Devil's Dyke, Lea Valley Walk & Hertfordshire Way to St Alban's (4K)

An expedition to the Iron Age earthwork Devil's Dyke at Wheathampstead, the place where it's claimed that Cassivellaunus made his stand against Cesar in 54BC.
The day starts with a meander along the Lea Valley Walk to Wheathampstead then picks up the Hertfordshire Way to St. Alban's.
Shot in 4K on a Panasonic GX80 (affiliate link) amzn.to/2QUrtXo
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Music:
Ambiment - The Ambient by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Evening Fall Harp by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/

[@SCOTTBULGRIN]

I love the walks to earthworks, it's like time travel.🗿

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Very true Scott, something so magical about these places

[@Aengus42]

This was a bit of a return home for me... I was christened in St. Albans cathedral as my parents ran a pub called The Goat in town. I was born in 1964 and my earliest memories are of folk music & Shepherd's pie in the pub as a kid. So thanks for the memories, much appreciated John.

[@pookiebambam84]

I realise this is an old video and therfore you may never read this but I grew up in Batford/Harpenden and haven't walked the fields/paths in this video since I was a child. I genuinely teared up a little at parts, thank you for this I think I may have to go for a walk soon

[@traceylall6401]

Thank you for this! Inspired me to organize a bike ride with a friend to visit this historic place and read some of the history.

[@phill2383]

Fantastic Walk John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Phillip

[@julieblackstock8650]

stunning

[@drhowslounge]

"There's something peaceful about a swaying crop of wheat", John Rogers. Another classic one liner.

[@llessibm]

The effort you must put into videoing these walks must be immense as what you produce is some of the best viewing I've experienced in a very long time - thank you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That's really kind of you Martin. I love making these videos so the effort feels totally worthwhile

[@marc54106]

Love the videos , the river crouch walk took me back to when i was 10 (im 53 now ) my dad had a 27 foot yacht moored at burnham and i have such happy memories of that time , i unfortunately have respiratory problems so watching your walks give me so much pleasure

[@110acer]

Great walk and a fabulous cathedral to end.

[@michaelstride9293]

Lovely walk and an area I’ve explored too. Shame you missed the restored station at Wheathampstead with its George Bernard Shaw statue, and goods truck...and at Coleman Green the John Bunyan pub (great Land Lord) and where I go once a month for our car club, opposite are the ruins of JBs house. Nearby Ayot St Lawrence and Kimpton are lovely with Watercress beds, rolling hills and some lovely hidden houses.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for that info Michael

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Loved the caterpillar 😁🐛

[@alexmoody9259]

John I’m so glad you took this walk

[@JohnRogersWalks]

me too, thanks Alex

[@kld5617]

Whoever do the siting with the music are geniuses it's so therapeutic and very very good to a bbc standard

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much Keith

[@greavste71]

Good morning.....what a lovely gift for a sunny Blackcountry Sunday morning......I’ve just put the kettle on 👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

that's a wonderful image Stephen - hope you enjoy the video

[@4thEyeVision]

Thanks john for a great walk

[@Mouxbar]

A quick review of John's book - This Other London. Whilst John's childhood centres on Wycombe, mine is that of the mighty (cough) River Roding. Stumbling over his various videos on this ambling Thames tributary, I was soon led into another world of London edgelands. Some I knew well, others were foreign territory, but all fascinating glimpses behind the veil of identical high streets. John's book takes you further into the rabbit warren of suburbia and the hidden past that lies a short walk from the well trodden path. The book reveals John's sometimes acidic sense of humour which really doesn't come to the fore in his videos. I thoroughly approved, he can be laugh out loud funny which is a relief when you find out he had a short career as stand-up act. Here, you can learn about his local pub and a myriad of well researched facts from all over London. If you love the videos this is a great companion, often referenced, and highly recommended. And John, if you ever spotted an 8ft tall tampon in your local, that was my friend on a fancy dress night. Ah, the 1990's, you could still get away with being totally non PC... glad to say I was in civvies.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks for that review Mouxbar

[@Brillbrunette]

I love my beautiful village 😍

[@EalesOnWheels]

i grew up in wheathampstead and it's lovely to see someone else's view of the village!

[@marybeck5236]

I love it when you visit the different earthworks. This was a great walk, John. Thanks.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Mary - I’ve got some more planned as well

[@marybeck5236]

John Rogers l look forward to it.

