Pete's Walks - STevenage Outer Orbital Path (STOOP)
Post-walk Comments
I enjoyed my four walks on the STOOP. I am always a little dubious about orbital paths around large towns or cities, fearing that I will generally be in sight or sound of a built-up area. But as with the Aylesbury Ring and Milton Keynes Boundary Walk, my fears proved to be groundless. I hardly got a glimpse of Stevenage throughout the walk, and the route went through some virtually unspoilt countryside.
I think I enjoyed the first day the most, the long bridleways between Graveley and Weston and then from Dane End Farm to Walkern being especially good. But that may be because I did that walk on one of the hottest and sunniest days of the year! It's so difficult to allow for weather conditions when comparing walks. The second day was also good, though I was slightly disappointed with the Beane valley as I didn't see much of the small river at all. My third walk had some very pleasant sections, including Mardley Heath at the start. The fourth day was the one I liked least, but I think that was because my mind was on other things - or it could be that it was a little unvaried in that there were no woodland sections on that walk. Certainly it wasn't an unpleasant walk, and I'd be happy to do it again sometime, as I would for the rest of the STOOP.
I was impressed by the way the STOOP was designed, with several linking paths or bus connections to the town centre, so that the residents of Stevenage could do sections of the walk without needing to use their vehicles. I hope the people of Stevenage will make full use of this wonderful amenity on their doorstep.
Looking towards the Beane Valley, from the bridleway to Walkern (Day 1)