Celebrating the historic local Icknield Way path

PRESS RELEASE FROM ALISTAIR STRATHERN MP

FRIDAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2026

Alistair Strathern, MP for the Hitchin constituency, joined the Icknield Way Association this week to celebrate the historic local path through his constituency - one of Britain's oldest routes.

Strathern met with Douglas Landman from the Icknield Way Association, joined by his dog Sunny, at the trail to learn more and share his support for the trail.  He looks forward to working with local campaigners, walking groups, community organisations and government stakeholders to help celebrate the historic walking trail, and support efforts to consider how it could become a new National Trail. 

Stretching approximately 110 miles across the East of England and following an ancient chalk ridge through counties including Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, the Icknield Way is believed to date back more than 4,000 years and is regarded as one of the country's most significant historic routes.

Achieving National Trail status would recognise the fact Icknield Way represents a major gap in the National Trail network and meets the criteria for designation due to its heritage, landscape value and popularity with walkers, riders and local communities.

Campaigners point to the benefits that National Trail status can bring, including increased visitor numbers, stronger protection and maintenance of routes, improved access to nature, and economic benefits for local communities.

Alistair Strathern MP said:

"The Icknield Way is a remarkable part of our national story and an incredible local asset. It connects communities, showcases our beautiful countryside and offers people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while discovering thousands of years of history.

"As our MP, I know how important it is to so many in our community. I'm grateful to all of the volunteers at Icknield Way Association for their work championing the trail, and look forward to supporting their efforts to try and achieve National Trail Status.'