Chiltern Walks: Flamstead and Markyate

Approaching Flamstead with rain clouds behind

Start & Finish: Flamstead Recreation Ground, St Albans AL3 8BS
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 135m
Hertfordshire Way section covered: Babies Wood to Flamstead: 4.3 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Hertfordshire Way, Chiltern Way, Ver Valley Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): Chilterns Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Spotted Dog or Three Blackbirds at the start in Flamstead. Several in Markyate, just off route at 2.8 km
Map: St Albans & Hatfield Map | Hemel Hempstead & Welwyn Garden City | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 182
Links: Flamstead, Markyate

The Hertfordshire Way offers an incredible opportunity to circumnavigate one of England's home counties, revealing its hidden charms and surprising variety. This circular long-distance footpath, stretching around 273 km (170 miles), guides walkers through the county's most picturesque landscapes, proving that green spaces are never far, even in this area close to London. We walked the Chilterns part of the Hertfordshire Way in 15 sections over a couple of years. We used my “Greater Chilterns” definition that takes the trail from the River Lea near Wheathampstead to the River Colne near Garston. This route is one of those 15 circular walks.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

For this walk we parked at the free parking at Flamstead Recreation Ground off Hollybush Lane. From pick up the Hertfordshire Way on a footpath heading west, just south of Friendless Lane. Follow the path onto Friendless Lane then take a path on the right to cross farmland in a north-westerly direction to Markyate.

The Hertfordshire Way takes a loop around Markyate following Pickford Road and Buckwood Road then takes a southerly course across fields to Roe End Lane. Take a right onto Roe End Lane then a left onto a track to reach Beechwood Park Drive. Shortly after Beechwood Park School take a right to cross fields and woodland in a southerly direction until you meet the Chiltern Way at Gaddesden. Take a left onto the Chiltern Way and follow it in a north-easterly direction back to Flamstead.

Hertfordshire Way next section clockwise: Flamstead and Redbourn
Hertfordshire Way next section anti clockwise: Great Gaddesden and Gaddesdon Row

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Hertfordshire, EnglandComment
Epsom Downs and Langley Vale Wood Circular Walk

Post 130 At Epsom Race Course

Start & Finish: Tattenham Corner Station, Epsom, KT18 5QD
Distance: 11.1 km (6.9 miles)
Elevation change: + / - 160 m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): None
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 22
London Coal Duty Posts: 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, (132), 133, 134, (135), 136
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Bell (just off route at 7.6 km), several in Tattenham Corner High Street
Map: Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
Links: Coal Duty Posts, Tattenham Corner, Epsom Downs Race Course, Epsom Downs, Langley Vale Wood, Tadworth

Similar to the Banstead Heath Circular, this walk takes advantage of having several Coal Duty Posts in close proximity. On the 11 km walk through Epsom Downs and Langley Vale Wood you can visit posts 125 to 136. Note that post 135 is no longer visible as it’s in a private garden hidden by a large fence and bushes. Even if you’re not into bagging the Coal Posts, this is a very pleasant walk.

The route crosses the Epsom Downs Race Course on public rights of way which are occasionally closed during race events. Check before you go to make sure that the paths are open.

The start of the route is from Tattenham Corner Station where there’s also 2 car parks. From the station walk along Tattenham Crescent toward the race course then take a right onto Tattenham Corner Road heading north, The first Coal Post (132) is near the Tattenham Corner Pub. Take a left onto National Cycle Route (NCN) 22 heading in a south-westerly direction through the race course. Along this 2.2 km stretch you’ll pass posts 129, 128, 127 and 126 either on or just off the cycle route.

At Post 126 leave NCN 22 and take a right to follow the path through Langley Bottom Farm then take a left to the path that runs close to the southern edge of Langley Vale Road in a south-westerly direction. You’ll find post 125 near the junction of Langley Vale Road, Headley Road and Downs Road. Keep on the path running next to Downs Road then a left onto Headley Road to the entrance of the Langley Vale Wood Woodland Trust site.

The next 2.5 km meander through Langley Vale Wood. This was farmland purchased by the Woodland Trust in 2014 and is now one of four First World War Centenary Woods remembering those killed in the war. Its a beautiful place to walk though. Follow the paths until you reach Post 136 at the corner of Motts Hill Lane.

Take a left to follow Motts Hill Lane in a northerly direction but keep on the path when Motts Hill Lane curves to the right at (the hidden) Post 135. Keeping on the path you’ll pass Post 134 and, when the path meets Epsom Lane North, you can squeeze through the hedge for Post 133 on the eastern side of the road. Just after Post 133 you’ll see Post 130 on the opposite side of the race-course. Cross the track on the footpath to visit it. Cross back over to visit Post 131 on the small hill overlooking the race-course and then follow Royal Drive to return to Tattenham Corner Station.

The Coal Duty Posts

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Richard gowerTrek, Coal Duty Post, Surrey, London, EnglandComment
Walking The Shakespeare's Way: The Chilterns Section

Rotten Row

The Shakespeare’s Way is a 235 km / 146 mile mile long-distance path connecting Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon with the Shakespeare's Globe (Theatre), Southwark, London. A 34km section of the path cuts through the Chiltern Hills National Landscape in a south-easterly direction. Our walks take in short sections of the Shakespeare’s Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Shakespeare’s Way is reasonably well marked however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

Point to Point: Britwell Salome to The Grand Union Canal at Yiewsley

Start: Britwell Salome, Watlington, OX49 5LG
Finish: Grand Union Tow Path, Yiewsley, West Drayton, UB7 7XN
Distance: 59 km (36.7 miles)
Elevation change: + 665 / - 755m. Net +90m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps: See individual section posts linked below.
- Chiltern Hills West Map | Henley-on-Thames & Wallingford | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 171
Links: Shakespeare’s Way (LWDA), See individual section posts linked below for other links.

