The route is formally divided into 16 sections most of which are accessible using public transport but as a circular walk it can be used to suit the wishes of the walker.

This leg is just over 17 km (11 mi) and passes across Therfield Heath and along parts of the ridge of North Hertfordshire with long views over Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

The route passes through the villages of Therfield, Kelshall and Sandon before arriving at Wallington.

This leg is about 20 km (12 mi) passing through Ayot St. Lawrence and Shaw's Corner (George Bernard Shaw), Wheathampstead, Coleman Green and Sandridge and having skirted the north of St Albans finishes at Verulam Museum illustrating the Roman history of the town.

The route goes via Great and Little Gaddesden to the National Trust open space of the Ashridge Estate where you have a good chance of seeing fallow deer before descending to Aldbury and Tring Station.

Finally it leaves the Bulbourne valley via a steady climb to reach Bovingdon, Chipperfield and the descent to Kings Langley.

The route remains mainly in open countryside despite its proximity to the M25 corridor and Hemel Hempstead, Watford and St. Albans passing through Abbotts Langley, Aldenham and Letchmore Heath.

The route passes South Mimms and the northern edge of Potters Bar and Northaw to reach Cuffley.

This leg is just over 20 km (12 mi) almost all in rolling countryside via Newgate Street, Essendon, Little Berkhamsted, and Bayford to finish in the County town of Hertford.

The leg is just over 19 km (12 mi) via Goffs Oak and Hammond Street then skirting Hoddesdon in woodland before arriving in Broxbourne.

This route follows three tributaries of the river Lea: the Beane as far as Stapleford, the Rib from Wadesmill to Thundridge and the Ash from Wareside.

This leg is a little over 17 km (11 mi) almost all in the open countryside of North East Hertfordshire.It passes Cradle End and Millfield Cottages prior to crossing the A120 at Stone House Farm.

Approaching Nuthampstead you pass the WW2 airfield and USAF Memorial to 398 squadron before completing the trail at Royston via Barkway and Reed.

The following trails intersect with the Hertfordshire Way: The eastern side of the County (Broxbourne, Hertford, and Bishops Stortford) is served by rail from London Liverpool Street station.

The North East (Royston, Letchworth, Cuffley, and Hertford) are served from London Kings Cross or Moorgate.