Murder most foul

First, the Romans were here, as two kilns, discovered in 1898, testify. The site was near Loom Lane, now part of leafy suburbia. Further on, in Gills Hill Lane, modern-day houses at the junction with Oaks Close bear no resemblance to the ramshackle dwelling known as Probert's Cottage, scene, in 1823, of the infamous Radlett murder.

The victim was one William Weare, a gambler who was considered by his killer, John Thurtell, to have cheated at cards. Thurtell, assisted by two accomplices, shot Weare as they arrived at the cottage, then stabbed him to death in the hedgerow and dumped his body in a pond.

Thurtell was convicted of the murder, and he alone was sentenced to hang. Thousands attended his execution at Hertford, as the murder was played out in theatres, and the cottage became a tourist attraction. Sir Walter Scott even paid a personal visit! As you pass by, it's worth remembering:

"They cut his throat from ear to ear,

His brains they battered in;

His name was Mr William Weare,

He lived at Lyons Inn."

A right of way leads off Watford Road to quiet country lanes, the shallow valley of the Colne directly ahead. Bluebells in profusion here and, at Hill Farm, stinging-nettles; lots of fun if you're wearing shorts. At Netherwilde farm, I might have stepped back in time with the sight of a Romany caravan and an old Fordson tractor in a barn.

In 1941, they were digging wartime anti-tank defences when they discovered the remains of a Roman villa on the banks of the Colne. There were buildings and more kilns, the latter perhaps used to manufacture tiles for the rebuilding of Verulamium following its sacking by Boadicea.

It's arable land now, electricity pylons towering over growing crops. What would the Romans have made of them?

Further on, Great Munden House stands close to a ford, with a footbridge over the river; it's a tranquil spot, worthy of a Constable. You might be surprised at the extensive parkland beyond the house, especially when you see the sign proclaiming Garston to be just one mile away.

The way leads west to a narrow lane, where opposite a sign says "Public Bridleway 8, Bucknalls Lane". It points to the "deep, dark woods" of Bricket Wood Common, where a bridleway leads to another sign: "Public Footpath 59, Mount Pleasant Lane".

Take care, for this is a bewildering place to the stranger. In the 1920's, there were eight nudist colonies here. They ate wild fruit and nuts in these woods, confident, no doubt, of avoiding discovery. I saw none, anyway.

You should emerge at footbridge No. 6 over the railway. According to the graffiti, Satan and someone called Linda have passed this way. Best to refrain from adding your own name; instead turn right along a path through the woods to the road leading to Bricket Wood station and, more interestingly, the Fox and Hounds opposite. Picnic tables outside!

Drop Lane leads to a path within the grounds of the Ambassador's College, formerly Hansted's or "Bryghteyght", as it appears in the Domesday Book. It was once the home of Lord Yule, whose wife was reputedly the richest woman in England. She bred Arabian stallions, even had a siding for her sole use at the railway station.

Cross the M25, then pass under it again, alongside the Colne, to Moor Mill House, now a museum. If you've the time and energy, you may first care to explore the hidden ponds of Frogmore, and discover the myriad of dead-end footpaths. Don't be in a hurry!

Crossing the old A5 at Colney Street, a stone marks the entrance to the former Handley Page airfield. "World famous aircraft were flown here", it says proudly, as though in defiance of the container lorries with their giant logos. Beanz Meanz Heinz!

Rights of way lead past derelict farm buildings and ultimately to a grand finale through glorious woodland to the leafy streets of Radlett.

Reproduced from Limited Edition magazine, exclusive guides to living in Hertfordshire, Middlesex and the London Borough of Barnet (01923 216295).

For a printable map of the walk, please click the image below.