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Stunning location, loved the caterpillar too😀

[@tomcarl8021]

We have a town named after St Albans here in NYC. Louis Armstrong was a longtime resident.

[@histmanuk]

Need to visit St. Albans again after seeing this.

[@Mok808]

Lovely walk John. My girlfriend and i walk 50k+ each weekend, and there are so few serious walkers away from the towns. Thank you for sharing your walks with us.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wow that’s some distance you cover, brilliant way to spend the weekend

[@briancox144]

Nice walk enjoyed very much John still catching up on your previous videos nice afternoon viewing

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Brian

[@2Sugarbears]

I really loved this walk. Thanks John.

[@sandratyler5387]

As usual a perfect walk, thanks for letting us come along!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Sandra

[@dai19721]

Cheers buddy, yeah a real magical one that one was

[@rgoutdoors2166]

Just got back from a short walk and found this vid popped up in my inbox. A perfect way to warm down. Another beautiful walk and history lesson about areas i used to frequent. Thanks John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure R&g - love the idea of being part of your post-walk warm down

[@obrYo]

A beautiful walk, John, thank you. So true what you said about hardly seeing other walkers. It never ceases to amaze me.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks brY an - it's a strange thing. I did see a few people on the Ridgeway near Ivinghoe a couple of years ago but that was a rarity

[@rogerkearns8094]

02:11 Larva of peacock butterfly, _Aglais io.._

[@tomaswest6541]

Thanks for another great walk. You have a real eye for capturing the atmosphere.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks very much Tomas

[@lryoung3655]

Thank you for another great walk. I will be walkingvfrom the mouth of the tyne up through newcastle and up to dunstan.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure - that sounds like a great walk

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Thanks John. Your videos are getting better and better. Loved the poppy fields.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Little Acorns, much appreciated

[@SirPrancelot1]

Excellent as always.

[@howdymartin6258]

John - I always find out something new on your walks -- well often many things -- thanks

[@stephenmoon2767]

I loved this video of your walk, it gave me a much needed lift in difficult times. Thank you John for all your videos and your infectious zest for walking and discovering new places. I've been struggling with difficult personal issues recently, exacerbated by our current situation (covid), but your vlogs have been a lifeline to a more normal, optimistic life and I look forward to going through your back catalogue like this current vlog (did make me chuckle as you felt 32 degrees was hot on this walk, as I've not long ago watched one of your recent vlogs up Primrose Hill when I think you got to 35 !!). I have to admit my favourite vlog of yours was your three days around Kingston-on-Thames, which is a very special place for me (Hampton Court being one of my favourite places on earth). Without wishing to sound soppy or overly emotional, you are the sort of person that the world is better off for, for having you in it. Thank you again for your vlogs and I look forward to enjoying many more of them (even following some of them in real life, as your origins in Wooburn aren't far from me in Burnham, so the Chilterns beckon !!!)

[@debdenraider]

Fantastic, thank you. Born and bred in St Albans. That was a fair old trot you did that day!

[@ttv2951]

Another great walk and a perfect antidote to a modern stressful life complete with History Tesco finest English cricket Stella & Milk bottle legs, keep it up John

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Canned Heat - not stopping me and still no sun on those legs

[@Shreek17]

Fantastic and peaceful video. I will make an effort to visit Devil's Dyle as soon as possible.

[@garypettengell6816]

Great again John ,looks like a good idea to revisit St Albans.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I think it has to be done Gary

[@d.aardent9382]

Wow one of the more beautiful rural countryside walks which i enjoy seeing ya sharing with us watchers. Amazing places i would like to see. Im so impressed that ya still have all these old roadways and trails still preserved and you can get around so many regions without having to get on paved roads too much. This is the problem we have in USA. There are only a few old trails preserved and most of them are gone as nobody cared to keep them up or they get lost due to developments.

[@victorsorokin9070]

Very good and picturesque walk. When I was a 6th grade kid, I used to call such vast open fields "green fields of Rohan" -- I was a Tolkien fan back then :)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

that's the perfect reference Victor and probably not far off what Tolkien was thinking of

[@neil9890]

I approve of the can of beer break - it should become a feature on all future walks.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

It was essential- having a rest on a walk at the moment planning when I can have a beer

[@DonConstance]

On a park bench with a can of "wife beater", lucky not to be moved on by the rozzers 😀😉

[@THINKincessantly]

Just after half 4 😊 Love hearing the utterings sayings from back home----my granddad used to say half-past 4, quarter after etc☺️....

