Crackendell Wood

Wood, Forest in Hertfordshire Welwyn Hatfield

England

Crackendell Wood

Waterend Looking North from TL204136 to the ford at Waterend on the River Lea, West of Welwyn Garden City. It&#039;s dry, but the water only has to rise a foot or so to flood the road - hence the little footbridge so people can cross without getting their feet wet. — Waterend Credit: Rob Hinkley

Crackendell Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Hertfordshire, England. It covers an area of approximately 50 hectares and is situated near the town of Welwyn Garden City. The wood is managed by the Hertfordshire County Council and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, including oak, beech, and hornbeam. These majestic trees create a dense and lush canopy, providing a haven for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones carpet the forest floor during the spring months, creating a stunning display of color.

Crackendell Wood also boasts a network of well-maintained footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths wind through the wood, offering glimpses of tranquil ponds and babbling streams along the way. The wood provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for relaxation and reflection.

The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and an abundance of bird species. The birdlife is particularly diverse, with woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds being commonly sighted. Nature lovers can often spot squirrels scurrying up and down the trees or catch a glimpse of a shy rabbit darting through the undergrowth.

Crackendell Wood is a true gem of Hertfordshire, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the peaceful ambiance, this woodland provides a delightful experience for all who visit.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Crackendell Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.809794/-0.23723244 or Grid Reference TL2113. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Waterend

Looking North from TL204136 to the ford at Waterend on the River Lea, West of Welwyn Garden City. It's dry, but the water only has to rise a foot or so to flood the road - hence the little footbridge so people can cross without getting their feet wet.

Rob Hinkley

Waterend house

The large house just North of the ford (TL204137)

Rob Hinkley

Brocket Hall gates

Looking south from TL218139 to the gates of Brocket Hall - home of convicted fraudster and annoying D-list reality TV celeb Lord Brocket. Most of the rest of the grid square South of here is private, and judging by the spikes, CCTV and "STOP" notices I don't think he'll let you in.

Rob Hinkley

Greenway bridge

Looking South to a bridge at TL209145 which carries the Ayot Greenway - a length of old railway line converted into cycle path and bridleway, covering most of the way from Wheathampstead to Welwyn Garden City.

Rob Hinkley

Ayot Greenway

Looking West from TL218146 along the greenway - a length of abandoned railway line running most of the way from Wheathampstead to Welwyn Garden City.

Rob Hinkley

Church, Ayot St Peter, from afar.

Peering North from TL218146, through the trees at the edge of the old railway line & across the fields to the church in Ayot St Peter (TL218149)

Rob Hinkley

Ayot St Peter Church

Taken from the road looking WSW towards the Church

Simon Davies

Brocket Hall, Lemsford

This is the view one gets from the highway.

Jack Hill

Ayot St Peter

The church seems to be operational but where would the congregation come from?

Jack Hill

Ayot St Peter

This building is next door to the church. Looks like it was the school but is now a house

Jack Hill

Milepost on Great North Rd

This broken milepost stands on the old Great North Rd. This is now the B197 Stevenage to Welwyn Garden City road. In fact most people making this journey use the A1 which runs parallel and about 50 yards to the left. This milepost is cast iron and has been broken at some stage. This is the road that Dick Turpin would have ridden from York to London on.

Robin Hall

Lemsford mill and the River Lea.

Taken from the very edge of the square facing the mill.

Robin Hall

Lemsford Village.

To the left, and not possible to get a view of at this point is the River Lea. This photograph is taken from the Welwyn Garden City - Lemsford road. The pub in the distance is the "Long Arm and the Short Arm". The pub sign depicts a wooden lever arm that indicated the depth of the water at the crossing point of the River Lea of the ancient Great North Road. When the arm was in the dropped or raised position it showed the depth of water to the horse drawn waggoners and other users.

Robin Hall

River from Waterend Ford

View of the River Lea taken from Waterend Ford looking South-East

Richard Mills

Wellhead

This is the head mechanism for a well. Largely complete but the cover is missing. Locally made and originally driven by a separate (steam traction?) engine, possibly as a water source for a steam plough? Located near the top of a hill just south of Threegroves Wood. There is a concrete structure about two metres high, possibly for a water tank. TL203148

Richard Mills

Whitehill Farm

Looking north along the road to Welwyn, with woods to the right and Whitehill Farm straight ahead.

Rob Hinkley

Houses just north of Whitehill Farm

This terrace of houses is so close to Whitehill farm that the 1:50,000 OS map shows them as part of the same feature, as if the farm buildings are spreading along the road.

Rob Hinkley