What is The New River Line Community Rail Partnership?

The New River Line Community Rail Partnership was established to bring together local authorities, community groups and organisations to work with Greater Anglia to promote and celebrate the branch line from Hertford East to Broxbourne.

We aim to encourage train travel for local journeys and to promote all the exciting activities and attractions that can be found along The New River Line. Explore the area by train and find day trips, attractions, walks, heritage and nature sites to visit.

The New River Line is fortunate to have two wonderful walking routes running alongside it, The River Lea Towpath and The New River Path, with the opportunity to hop on and off along the route a beautiful walk is always close by at any of the five stations.

We work with volunteers and organisations to enhance our stations so they provide a safe and welcoming environment for local communities and visitors.

Trains are a wonderful way to travel sustainably, simply kick back and enjoy the journey.

Explore the line

Location map

1) KING’S MEADS
Situated between Hertford and Ware this reserve has a combination of ditches, floodwater and regular grazing which has created a rich wetland habitat. In winter flooded areas attract ducks, gulls and waders and in summer visitors can see seven species of warbler, reed buntings and skylarks.

2) AMWELL NATURE RESERVE
A Site of Special Scientific Interest the Amwell Nature Reserve supports internationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl and is home to 21 species of dragonflies and damselflies. Amwell is also known for bitterns. Visitors can see this elusive bird from the Bittern Pool viewpoint in winter.

3) RYE MEADS NATURE RESERVE
Jointly run with the RSPB, this is a fantastic reserve for birdwatching and is also home to many invertebrates, toads, frogs and grass snakes. It is also possible to spot otters and the increasingly threatened water vole.

4) HERTFORD CASTLE
Hertford Castle is a motte and bailey castle situated in the centre of Hertford on the banks of the River Lea. The castle was built in the 11th century and extended by Henry II in the 12th century. remained in royal hands until 1630 when it was gifted by Charles I to Lord Cecil the Earl of Salisbury and remains in the ownership of the family to this day.

The castle has had many uses over it’s long history including as a garrison for troops, a prison for political prisoners, a royal residence, both Mary and Elizabeth I spent time at the castle as children, and as a private residence.