Oughtonhead is a beautiful nature reserve with the River Oughton running through it and is managed by the Herts Wildlife Trust. It is teeming with wildlife. There’s no official walking trail, just lots of criss-crossing paths through farmland and woodland.

If you’re visiting in the summer, there’s a lovely spot for swimming with a rope swing, although the water is very cold. It’s a good idea to bring beach shoes because the stones on the river bed can be quite sharp. You can find the swimming spot by following the river.

There are no facilities here but it is not far from the centre of Hitchin where there are lots of shops and restaurants. Nearby is Pegsdon Hills and Hoo Bit where you’ll see a beautiful field of poppies in the summer months. You might also want to check out the National Trust run Dunstable Downs for incredible views.

Parking: There is no official car park but there are a few parking spaces in a small car park just off Swinbourne Lane or at the bottom of Westmill Lane. If you put Oughtonhead into your SatNav, it will take you to the Swinbourne Lane car park.