Walking The Shakespeare’s Way Chilterns Section in 12 Circular Routes

If you’re not up for an 59 km walk in one go, you can take in the Shakespeare’s way in 12 circular walks of between 6 and 13 km each. We chose this option, completing all 12 sections over a few years from 2020 to 2025. The advantage of this option is exploring more of the villages and side paths close to the route. After Route 12 you can follow the Beeches Way to reach Yiewsley and the end of the Chilterns Section of the Shakespeare’s Way.

Note that these walks take you through the Chilterns Hills National Landscape. See the Walking The Beeches Way post for the continuation from Cookham to Yiewsley

Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS

Part 1: Britwell Salome and Lower Warren

  • Distance: 7.8 km (4.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 123m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Britwell Salome to The Ridgeway: 2.2 km

Part 2: Swyncombe and The North

  • Distance: 8.1 km (5 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 176m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: The Ridgeway to Cookley Green: 3.8 km

Part 3: Swyncombe and Park Corner

  • Distance: 9.9 km (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 199m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Cookley Green to The Chiltern Way near Maidensgrove: 2.1 km

Part 4: Nettlebed, Park Corner and Maidensgrove

  • Distance: 8.5 km (5.3 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 159m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: The Chiltern Way near Maidensgrove to Park Lane: 1.2 km

Part 5: Russell's Water, Pishill and Maidensgrove

  • Distance: 9.2 km (5.7 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 166m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Maidensgrove Common to farm at south Maidensgrove: 1.32 km

Part 6: Stonor and Turville Heath

  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 208m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Farm at south of Maidensgrove to Southend: 5.9 km

Part 7: Southend and Skirmett

  • Distance: 12.3 km (7.6 miles)
    Elevation change: +/- 216m
    Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Southend to Hambleden: 5.4 km

Part 8: North-east Hambleden Circular

  • Distance: 9.7 km (6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 145m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Hamble Brook to Rogues Plantation: 2.9 km

Part 9: Bovingdon Green and Shillingridge Wood

  • Distance: 10.9 km (6.8 miles)
    Elevation change: +/- 152m
    Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Rogues Plantation to Pullingshill Wood: 2.5 km

Part 10: Marlow and Harleyford

  • Distance: 10.2 km (6.3 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 94m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Pullingshill Wood to The Thames Path at Marlow: 3.4 km

Part 11: Marlow Donkey

  • Distance: 11.4 km (7 miles)

  • Elevation change: + / - 65m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: The Thames Path at Marlow to Bourne End Rail Bridge: 3.4 km

Part 12: Bourne End, Cookham and Wooburn

  • Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 83m

  • Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Bourne End Rail Bridge to Broad Lane, Widmoor: 3.9 km

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Thames, National Trust, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Colne Valley, EnglandComment
Chiltern Walks: Southend and Skirmett

View to Turville and Fingest from the edge of Great Wood

Start & Finish: Car park next to the Stag and Huntsman, Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames RG9 6RP
Distance: 12.3 km (7.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 216m
Shakespeare’s Way section covered: Southend to Hambleden: 5.4 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): The Chiltern Way, Shakespeare’s Way
Other routes touched (cycle): Chiltern Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Stag and Huntsman at the start and finish, The Frog at Skirmett (closed for refurbishment when we passed)
Map: OS Explorer 171: Chiltern Hills West, Henley-on-Thames and Wallingford
Links: Hambleden, Skirmett, Southend

The Shakespeare’s Way is a 235 km / 146 mile mile long-distance path connecting Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon with the Shakespeare's Globe (Theatre), Southwark, London. A 34km section of the path cuts through the Chiltern Hills National Landscape in a south-easterly direction. Our walks take in short sections of the Shakespeare’s Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Shakespeare’s Way is reasonably well marked however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

For this walk we parked at the car park next to the Stag and Huntsman in Hambleden and took Pheasant’s Hill (lane) in a northerly direction out of the village. After approximately 300m take a footpath on the left to join the Chiltern Way and continue following it north until Shogmore Lane. Take a left then a right onto Fingest Lane. Shortly after The Frog pub in Skirmett, take the first footpath on the left and follow it until it rejoins the Chiltern Way. Take a left onto the Chiltern Way and follow it in a south-westerly direction to Drover’s Lane in Southend.

Take a right onto Drovers Lane, continuing on the Chiltern Way to connect with the Shakespeare’s Way. Take the first footpath on the left to follow both the Chiltern Way and Shakespeare’s Way back to the start in Hambleden.

Shakespeare’s Way previous section (west): Stonor and Turville Heath
Shakespeare’s Way next section (east): North-East Hambleden Circular

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment
Cycling The NCN 2 from Dover to Hastings

Early morning start in Hastings

This was a 2-day cycle adventure continuing our occasional crawl around the south-coast of England, 1 weekend at a time. We picked up where we left off the previous summer at Dover Waterfront and headed towards Brighton. As well as being well-spaced for a 50(ish) mile a day trip, the towns were also good for trains to and from London. Our main consideration was that the outbound train from London Victoria to Dover Priory has to be after 19:00 to avoid Friday evening rush-hour. It got us into Dover after dark but it was only a 10 minute cycle to the Dover Premier Inn where we were staying. There were no restrictions on the return trip from Brighton to London Victoria on the Friday.

