Repton Trail
Work is at a preliminary stage for a potential signposted mid-distance walk from Digswell to Hertford using existing footpaths and rights of way, to be known as the Repton Trail, after Humphry Repton who designed several of the parklands in the area.
REPTON TRAIL
Humphrey Repton (1752-1818) was one of the foremost landscape designers of the late 18th/early 19th century. His work and influence are better described in his ‘Red Books of Panshanger and Tewin Water’. In undertaking his work for Henry Cowper at Tewin Water, he commented:
‘…. The whole of the beautiful valley from Welwin (sic) to Hertford, including Digswell, Tewin Water, Panshanger and Cole Green, belonging to the same noble family…. while each possesses its independent privacy and seclusion, their united woods and lawns will, by extending through the whole valley, enrich the general face of the County.’
The REPTON TRAIL, based on these Mimram Valley Parklands described above, is a route proposed along existing footpaths from Digswell Viaduct in the west to Poplars Green in the east (approximately 4 kilometres/2.5 miles). At Panshanger Park, footpaths continue eastwards a further 3 kilometres/2 miles to Thieves Lane, Hertford.
Initial work covers:
- inviting comment on the route and its identified historic features. (NB: it is important to note that many of the historic features are private and ‘offset’ from the TRAIL)
- inviting feedback from landowners, neighbours, ramblers and other interested parties.
- highlighting the case of improvement of the link at Poplars Green where the route (also the Herts Green Chain Walk) crosses the B1000.
- inviting opinion on the merit of providing:
- waymarking
- landscape history information boards
- illustrative leaflet
- publicising the opportunity for a practical educational resource dealing with social and industrial history.