1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day Walk with optional pub lunch in Harpenden

There will be an optional lunch, at The Harpenden Arms followed by a walk of about four miles following the Red Trail around Harpenden Common, organised by Chris Newman. You are welcome to come to either or both. If you would like lunch, please book in advance.

12:00 for 12:30 – Lunch at The Harpenden Arms

The Harpenden Arms, 188 High Street, Harpenden, AL5 2TR. Phone: 01582 461113.

Please book in advance via the list at Friday Folk, or contact Chris on 01923 662942. The Harpenden Arms may be able to cope with additional unbooked guests. The current menu is here but may change. We will eat eat at 12:30 and can order on the day.

14:00 – Walk around Harpenden Common

The walk starts at 14:00 but may be delayed if lunch is slow. There’s no need to book for the walk. Meet at Frosty The Giant Snowman Christmas display on the common near the Harpenden Arms. The walk will follow the Harpenden Common Red Trail. There will be a very gradual climb and then a descent of about 30m. Much of the walk is on surfaced paths and there are no stiles. In mid November there was very little mud, so I hope it’ll be pretty good for New Year.

Directions and parking

The Harpenden Arms is at the north end of the Common by the roundabout linking St Albans Road (A1081) and Station Road (B562). Unfortunately it has no car park. The nearest unrestricted free parking is probably by Southdown Road (bounding the east side of the Common) beyond Bull Road (crossing the Common from the next roundabout on St Albans Road), a few hundred yards from The Harpenden Arms. Also check for nearer on-street parking such as Arden Grove, as restrictions may be lifted on the bank holiday.