Day 1: Dover to Hastings

Start: Dover Priory Station, Priory Station Approach Road, Dover CT17 9SB
Finish: Hastings Pier, 1-10 White Rock, Hastings, TN34 1JY
Distance: 97.4 km (54 miles)
Elevation change: + 602m / -609m (Net -7)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Saxon Shore Way, North Downs Way, King Charles III England Coast Path, High Weald Landscape Trail, 1066 Country Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 2, 17, Cantii Way
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Pedaler on the Port, Dover (1.5 km in), The Star, St Mary in The Marsh (40 kmi in), Brew at 32, Lydd (51 km in), The Lookout, Rye (66 km in)
OS Trig Pillar: TP4139 - Jurys Gap
Maps:
- Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Map | England Coast Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 138
- Romney Marsh, Rye & Winchelsea Map | Tenterden & New Romney | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 125
- Hastings & Bexhill Map | Battle & Robertsbridge | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 124
Links: Dover, Folkestone, Abbots Cliff Sound Mirror, Hythe, Royal Military Canal, Romney Marsh, St Mary In The Marsh, Lydd, Camber Sands, Rye, Whichelsea, Hastings

 

Our trip started at 10:30 on the Saturday after Dover Waterfront parkrun and a slow breakfast at the Pedaler on the Port cycle cafe. The 87 km route was mostly flat but bookended by steep climbs at the start and end of the day. The early climb came right after Dover town as the NCN 2 ascends Shakespeare Cliff to Capel-le-Ferne before a steep descent into Folkestone. Watch out for the Sound Mirror next to the Millennium Milepost at 8 km which gives you a good excuse for a rest around half-way through the climb.

The first part of the flat section under Radnor Cliff in Folkestone and along the Royal Military Canal is a highlight of the route. We bypassed Hythe town but, in hindsight, we would have stopped there for some food as pubs and cafes are few and far between in the marshland west of Hythe. By the time we reached St Mary In The Marsh at 40km we more than ready for a rest in The Star pub. As it happened we were too late for lunch and too early for dinner so, after a short rest, we pressed onto Lydd to have a longer rest and some good food in the cycle-friendly Brew at 32.

After Lydd it’s only 6 km back to the coast at Jury’s Gap, although the strong wind in our face made it feel like 20 km. After another pub stop in Rye we pressed on towards Hastings via the steep climb at Fairlight. After 80 km of wind I had no interest in trying to keep in the saddle and decided to push the bike up most of the hill. The steep down into Hastings was the reward, as was the warm meal and early night ahead of day 2.

Day 2: Hastings to Brighton

Start: Hastings Pier, 1-10 White Rock, Hastings, TN34 1JY
Finish: Brighton Station, Queens Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN1 3XP
Distance: 72 km (44.7 miles)
Elevation change: +507m / -475m (Net +32m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Motoring Heritage Trail, 1066 Country Walk, Wealdway, South Downs Way, Vanguard Way, Sussex Ouse Valley Way, Newhaven-Brighton Clifftop Path, Greenwich Meridian Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 21, 90, Cuckoo Trail, Prime Meridan Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Pevensey Starbucks (17.5 km in), Arlington Tea Garden (31.5 km in), The Ark, Newhaven (54.3 km in) and a chip shop near the beach in Brighton.
Maps:
- Hastings & Bexhill Map | Battle & Robertsbridge | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 124
- Eastbourne & Beachy Head Map | Newhaven, Seaford, Hailsham & Heathfield | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL25
- Brighton & Hove Map | Lewes & Burgess Hill | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL11
Links: Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea, Pevensey, Cuckoo Trail, South Downs National Park, Alfriston, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven, Rottingdean, Brighton

 

With no parkrun to work around we set off early along the Hastings to Bexford seafront with the aim of finding breakfast around 15km in. After passing several sea-side places that weren’t quiet open we settled for a Starbucks next to a petrol station in Pevensey. Not the nice coastal stop like we found in Walmer on the previous trip but it did the job.

Our original plan for this second day was to come off the NCN s at Pevensey, sticking to the coast through to Eastbourne then crossing the South Downs through Jevington. In the end we decided to stick to the NCN 2 through Polegate, Arlington and Alfriston. Although it takes a wide path away from the coast, it’s an interesting route through pretty villages.

After the South Downs section the NCN 2 took us back to the coast at Seaford. We were on familiar territory having visited Peacehaven, Rottingdean and Brighton on previous cycle trips.

Our final section took us along the coast to Brighton Pier with a quick stop near the beach for chips before heading north to the station to get the train back to London. The next section will likely be in 2026 with a return to Brighton for the next section to Poole.

The Full 2-Day Route

Day 1 in red, day 2 in blue

The Millennium Mileposts

Dotting the UK's National Cycle Network are over 1,000 unique markers known as the Millennium Mileposts. Unveiled in 2000, these cast-iron sculptures are more than just waymarkers. Designed by four artists, one from each nation of the UK, they celebrate the diversity of the cycling routes. These artistic mileposts come in various shapes and can be found in both bustling towns and scenic landscapes, adding a touch of artistic charm to a cycling adventure.

Here’s the 26 Mileposts that I spotted on the 2 day cycle trip. The first 22 were on Day 1 and the final 4 were on day 2.

