Hertfordshire Mansions and Parklands - From Great Gaddesden
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This walk is over the undulating plateau of the Chiltern dip slope, through the parklands of some of the 18th Century mansions which dot the Chilterns. Although the land is now more given over to arable agriculture, the landscape is still greatly influenced by the great designers, including Capability Brown. A walk with great views over the Gade valley and a revelation of the life style of baronets and local squires in the 1700s and the lesser houses of their tenants.
From Great Gaddesden to Little Gaddessden
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This walk explores some of the hamlets of the Chilterns which, although close to Hemel Hempstead retain their remoteness in their quiet locations. It goes over the typical chalk uplands of the Gade valley and up to the beechwoods of the National Trust Ashridge estate. It passes charming 17th century cottages, a vineyard, a Buddhist Temple and long established churches. The country truly merits its AONB designation.
Gade Valley Nature Walk
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
Gordon Beningfield was an artist with an international reputation for his beautiful depictions of the natural world. He spent many happy hours walking through the countryside with his close friend, naturalist and broadcaster Dennis Furnell. This walk, one of their favourites, is described by Dennis.
Great Gaddesden from Jockey End
Departure from Great Gaddesden (Hertfordshire)
This short Hertfordshire walk explores the pleasant countryside to the south east of Jockey End and follows the Hertfordshire Way to descend into the Gade Valley and the village of Great Gaddesden. The return route leaves the valley following the Chiltern Way for the return to the start.
A Sense of Dacorum
Departure from Dacorum (Hertfordshire)
This walk demonstrates that modern Hemel Hempstead and its environs have much more to offer than cynics would have you believe.
Studham and Dunstable Downs, Chilterns
Departure from Studham (Central Bedfordshire)
There’s a lot of lovely, rolling countryside in and around Studham Common, and dramatic views from Dunstable Downs. This walk visits a tree cathedral and a 16th-century church, and offers the possibility of spotting exotic animals at Whipsnade Zoo.
The Holly Brush - Route 3
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
Adventurous walk with steep hill climbs and a winding woodland path.
The Holly Bush - Route 2
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
Easy level walking and solid underfoot throughout.
The Holly Brush, Redbourn
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
Easy walking with some mild hill climbs and busy road. This is the Route 1.
From Hemel Hempstead station
Departure from Dacorum (Hertfordshire)
Starting from Hemel Hempstead Station this is a walk which can be enjoyed without a car. The station is right on the edge of the town so virtually all the route is through the open country, much of it through Boxmoor Trust land, on the plateau of the Chilterns and along the Grand Union Canal. There are lots of reminders of the history of the area from 1594 through WWII. If you are lucky you may see a couple of rare farm breeds kept on Trust land and some interesting birds along the canal.
Redbourn and Redbournbury
Departure from Redbourn (Hertfordshire)
A route to the South of Redbourn with gentle hills, good views and pleasant walking through the Ver Valley and water meadows. On a fine day you might see families taking a dip at the ford! A minor detour is possible to look at Redbournbury Mill.
Berkhamsted to Frithsden with the Devil's Own
Departure from Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
A walk through lovely Chiltern scenery with lots of interest on the way - a Norman Castle, WW1 trenches, a canal and more.
The Chilterns above Tring
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
National Trails and Long Distance Paths crisscross the Chilterns in this area. This Circular Walk makes use of short stretches of at least five such to provide a beautiful and varied walk through Chiltern woodland, on Chiltern chalk downs with wide vistas from the scarp edge of the hills, along a stretch of the historic Grand Union Canal, and through one of the prettiest villages in Hertfordshire.
Ashridge Bluebell, Chilterns AONB
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
The National Trust Estate at Ashridge is one of the best places in the country to see bluebells in spring. This gentle walk will take you through carpets of this beautiful plant, and also looks at the history of the estate. There are wonderful views over the valley from Duncombe Terrace.
Ashridge and Little Gaddesden, Chilterns
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
Visit some of the quieter parts of the Ashridge Estate on the way to Hudnall Common and Little Gaddesden.
Walk Suspended - Aldbury to the Beacon and back through Ashridge
Departure from Aldbury (Hertfordshire)
The steps after Waypoint 9 are currently closed. Please do not do this walk until it is updated!
From picturesque Aldbury you follow the Ridgeway to Ivinghoe beacon, returning via the Ashridge boundary trail and the Chiltern Way. You can enjoy the contrasts between the two LDPs: airy ridges on the Ridgeway and the patchwork of woods and fields on the Chiltern Way.
Dunstable Downs, Whipsnade and Kensworth
Departure from Whipsnade (Central Bedfordshire)
A hilly route with very fine views from the Downs. It passes through Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and past Whipsnade church.
Caddington and Blows Down, Chilterns
Departure from Dunstable (Central Bedfordshire)
A walk along quiet country paths to Caddington and the ancient woodland of Badgerdell wood before emerging at the top of the steep hillside above Dunstable. Enjoy the extensive views from Blow's Down.
Chipperfield to St Albans Abbey Station
Departure from Chipperfield (Hertfordshire)
Starts at Two Brewers Inn, Chipperfield. Passes thru' Kings Langley where we join the Grand Union Canal for a short distance. Then thru' Bedmond & Potters Crouch before descending past the Roman wall into Verulamium Park and past St Albans Cathedral to finish at St Albans Abbey Station.
Chipperfield and the Chess Valley, Chilterns
Departure from Chipperfield (Hertfordshire)
A rewarding, scenic country walk exploring several commons and villages along with an attractive river valley. Good pubs!
Trains, Planes and Quiet Lanes
Departure from Borough of Luton
Walk from Luton Airport Parkway station along the disused railway to Welwyn before climbing to Chiltern Green and returning via a ruined Tudor castle and the airport perimeter.
Totternhoe to the foot of the Downs, Chilterns
Departure from Totternhoe (Central Bedfordshire)
A mainly level walk through open farmland to the foot of the Dunstable Downs, with a gentle climb to pick up the Icknield and Chiltern Ways. Great views over the Bedfordshire plain and Ivinghoe Beacon.
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