41⁄2 miles (7km)The way out of Luton is by way of a viewpoint by the airport, before the Walk passes the first of the valley’s several important stately homes. Later a former railway line provides an easy path to the edge of Harpenden. An optional early diversion offers the chance to see the impressive remains of one of England’s oldest brick houses.RefreshmentsLuton Airport Parkway: Station café.Cold Harbour (near Harpenden): Red Cow; open all day. AccommodationLuton: Premier Travel Inn (The Brache), Osborne Road LU1 3HJ (01582 421900). On Walk near southern edge of town in section 2.TransportLuton Airport Parkway: National Rail.Harpenden: Harpenden Station.Tourist InformationHarpenden: Harpenden Town Hall, Leyton Road. 01582 768278.MapOS Explorer 193 (Luton & Stevenage) and 182 (St Albans & Hatfield).