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Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Coast, Disused Railway, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, South Downs, National Park, Canal, Kent, Sussex, EnglandComment
Ales & Trails Chiltern Valley 10k

When: May 18th 2025
Where: Chiltern Valley Winery & Brewery, Old Luxters, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 6JW
Organiser: Racing Line Running
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +/- 167m
Course: 8 km loop of farms and woodland to the west of the Winery 7 Brewery with a 1 km out-and-back from the start/finish. Mostly farm track, woodland paths. Hilly
Other routes touched: Chiltern Way, Shakespeare’s Way
Finish time: 1 hour, 1 minute, 57 seconds

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Richard gowerRun, 10k, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment
The Lap 75k Ultra Marathon

Ascent of Latterbarrow

When: May 10th 2025
Start and Finish: Low Cunsey Farm, Cunsey, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, LA22 0LU
Organiser: The Lap
Distance: 77km (47 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 2681m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Windermere Shore Footpath, Windermere West Shore, Dales Way, West Windermere Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 6, 637. Lakes and Dales Loop
Other routes touched (run): Rothay Park parkrun
Summits: Latterbarrow, Loughrigg Fell, Wansfell Pike, Wansfell, Baystones, Orrest Head, Brant Fell, Gummer’s How
OS Trig Pillars: TP4549 - Loughrigg Fell, TP3536 - Gummers How
Map: The English Lakes: South-Eastern Area Map | Windermere, Kendal & Silverdale | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map OL7
Finish time: 14 hours, 51 minutes, 24 seconds
Links: Lake Windermere, Graythwaite Estate, Far Sawrey, Skelwith Bridge, Ambleside, Troutbeck, Windermere (Town), Newby Bridge, Finsthwaite

This was my 14th Ultra and my 5th with my friend Mark. It was also my first big Ultra since the 100k Race To The Castle in 2021. Since then I’d had a few years of local 50k Ultras, waiting for another big one to excite me. After another friend had completed The Lap the previous year and loved it, I signed up straight away.

The Lap is a 75km circuit of Windermere, England’s largest lake. It takes a scenic, hilly route away from the lake with some tough climbs paid back by some great views. With the climbs, I found it hard to estimate what my finish time would be so I decided that finishing would be good enough and coming in before dark would be amazing.

As we arrived at the basecamp for the 06:00 start, the sun was coming up over the hills to the east of the lake. As usual at the start-line, I reminded myself not to get over excited and start too quickly. I need not have worried as the narrow country lanes and single-track through woods kept everyone at a slow, often walking, pace.

After the first feed station at Far Sawtry the pack was more spread out and we could speed up. Latterbarrow was the first climb at 11 km with a short steep climb up to the monument then an equally steep down. Shortly after the descent I saw road signs to Ambleside and decided that we were making very good time and would be there by our target of 09:30. I was wrong. I had forgotten that the route veers away from the lake at its north-west corner and climbs Loughrigg Fell before descending to Ambleside. It was at the second feed station at Skelwith that I realised we were actually an hour behind plan. It was also now getting hot and we still had the 2 big climbs to do. The new plan was “forget the plan”.

The northern section of the route has the 3 big climbs, Loughrigg Fell at 335m elevation and Wansfell at 487m. By Lake District standards, they’re both easy fells to walk but on an Ultra on a hot day they were killers. By the time we were down from Wansfell at the Troutbeck half-way feed-station, most of my running ability was gone.

Mark and I stayed mostly together until Gummers How, the final climb at 57 km. Mark is faster than I am so I generally lose him by the half way point. I often gain a bit of time at feed-stations as I don’t like to stop for long which gives me a bit of distance before Mark catches up with me again. Mark did a great job of encouraging me to run a few extra times rather than speed walk. That probably shaved up to 2 minutes off my total time.

My low-point of the route was a long stretch after Windermere of very similar-looking plantation and not many people around. Mark and I re-connected for the ascent of Gummer’s How. By the time we met Timea, our support crew for the day, we were both a bit tired and grumpy. I was still recovering from a cold and any running was now giving me a headache. Timea saved us with a pasty and some painkillers and we were back on the route.

Timea met us several times on the early evening southern section of the route greatly helping my motivation. After Newby Bridge the route turned back to the north for the final 10 km to the finish line. Although behind my “optimistic” plan, I had some new energy and felt that I could reach the finish before dark. I crossed the finish line at 20:51, well before dark and under 15 hours. Mark very kindly finished 18 minutes ahead of me so that he could be ready to video my finish.

It was in the top 3 most difficult Ultras that I’ve done but also in the top 3 most enjoyable.

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Richard gowerRun, Ultramarathon, National Trust, Lake District, National Park, Westmorland, Lancashire, EnglandComment
Snaefell: Isle of Man High Point

Snaefell Station and Cafe with the summit marked by the transmitter on the right

Also known as: Sniaull (Manx). Snaefell comes from old Norse, meaning Snow Mountain or snaufjell - “area above the tree line”.
Significance: Country and Island High Point for the Isle of Man
Member of: Marilyn, Hardy, Island High Points, European Country High Points
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Iron Cragg (Cumbria, England)
Elevation: 621m
Date climbed: May 3rd 2024
Coordinates: 54° 15' 47'' N, 4° 27' 42'' W

Route Start: Snaefell Mountain Railway - Summit Station
Route Finish: Manx Electric Railway - Laxey Station.
Route Distance: 8.2 km (5.1 miles)
Route Elevation change: +29m / - 593m. Net - 564m
Subsidiary tops on route: None
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): None
Other routes touched (walk): Isle of Man Cycle Route 6
OS Trig Pillar: TP6035 - Snaefell
Pubs / Cafes on route: Snaefell Summit Restaurant & Café
Map: Isle of Man Map | Port St Mary, Castletown & Ramsey | Ordnance Survey | OS Landranger Map 95
Guidebook: Walking on the Isle of Man: 40 walks exploring the entire island (Cicerone)
Links: Wikipedia: (Isle of Man / Snaefell, Laxey, Snaefell Mountain Railway, Snaefell Mine), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

The Snaefell walk was the highlight of an especially enjoyable 4 days on the Isle of Man. Having completed Nobles parkrun on the morning we set off for Laxey to bag the island’s High Point. In our first plan for the walk we looked at doing a circular route starting at Mountain Box on the A18 that crosses the side of Snaefell. We got excited by taking the old electric train up so we decided on a train-up, walk down combination. It was an amazing day and I’m very happy that we chose that option.

