to the end of Mill Lane, Arlesey. Continuing
south you encounter Arlesey Common (awarded under the Inclosure Act 1804).
Crossing the River Hiz at the Common takes you on the route via Ramerwick
farm towards Ickleford. Heading eastwards, take you to the Ickleford Commons.
Yes, in the plural as Ickleford has a plethora of Commons with names such as
Whitsun and Christmas Common. Following the route through the commons
you come out near Lower Green Farm Equestrian Centre.
Turn left and head to the railway bridge and after crossing the river walk
up by the side of the cottages on the opposite side of the road. This joins the
Icknield Way near Gerry’s Hole, a small nature reserve. Cross back over the
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river and following the Icknield Way also takes you back to the village centre.
Around the green are a couple of pubs a shop and St Katherine’s Church.
tidytime
Wednesdays open until 7.00pm
ICKLEFORD
16th Century Olde English Pub
4 Real Ales
Entertainment every Friday
or Saturday
Food served
Monday to Saturday: 12noon to 4pm
and 6.00pm to 8.30pm
Sunday: 12noon to 4pm
41, Arlesey Road, ICKLEFORD, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 3UX
Telephone: 01462 629 538 or 07949 341 374
Fax: 01462 455 613
Follow the temporary route, by Bowman’s Mill, to enter the outskirts of
Hitchin. Turn left into The Mead into Bury Mead Road and at the end bear
right across the road into the Ransoms Recreation ground. The little stream
is still the river Hiz. Walk up the hill in the park and leave by the park gates
in Nightingale Road. Bearing left brings you to Hitchin Station where you can
catch a train ride home to Arlesey, or you carry on through Hitchin and onto
Charlton village following the route in two directions; either through the town
centre to cross Priory way via subway and along the Charlton Road or you can
walk along Queen Street, Park Street and cross Priory Way via footbridge by
The Three Moorhens pub. The two routes then collide again in Charlton and
onto Wellhead – the source of the Hiz.
Leaflets on the route are
available from ACORN.
Telephone: Mr Roger Watson
on 01462 731963.
Cleaning,
ironing and
laundry
services
Cleaning
Domestic and offices • Weekly and fortnightly
• Blitzes • End of let cleans • Sparkle cleans
Ironing
£3.50 per kg – approx 4 - 5 shirts
Laundry
Service wash, dry and fold – from £8,
Football kits – £13.50
Duvets, pillows, curtains and more
Dry Cleaning
Gents suit £9.95
Introductory offer of £15 for a full set of gel nails
using Gelish for first time customers.
bring this ad
into the shop
and get a 1
0%
discount
Chinese Take Away and Fish & Chips
Wet Outside
?
Bring your d
ryin
in and we ca g
n dry
and fold it fo
r you.
Price by loa
d.
Tel: 01462 731 293
T
elephone Orders Welcome
52, High Street, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6SL
OPENING HOURS
Bank Holiday: 5.00pm – 11.00pm • Sunday: 5.00pm – 10.30pm
Monday: Closed • Tuesday: Saturday 5.00pm – 11.00pm
£1.00 Delivery Charge
Chinese takeaway: delivery every day 12.00 to 2.00pm
Primrose Lane, Arlesey, Bedfordshire. SG15 6RD
SPECIAL OFFER
Call: 01462 732470 for more details
Spend Over £15 & Receive Free Prawn Crackers
Opening times: Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 10am - 5pm,
Wednesday 10am - 7pm, Saturday - 10am - 12noon
All prices include VAT • Cash or Cards accepted
Start 12th March 2012
to advertise telephone: 01462 834265 or go to the website: www.onthebuttonarlesey.co.uk
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