[@JamesAFCWFC]

Your grandad was a nonce

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Wow that is a powerful place. Thank you for this walk, really enjoyed. ☺

[@humble4533]

Thank you John for another interesting ,beautifully shot and magical walk which has brought another part of the London region that I have never been to.Appreciate all your efforts

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Humble

[@martinaaron609]

Some KZbin videos. a precious few, need two thumbs up. This is one such.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks so much Martin

[@willhovell9019]

Thanks John my great great paternal grandmother Susan Hovall nee Wilkerson b c 1848 and on the 1910 census in West Hampstead as ' charwoman' of Therfield village on the Herts / Cambs border used to refer to part of' the Icknield Way as "Devil's dyke". Icknield Way crosses the Roman north road at Royston right on the Cambridgeshire border. Some of these ancient pre Roman ways , were also cattle drovers paths / trails and this may be why they wore so deep into the Landscape. How far was your walk from the nearby Icknield way ? Fascinating stuff . My family name is found around Suffolk, Cambs Herts and north Essex. Hovell or Hovall may be connected with hoveller , a type of boatman.

[@zennor_man]

Thanks for a lovely video which brought back wonderful memories of my years living alongside the Lea in Wheathampstead.....such a beautiful village...

[@darrenrobson5977]

Beautiful John and so fascinated with these ancient monuments. Not a fan of Mortimer Wheeler

[@liz37csm]

Just discovered your wonderful walk around our local area and along the River Lea. It's inspiring to see it through another's eyes, especially all the details you share - from the tiny insects, grasses and lichen, to the fields of poppies, golden wheat and the majestic cathedral. Thank you!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Liz - this was a really special walk for me that I often think back to

[@angelaharvey2034]

Just completed a 17 mile walk to St Albans following the disused railway lines to Set Albans yesterday. Must o this walk following the Lea Valley and Hertfordshire Way.

[@capnfirebeardbakeryoutube]

Thankyou for these amazing videos John, you are a Legend and have inspired me to check out all of these places I've not yet seen, in person!

[@chriswhiteman5082]

Great videos John! Really pleased I came across them. Keep up the good work pal. Chris.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Chris- much appreciated

[@robjeavons5982]

Another fantastic video. Thanks john.

[@katcankan7129]

Thank you for another great walk. I am pleased to see the maps are still in use & extra useful information given at the end. I have a lot to catchup on 🤗

[@jackthelad93]

I’m glad you enjoyed wheathampstead, i grew up in wheathampstead, i lived on davys close road, literally right next to dyke lane.

[@kevwhufc8640]

Great video, its always nice to see people interested in my city ( StAlbans) and surrounding areas. :)

[@sohowsoon6652]

your work is taking on the gravity of distant stars

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks sohow

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

What a wonderful walk John. A disused railway line and long distance footpaths. What more can I ask. Mary and I wish you and your family a Happy Christmas and beautiful New Year

[@whispjohn]

John, we are all moving on in years now and walking is an enjoyment which becomes rather more energy consuming than our old frames can muster. Also walking in the sun is not a good idea. We/I don't want you to become unable to produce your lovely videos, so please take care my friend. Another little history lesson today, always welcome as I live in a retirement estate and I have never been among such an uneducated bunch. This lack of knowledge just disappoints me because it really is not their fault, yet it is. As teacher I find that my generation had all the opportunities but just conformed to the status quo and believed all they were told.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks whispjohn - I recovered quite quickly funnily enough, but you're right I should be a little more cautious in that kind of hear

[@tipstricksss1453]

I'm planing on doing a very long walk From Dartford Marshes to Isle of Grain. I was going to attempt to do some of the walk today but its just way to hot in this heat so I may do it tomorrow depending on what the weather is like.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That sounds like a great walk, but very wise to wait for cooler weather

[@timbuthfer901]

Superb walk, wonderfully relaxing. I often wonder if you can swim in the lea, the water looks clean enough.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Good question Tim - there were kids in the river at Harpenden

[@tomchurch3699]

You are right John, can walk for hours on the paths away from settlements and not see a soul. Walking is almost a subversive activity these days. Good call on the Stella👍🏻

[@JohnRogersWalks]

It never ceases to surprise me Tom, probably the only exception was the Ridgeway towards Ivinghoe Beacon but that was mostly dog walkers

[@k2411871]

Just discovered your channel John, its wonderful what you do and show. However, if I might make one suggestion, please add a digital map (like google maps) to your videos showing your trail and the stops you make when you found a place of special interest. I know its more time spent editing your videos, but it should get you many more fans and viewers.