The Snaefell Mountain railway starts at Laxey Station near the island’s west coast. There’s good options for free parking or you can also get there via the Manx Electric Railway from Douglas or Ramsey. We weren’t able to book online so we got tickets from Laxey Station and waited for about an hour for the first train with availability. From Laxey the train takes around 30 minutes to climb up the valley to the summit station. Sit on the right hand side of the train going up for the best views of the Laxey Wheel and the valley. The left hand side has better views as you approach the summit.

Although we were there on a dry sunny week, the summit was extremely windy so take warm clothes to the top whatever the weather is like in Laxey. We stopped in the cafe for a while before completing the short walk up to the Trig Pillar at the summit.

From the summit take the path due south to The Bungalow Station (Mountain Box) at the A18 crossing. The safest way to cross over the road is to take the footbridge then follow the path that returns to cross the railway to the east of The Bungalow. Once on the northern side of the railway follow the path down the valley in a north-westerly direction to the Great Snaefell Mine. Watch the video below to learn about the history of the mine and the disaster that closed it.

After passing the mine take a right onto the old mine road and follow it for 3 km to the small village of Agneash. Take a right at the T-junction and continue following Mines Road to the Laxey Wheel. We stopped here for an hour to explore the Wheel and the old mine entrance. After the Wheel it’s less than 1 km walk back to Laxey Station

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Richard gowerTrek, Trig Pillar, Mountain, Country High Points, Island High Points, Isle of ManComment
Nettlebed Stinger 10k

When: April 27th 2025
Where: Nettlebed, Oxfordshire
Organiser: Nettlebed Stinger
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +/- 183m
Course: 7 km loop of farms and woodland to the south of Nettlebed with a 1.5km out-and-back from the start/finish. Mostly farm track, woodland paths. Hilly
Other routes touched: N/A
Finish time: 1 hour, 3 minutes, 27 seconds

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Richard gowerRun, 10k, Chilterns, Oxfordshire, EnglandComment
Walking The Rowley Farm Trail

Start & Finish: Car Park at Black Park Country Park, Black Park Road, Slough, SL3 6DS
Distance: 5.9 km (3.7 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 43m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Beeches Way, Shakespeare’s Way
Other routes touched (cycle): Beeches Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Four Seasons Cafe, Black Park at start and end.
Map: OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East and OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
Links: Black Park

This is part of a series of short circular walks in the Chilterns. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

This is a short, flat walk around the perimeter of Rowley Farm to the west of Black Park Country Park. We went at the end of April when the bluebells were out, making this a pleasant Spring walk. From the car park look out for the first Rowley Farm Trail roundel to the right of the road entrance. Follow the path to Black park Road then cross over Rowley Lane to enter the woods. You’re now on the main part of the trail.

The Trail is well sign-posted so navigation is fairly easy. There’s a couple of things to look out for though.

  • After 1.4 km the trail takes a right to take a boundary route of Wexham Park Golf Course, Wexham Street and a path on the northern edge of Wexham Park hospital. If you’re looking for a shorter walk you can avoid this section by continuing south on Gallions Lane instead of turning right onto the golf course.

  • The southern section that crosses fields near Rowley Lake can get wet after rain so wear boots and fast-drying trousers in damp conditions.

  • There’s a short section in the final 1 km that’s runs on Rowley Lane before taking the path up to the northern side of Black Park Lake. Be careful on this section as there’s no pavement and cars can often go fast here.

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment
Walking The North Downs Way Part 8 - Westerham Hill to Otford

North Downs Way near Chevening

Start: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Finish: Otford Memorial Hall, 28A High St, Otford, Sevenoaks, TN14 5PQ
Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 miles)
Elevation change: +128m / -225m. Net -97m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): North Downs Way, Berry’s Green Circular Walk, Darent Valley Path
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Velo Barn at the start of the route, Rose & Crown Sevenoaks (10 km in), several in Otford High Street
OS Trig Pilllar: TP4287 - Knockholt Beeches
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Chevening, Otford, LDWA: North Downs Way, National Trails: North Downs Way, northdownsway.org

This is the eighth of a series of short point-to-point walks along the North Downs Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. Our walks took in short sections of 10 km to 13 km which we did with a friend over the course of a couple of years when our schedules coincided. The North Downs Way is well sign-posted however I highly recommend taking a map or GPX route to keep you on track. The Cicerone book on the trail is a great guide to the points of interest along the way.

Our original plan was to only walk the first seven sections covering Surrey before the driving from home started getting to long. It was only when I was completing my quest to bag all OS Trig Pillars within the M25 that I realised that I needed to do one final section and get the Knockholt Beeches Trig Pillar to complete the set.

