Stevenage Outer Orbital Path (STOOP)
A 27-mile long-distance path in Hertfordshire forming a full circle around the perimeter of Stevenage. This popular route is well signposted and regularly maintained by the North Herts Ramblers Group. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: TL 230 279
Distance: 27 miles (44 km)
Time: 11–14 hours
Duration: 1 day
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
182 St Albans, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead and Welwyn Garden City
193 Luton and Stevenage
Summary
The Stevenage Outer Orbital Path, or STOOP as it is locally known, is a town and country walk circling Stevenage. Using established rights of way where possible, STOOP was devised by the North Herts Ramblers Group to provide an informal, active recreational leisure amenity readily available to the residents of Stevenage and the surrounding villages.
The STOOP circuit passes through Graveley in the north, through Walkern, along the Beane Valley, via Hooks Cross to Datchworth, Woolmer Green, Knebworth Park, St Ippollitts, and Little Wymondley before returning to Graveley, for the most part using local footpaths and bridleways. The paths are well maintained and signed, and walkers will encounter new footbridges, kissing gates, and waymark posts along its length.
The STOOP ring can be split into 10 distinct sections, as each section features:
- A link path out from Stevenage town centre to the ring.
- A stretch of the STOOP ring itself.
- A link path back to Stevenage town centre.
Some link paths can be walked, or you can catch a bus out to the ring.