15.3 kms, 9.5 miles Toughness: 2 out of 10.
An easy walk exploring an area to the east and south of Berkhamsted, not covered by other SWC walks. Follow the Grand Union Canal out of Berkhamsted, then bridleways to Bottom Farm, and on to lunch in Ashley Green. The afternoon takes you through Hockeridge Woods, and eventually back to the town centre.
Trains: Take the 9:25 Birmingham New Street train from Euston, arriving Berkhamsted at 9:57
Trains return at XX:20 and xx:50
Lunch
The Golden Eagle, Ashley Green, 07594 288 352 Booking recommended.
There's a bandstand nearby for picnickers.
Tea
Let's mention the pubs first. The Crown is a Wetherspoons. There's a Mad Squirrel at 104 the High Street.
Or you could detour back to the canal-side pubs you passed in the morning. Either Ravens Lane or Castle St. would take you there from the High Street.
Simmons Bakery, 234 High Street, serves hot drinks, has tables, and a good selection of cakes and is open until 5pm Sundays; Bel Caffe is open till 5pm daily. There are also the usual coffee chain outlets – Starbucks, Caffe Nero (open to 6.30pm daily) and Costa Coffee (open until 4.30pm Sunday).
If you are rushing to get a train, the Platform Wine shop in the ticket hall serves hot drinks to take away, as well as stronger stuff.
Directions: here t=swc.397
2 comments:
I had intended to join you, but it's rail replacement buses North of Milton Keynes, so I'll opt out. It would be useful if someone could report back on the state of the path in para 3.3 - remember, if it looks saturated, you can turn round and take an alternative. Last time the pub menu was a bit underwhelming!
As per The Railwayman:
“One walker alighted from the posted train and waited as another joined 3/4 hour later (next train was late) - making n=2. The weather started with a little drizzle but by midday turned into heavy rain. Some paths were muddy! Arrived at the Golden Eagle Pub at 13.40 to find that only roasts were being served. The pub was busy, so there may be a need to book. Very good roast at an average price nicely served.
We left the pub at 15.00, the service was slow and followed the walk into the woods. The rain had now stopped. We diverted from the route and continued on a firm path to Swing Gate Lane. From there we returned to the set route and were tempted by The Crown, a Wetherspoons Pub. Both walkers caught the 16:50 to Euston” w=drizzle-then-rain-then-dry
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