Picking up from the Velobarn at Westerham Heights we continued east along the North Downs Way. This was a bright, sunny day in mid-April and a nice change from the gloominess of the previous section that we did nearly 18 months ago. The first 5 km of this section stays high on the ridge with great views to the south across open fields. At around 4.7 km you can take a very minor diversion to the north of the trail to find the Trig Pillar hiding in a bush along a field fence-line.

Shortly after the Trig Pillar the trail enters Cooper’s Wood. Watch out for the cutting in the trees where you can see down to Chevening House, the official country residence of the British Foreign Secretary. You can also get a good view of the estate as the trail descends out of the woods, across farmland to Sundridge Road. When we were there in April 2025 a diversion was being put in place to cut off part of the route that follows Sundridge Road. We chose not to take it, prefering to stick to the route that we had on the map. In hindsight I wish we had taken the diversion as there’s no pavement on some of the road and very fast cars wizzing by.

Shortly after crossing over the A21 on Morrants Court Road you’ll reach the Rose and Crown at the 10 km point. It’s the first pub to stop for a rest on this section. The final 3 km after the Rose and Crown also follows the Darent Valley Path into Otford. This is a pretty village with some well kept old buildings and several information boards detailing its history.

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Richard gowerTrek, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, Kent, EnglandComment
Walking the River Wey Part 7: Worplesdon to Guildford

Woodbridge Crossing, Guildford

Start: Worplesdon Station, Woking, GU22 0RN
Finish: Guildford Station, Guildford GU1 4UT
Distance: 11.9 km (7.4 miles)
Elevation Change: +/- 52m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Wey Navigation Footpath, The Fox Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Surrey Cycleway
Cafe / pubs on route: The Olive Tree (2.5 km in), The Row Barge (9.1 km in), Cafe at National Trust Dapdune Wharf (just off route at 11 km in), many in Guildford Town Centre at end
Map: Guildford & Farnham Map | Godalming & Farnborough | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 145
Links: Wey Navigation, River Wey, River Wey and Godalming Navigations (National Trust), Worpledon, National Trust Dapdune Wharf, Guildford

This is the seventh of a series of short circular walks along the River Wey and the Wey Navigation canal in Surrey. The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

In a change to the circular routes of previous sections, this one is a station-to-station walk with a train connection between them. We parked near Guildford Station and took the train one stop north to start the walk at Worplesdon Station. From Worplesdon Station entrance walk north to meet Prey Heath Road and take a right. You’ll now be on the Fox Way which you’ll follow in an easterly direction until you reach the Wey Navigation between Sutton Green and Fell Hill. Note that the Fox Way isn’t well sign-posted so a map or GPX route is important here.

You’ll reach the Wey Navigation at the marshy island where section 6 left the canal. Cross over to the eastern side of the canal and take a right heading south. From here the rest of the route is very simple with 8.5 km of towpath walking all the way back to Guildford Station. When you get to the Woodbridge Crossing (as featured on the banner photo above), around 11 km in, it’s worth taking a short diversion over the footbridge to the National Trust property at Dapdune Wharf. There’s exhibitions about the Wey Navigation, a cafe and and old barge.

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Richard gowerTrek, Canal, National Trust, Surrey, England, Surrey HillsComment
Chiltern Walks: Great Gaddesden and Gaddesden Row

Crossing the River Gade at Great Gaddesden

Start & Finish: Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre, Piper's Hill, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3BY
Distance: 9.1 km (5.7 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 116m
Hertfordshire Way section covered: Great Gaddesden to the Babies Wood: 4 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Hertfordshire Way, Chiltern Way
Other routes touched (cycle): Chilterns Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre cafe at the start and end
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Great Gaddesden, Gaddesden Row, River Gade, Gaddesden Place

The Hertfordshire Way offers an incredible opportunity to circumnavigate one of England's home counties, revealing its hidden charms and surprising variety. This circular long-distance footpath, stretching around 273 km (170 miles), guides walkers through the county's most picturesque landscapes, proving that green spaces are never far, even in this area close to London. We walked the Chilterns part of the Hertfordshire Way in 15 sections over a couple of years. We used my “Greater Chilterns” definition that takes the trail from the River Lea near Wheathampstead to the River Colne near Garston. This route is one of those 15 circular walks.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

For this walk we parked at Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre off Piper’s Hill (road). It’s for customer parking but if you visit the cafe or buy something from the shop and come back before closing time they’re unlikely to mind. The actual start of the walk is at the corner of Piper’s Hill (road) and Church Meadow (road). Just to the south-west of this corner you’ll find a small lane on the left heading in a south-easterly direction. Follow this to cross over the River Gade and the B440 Leighton Buzzard Road. Be very careful on this road as the crossing is on a corner and cars can pass by very fast.

Once over the B440 follow the Chiltern Way in a north-easterly direction through the grounds of Gaddesden Place. If it looks familiar to you it’s because it’s been the location of many films and TV series. Stay on the Chiltern Way until you reach the small hamlet of Gaddesden Row. Shortly after Gaddesden Row leave the Chiltern Way to follow a path heading in a north-westerly direction along the left hand edge of Newland’s Wood and Babies Wood to join the Hertfordshire Way at Beechwood Lane. Be careful here as it’s also the corner of a Hertfordshire Way junction where you have 2 options to follow it. Take the left hand option to follow it in a westerly direction along Dean Lane.

About half-way along Dean Lane take the footpath on the left to keep on the Hertfordshire Way in a southerly direction to Jockey End. Take a left onto Gaddesden Row (road) then a right to follow the Hertfordshire Way in a south-westerly direction back to Great Gaddesden. Again, be careful when crossing back over the B440. After crossing back over the River Gade you’ll reach Church Meadow (road). Follow this in a southerly direction to return to the start.

