Annotated map reproduced courtesy of Googlemaps.	This route runs from Hertford Road generally northeastwards crossing Ranworth Avenue and continuing to the track parallel to the A602. Turn left (northwards) to continue on the Stevenage Horse and Pony Route. At the time of the BHS 2021 Access Survey (22 Aug 21), no gates were across the path. The bollards at the junction with Ranworth Avenue are too close together but it is possible to ride round them with care. Neither end was properly signed.
View from junction with Hertford Road Photo: Nick Francis, 22 Aug 2021	View NE along route Photo: Nick Francis, 22 Aug 2021	View towards Ranworth Avenue crossing Photo: Nick Francis, 22 Aug 2021	Approaching end of Stevenage 78 Photo: Nick Francis, 22 Aug 2021	Look back at Stevenage 78 from Track Photo: Nick Francis, 22 Aug 2021

Legal History 1822: Stevenage 78 is shown on Bryant’s map in the manner of ‘Lanes and Bridleways’. 1846: Stevenage 78 is shown on the Shephall tithe map as not subject to an apportionment. 1938: The route is shown as Shephall 7A BW (blue dots) on the Hertfordshire County Council ROW survey. Map Hitchin Rural West 16 (Herts 20 NE). 1 Nov 1953: Stevenage 78 was recorded as CRB (Carriage Road used as a Bridleway) on the original definitive statement. DM sheet DM4-41 (Herts 20 NE). 31 Dec 1977: The route was shown as a byway on the special review draft map and statement. DM sheet SR-30 (TL22SE). 24 Aug 2021: Lack of signage and poor spacing of bollards reported to Hertfordshire County Council.

Definitive Statement (4 Dec 2015) Path: [Stevenage] 78.  Status: Byway Open to All Traffic.  Definitive Map sheet: 30 Commences from cycle track which runs parallel with Broadhall Way thence SW to join Hertford Road opposite road to Knebworth.

Location Information Postcode for SATNAV for anyone inspecting path: SG2 8JD (for north end of path).

© 2024 Patchetts Green Bridleways Trust.