[@paulbillingham4594]

A smashing walk John. I'm watching this in February 21 and it's about minus 4 outside and 8pm and dark. It's nice see Summer actually will reoccur Thanks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

glad you enjoyed it Paul - it was such a glorious walk and weather - I try to store up a little of that sun for the winter months

[@gordonshuffle9827]

You might like to try the Devil's punch bowel in Hampshire (I think) it's a bit out of London but we'll worth the trip.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for the tip Gordon

[@jimkay2728]

Just discovered your films John. As a Lutonian who lives in Bristol these days, I look forward to hearing your thoughts about Leagrave and Wauluds Bank when you get around to it.

[@tomcook7676]

I'm afraid I would have to wild camp along the way, and stay longer in that beautiful village at the end of your video. For sure scout out a bookshop, or take up residency.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Sounds like a great plan Tom

[@meanderingmedic]

Brilliant video..but you do need to get your wheat oats and barley recognition sorted...

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I really hope I can crack this one day

[@sabinsharma2996]

Come into my country Nepal once. You'll make abundant documentaries about your outings.

[@heidgandreiter8438]

Hi John, in a respectful spiritual analysis I've noticed double parapsychological ITC phenomena - initially I noticed a visual spirit manifestation from 12:46-50 'Face of old ancestor' manifesting on the embankment in the left side of the screen; an image made up of light and shadow, almost mask-like. I also hear very faint EVP at 0.25x video speed (an other dimensional lower vibrational frequency) just after you speak the word 'surrender' 12:46 'Stor' ('Big'), 12:47 'Treachery', 'Treason', 'De kommer' ('They are coming'). Listen repeatedly to catch the words, almost being whispered here. Why part Danish EVP? Vikings also fought there perhaps, at one time. In any case this EVP seems to have been spoken so that I could catch it. You mention other tribes turning against their neighbors here, and this has apparently made such an emotional imprint that a certain residual spiritual energy seems to be connected to the location. Thank you The Völve mewe.com/i/ulrikrosenstand

[@cazzawazza9553]

What is the episode with the welwyn garden old railway walk .. Its my hometown its a nice walk

[@georginacox3909]

Hello. On Google Roman pens found under London streets found. Just yday news.

[@georginacox3909]

Ok

[@mkfloyd9131]

Well my 4th 'walk' of the day and like the 1st 3 first rate...

[@unchattytwit]

I always think it's a waste when you avoid an interesting pub (apart from when you're too knackered to make an effort) - maybe you could film a little bit of the interior. Wouldn't take 20 minutes. But enjoyed you sitting down for a can and a view of the cricket.Oh I'm sure you know but you've probably done your knees in because you haven't used a decent pair of walking boots. Adidas trainers - what are you like? Great vid as always, beats the crap on TV.

[@peterbuckley265]

OH YES, JOHN SHOULD BE A TELEVISION DOUMENTARY WALKS PROGRAMME MAKER AND HIS FILMS WOULD KNOCK SPOTS OFF MOST PROGRAMMES ON TV TODAY = JOHNS FILMS HAVE FAR BETTER CONTENT ON YOU TUBE , TV FILMS GET SO MANY FACTS WRONG WITH INCOMPETENT LAZY RESEWTHAN MOST PROGRAMMES ON BY A LONG CHALK CLIFF !!!!!.ARCHERS. I CAN DO YOUR RESEACH FOR YOU IF YOU NEED ME TO JOHN !!!!.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that. Fair point about going in the pub but I find it difficult to get started again if I stop in a pub, makes me a bit sluggish. Funnily I debated whether I should wear my boots and couldn't face them in the heat. My knees actually seem to be improving somehow, but it's boots from now on!

[@peterbuckley265]

DO I HEAR YOU RECITING THE STANLEY HOLLOWAY MONOLOGUE BRAHN BOOTS !!!! ????.@@JohnRogersWalks

[@user-nr2jn8lh6e]

Hey John, where is the best stretch in the Hertfordshire Way where you might find big and empty grassy fields?