Hertfordshire Way next section clockwise: Flamstead and Markyate
Hertfordshire Way next section anti clockwise: Great Gaddesden and Ashridge

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Hertfordshire, EnglandComment
Chiltern Walks: Great Gaddesden and Ashridge

Lonely Tree near Nettleden

Start & Finish: Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre, Piper's Hill, Great Gaddesden, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 3BY
Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 153m
Hertfordshire Way section covered: Great Gaddesden to the Ashridge Estate: 4 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Hertfordshire Way, Ashridge Boundary Trail,
Other routes touched (cycle): Chilterns Cycleway, Iknield Way Riders Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre cafe at the start and end
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Great Gaddesden, Ashridge Estate, Nettleden

The Hertfordshire Way offers an incredible opportunity to circumnavigate one of England's home counties, revealing its hidden charms and surprising variety. This circular long-distance footpath, stretching around 273 km (170 miles), guides walkers through the county's most picturesque landscapes, proving that green spaces are never far, even in this area close to London. We walked the Chilterns part of the Hertfordshire Way in 15 sections over a couple of years. We used my “Greater Chilterns” definition that takes the trail from the River Lea near Wheathampstead to the River Colne near Garston. This route is one of those 15 circular walks.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

For this walk we parked at Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre off Piper’s Hill (road). It’s for customer parking but if you visit the cafe or buy something from the shop and come back before closing time they’re unlikely to mind. The actual start of the walk is at the corner of Piper’s Hill (road) and Church Meadow (road). Walk up Church Meadow in a northerly direction then continue as it curves round in an anti-clockwise direction. Near the end of Church Meadow take the footpath on the right after house #20 to follow the Hertfordshire Way in an west / north-westerly direction.

The Hertfordshire Way will join St Margaret’s Road near the entrance to the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. Continue along the road keeping the monastery on your left. Just over 1 km along St Margaret’s Road take a path on the left to cross a field to the bottom of a valley, take a right to follow the valley bottom path to reach Nettleden Road. Cross over the road to pass through a small patch of woodland to join the Ashridge Boundary Trail. At this point leave the Hertfordshire Way to follow the Ashridge Boundary Trail heading south.

Follow the Ashridge Boundary Trail for ~3 km until Highridge Farm Camping then take a left to reach Nettleden Road. Take a right onto Nettleden Road then a left onto Pipers Hill. Follow Pipers Hill in a north-easterly direction all the way back to Great Gaddesden.

Hertfordshire Way next section clockwise: Great Gaddesden and Gaddesdon Row
Hertfordshire Way next section anti clockwise: Ashridge Boundary Trail Section 2

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Hertfordshire, England, National TrustComment
The One In The Woods - Danesfield Trail 10k

When: March 16th 2025
Where: Danesfield, Buckinghamshire
Organiser: Onerace Events
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: +/- 188m
Course: Single hilly loop around Pullingshill Wood, Rogues Plantation and Rotten Row with a short out-and back section at the start and end from Danesfield School.
Other routes touched: Shakespeares’s Way, Chiltern Way
Finish time: 1 hour, 8 minutes, 58 seconds

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Richard gowerRun, 10k, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment
Chiltern Walks: Boxmoor and Kings Langley

Approaching Belsize

Start: Hemel Hempstead Station, London Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9BQ
Finish: Kings Langley Station, Station Road, Kings Langley WD4 8LF
Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 miles)
Elevation change: +154m / - 175m. Net -21m
Hertfordshire Way section covered: Bovingdon to Kings Langley: 10 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Chiltern Way, Grand Union Canal Circular Walk Kings Langley - Hemel, Hertfordshire Way, Red Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): Grand Union Canal Towpath
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Bell Inn Bovingdon (3.9 km in), several in Kings Langley, just off route at the end.
Map: St Albans & Hatfield Map | Hemel Hempstead & Welwyn Garden City | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 182
Links: Hemel Hempstead, Boxmoor, Bovingdon, Kings Langley

The Hertfordshire Way offers an incredible opportunity to circumnavigate one of England's home counties, revealing its hidden charms and surprising variety. This circular long-distance footpath, stretching around 273 km (170 miles), guides walkers through the county's most picturesque landscapes, proving that green spaces are never far, even in this area close to London. We walked the Chilterns part of the Hertfordshire Way in 15 sections over a couple of years. We used my “Greater Chilterns” definition that takes the trail from the River Lea near Wheathampstead to the River Colne near Garston. This route is one of those 15 circular walks.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

Unlike most our walks on the Hertfordshire Way this is a point-to-point walk rather than a circular. The start and end are at railway stations on the same line so it’s a quick train journey to get from the start to the end. We parked at Kings Langley Station and got the train to the start at Hemel Hempstead. Check train times in advance for any delays or cancellations.

From Hemel Hempstead Station we took the southern exit and walked along the path that connects to the Chiltern Way. Take a left onto the Chiltern Way to continue walking south. After 800m leave the Chiltern Way to take the Red Walk path on the right towards Bovingdon. Once in Bovingdon you’ll have reconnected with the Hertfordshire Way which you’ll follow in an anti-clockwise direction all the way to Kings Langley Station.

