Bluebells in the Evening - Cassiobury Park and Whippendell Wood (Watford to Watford High Street)

Length: 8.3 km (5.2 mi) 

Ascent/Descent: 70m 

Net Walking Time: 1 ¾ hours

Take the 18.03 Metropolitan Line train from Baker Street to Watford (calls Finchley Road 18.09, Wembley Park 18.16, H-o-t-H 18.23) arrives 18.44.

Return Overground trains from Watford High Street to Euston leave every 15 minutes on xx.03 (48 minutes journey time). For a much faster journey change at Bushey (Zone 8) or Harrow & Wealdstone (Zone 5). 

Watford is in TfL Zone 8, Watford High Street in Zone 7 (i.e. free travel for 60+ Photocard and Freedom Pass Holders).

 

This route leads through some of the remaining parts of the historic Cassiobury Estate, namely Cassiobury Park, considered to be one of the UK’s favourite parks, and Whippendell Wood, an ancient woodland and Local Nature Reserve enchanting at any time of the year. In-between the wooded Jacotts Hill, now let out to West Herts Golf Course, is crossed and the Grand Union Canal is also followed for a short stretch.

Most of the route through the park follows either the River Gade, a very good, meandering chalk river with some adjacent wetlands, or the 1.4 km long lime tree avenue that was the Carriage Drive of Cassiobury House. All in, the whole area appears surprisingly unspoilt, given its vicinity to London.

The following route to the town centre minimises exposure to the A roads criss-crossing the town. The paths through the park are either tarmac or mud-averse hardcore, while the paths across Jacotts Hill and through Whippendell Wood are mud-prone. There is 24/7 access to all parts of the route.

Finishes back at Watford Met Line Station or on to Watford Junction Mainline Station are described.

Refreshments: Several restaurants, a taproom and The One Crown pub close to Watford High Street station.

For detailed route maps, gpx/kml files, photos and walk directions click here. t=short.71