[@katcankan7129]

Oh no l wasn't getting any of your videos!!!!! 😕 l've got a lot of catching up to do. I hope the maps are still in use!!

[@peterbuckley265]

YOU COULD HAVE POPPED INTO THAT LOVELY PUB FOR A FEW DRINKS/ TIPPLES AS TRAINS RUN 24 HOURS FROM ST ALBANS TO KINGS CROSS, THEN N205 BUS TO SHOREDITCH UIGH STREET STATION SOUTHBOUND STOP, THEN FROM NORTHBOUND STOP AN N8 TO LEYTONSTONE = SORTED TO STAY OUT ON TILES LATE JOHN !!!.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ah, wish I’d known, the trains were quite disrupted when I got to St Albans due to an accident on the track

[@richardsmith8325]

great walk john, have you ever walk along Alban's way an old railway line that connects Hatfield with St Alban's?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

No I haven't Richard, not sure if that's the same line that runs into Welwyn Garden City - it's great territory round there, looking forward to returning

[@mikehartley2592]

It's a different line from the one which went from Welwyn through Wheathampstead , which is now called the Ayot Greenway. There's another ex railway line (the Nickey line) which runs between Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead.

[@deepadu999]

Hello Sir, lovely video..Is this Hertfordshire.I'm planning to move to Hertfordshire along with family...is this a safe place to stay with family.Iam from India.Would appreciate your views on this place.Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hello - I don't like in the area but it's certainly always felt safe to me. Best of luck with your move

[@well1379]

After having watched many of your lovely videos, I keep thinking what's the average mileage of your typical trip? And, how long was your longest walking trip in a single day? There and back, not part of an ongoing trip.

[@ianmaddams9577]

I have to ask John . What’s the furthest you have walked ?

[@THINKincessantly]

Belgic Oppidum ...Seems like i remember seeing the Belgae on a British map of the tribes but they were located around the south central area, todays Winchester maybe? Anyhow, im sure the two are unrelated but im a lazy commenter haha

[@kevwhufc8640]

The only thing we have are Caesars own words, regarding defeating the catuvellauni and why he wanted to. The catuvellauni were becoming a problem, they sheltered Gaulish warriors and crossed the channel to fight against Caesar's legions. The catuvellauni were invading neighbouring territory and fast becoming one of the most powerful tribes in middle England, Caesar had deposed kings/ chieftains offering their allegiance to Rome and money in return for their throne's. Those are the reasons Caesar wanted to destroy the catuvellauni. Caesar claims to have achieved his objectives. But we know he didn't, because soon after Caesar left the second time the catuvellauni defeated the trinovantes and there king was replaced by one of their own. They continued to expand, which would be impossible if Caesar had really defeated them and killed the majority of their warriors. Another strange thing is why Caesar left Britain on both occasions with half his fleet missing, he claims it was a storm that destroyed his ships. Why would anyone try crossing the channel those conditions, not just once but twice!! Unless they had no choice, because they were being attacked, and some of their ships had been set alight, Its the only thing that makes sense imo .

[@warlockofwordsreturnsrb4358]

Hope you had a couple of bottles of water with you, John!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I did indeed plus the 2 litres of other drink I picked up along the way

[@oneluvLevz]

How do I find this route to walk?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hi M L best to get the OS map and follow the directions in the video

[@paulhunter123]

fascinating but why is it called devils dyke?

[@georginacox3909]

Glen Moose. Bronze Age Find.Necklace.Jet. Isle of Wight.just on Google news. Glen Mooar.Not Moose.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for the info Georgina

[@georginacox3909]

@@JohnRogersWalks yes. Morning.

[@DCHTID247]

That was a longggggg walk..

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Hope you put your sun cream on 😊

[@rbagrizzly]

Failed crop circle ----------- Some walker must have interrupted them I guess! ;)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ha, if only I'd known

[@THINKincessantly]

When you speak of Bury meaning Burgh it often makes me wonder if Burgh is/was pronounced as it is or ?? I could see Burgh pronounced Burr-uh and over the years becoming Buh-ree thus bury...Idk, I love all that linguistic stuff

[@llwyde1104]

Shameful product placement can be the only reason to drink that garbage...John please!

[@kld5617]

Editing