Hertfordshire Way next section clockwise: Berkhamsted and Bourne End
Hertfordshire Way next section anti clockwise: Kings Langley to Aldenham

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Hertfordshire, Canal, EnglandComment
Walking The Chiltern Heritage Trail

View to the Chess from the Latimer Estate

The Chiltern Heritage Trail is a 83 km (52 mile) circular long-distance footpath in Buckinghamshire. Created as a Millennium project, this trail links the towns and parishes within the district, offering stunning scenery, charming villages, and points of historical interest. Along the way it passes through Chesham, Latimer, Chorleywood, the Chalfonts, Amersham, Penn, the Missendens and Chartridge. We completed the trail in a series of shorter circular walks.

Point to Point: The full Chiltern Heritage Trail

Recommended start points:
- Chesham Underground Station (51°42'19"N 0°36'40"W)
- Chalfont St Giles High Street (51°37'56"N 0°34'13"W)
- Chalfont St Peter High Street (51°36'26"N 0°33'24"W)
- Seer Green Railway Station (51°36'35"N 0°36'28"W)
- Old Amersham High Street (51°39'59"N 0°36'60"W)
- Great Missenden Railway Station (51°42'13"N 0°42'33"W)
Distance: 82.9 km (51.9 miles)
Elevation change: +/-933m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Maps:
- Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
- Chiltern Hills East Map | High Wycombe, Maidenshead & Rickmansworth | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 172
Links: Chiltern Heritage Trail (LDWA), See individual section posts linked below for other links.

Walking The Chiltern Heritage Trail in 17 Circular Routes

If you’re not up for an 83 km walk in one go, you can take in the Chiltern Heritage Trail in 17 circular walks of between 7.5 and 13 km each. We chose this option, completing all 17 sections over a few years from 2020 to 2025. The advantage of this option is exploring more of the villages and side paths close to the route

Each number refers to a circular walk below. Base map: Esri Topo via RideWithGPS

Route 1: Ashley Green and Whelpley Hill

  • Distance: 10.5 km (6.5 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 113m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Chesham Vale to Orchard Leigh: 6.5 km

Route 2: Orchard Leigh and Botley

  • Distance: 6.9 km (4.3 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 58m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Orchard Leigh to Tyler’s Hill: 3.4 km

Route 3: Chesham & Tylers Hill

  • Distance: 9.3 km (5.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 84m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Tylers Hill to Lower Bois: 4.49 km

Route 4: Chesham & Bois and Wychfield Spring

  • Distance: 7.8 km (4.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 166m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: River Chess at Lower Bois to Blackwell Hall Lane: 4.4 km

Route 5: Latimer and Codmore Wood

  • Distance: 7.7 km (4.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 120m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Blackwell Hall Lane to Stoney Lane: 3.2 km

Route 6: Little Chalfont and Latimer

  • Distance: 7.5 km (4.7 miles)
    Elevation change: +/- 91m
    Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Latimer to Carpenters Wood: 3.3 km

Route 7: Phillipshill Wood and Hanging Wood

  • Distance: 9.1 km (5.7 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 101m

  • Chilterns Heritage Trail Section Covered: Carpenters Wood to Newland Gorse: 3.5 km

Route 8: Chalfont St Giles and Newlands Park

  • Distance: 8.6 km (5.3 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 75m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Newland Gorse to Chalfont Common: 4.6 km

Route 9: Chalfont St Peter, Seer Green and Chalfont St Giles

  • Distance: 13.1 km (8.1 miles)

  • Elevation change: + / - 124 m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Chalfont St Giles to Hodgemoor Wood: 10.3 km

Route 10: Amersham and Coleshill

  • Distance: 11.5 km (7.1 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 118m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Bottrells Lane to Amersham: 5.2 km

Route 11: Amersham, Winchmore Hill and Penn

  • Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 119m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Coleshill to Toby’s Lane: 8.1 km

Route 12: Little Kingshill and Little Missenden

  • Distance: 9.9 km (6.1 miles)

  • Elevation change: + / - 104m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Beamond End Lane to Little Kingshill Recreation Park: 6.2 km

Route 13: Great Missenden and Little Kingshill

  • Distance: 9.2 km (5.7 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 114m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Little Kingshill Recreation Ground to Buryfield Car Park: 4.4 km

Route 14: Great Missenden and Ballinger

  • Distance: 9.8 km (6 miles)

  • Elevation Change: +/- 113m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Buryfield Car Park to Ballinger Common: 3 km

Route 15: Lee Common and Ballinger

  • Distance: 7.5 km (4.6 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 65m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Ballinger Common to Chartridge: 5.2 km

Route 16: Chartridge, Asheridge and Buckland Common

  • Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 97m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Hightree Wood to Buckland Common: 5.1 km

Route 17: Cholesbury and Asheridge

  • Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)

  • Elevation change: +/- 103m

  • Chiltern Heritage Trail Section Covered: Blue Ball Braziers Lane to Ramscote Lane: 7.8 km

Cycling The Chilterns Heritage Trails

If you have completed the Chiltern Heritage Trail walking routes there’s also 3 cycling routes in the area. Each route is a circuit so can be started at any point, however Amersham New Town is an obvious base. Amersham has a direct rail and Underground connection to London and good parking options.

The 3 routes are:

  • Milton Route, named after John Milton who was an English Poet and Civil Servant.

    • Distance: 42km / 26 miles. Elevation Change: +/- 391m

  • Hampden Route, named after John Hampden, who was an early parliamentarian.

    • Distance: 41km / 25.5 miles. Elevation Change: +/- 352m

  • Harding Route, named after Thomas Harding who was burnt at the stake in 1532 for possessing a Bible when this was still forbidden.

    • Distance: 40 km / 24.8 miles. Elevation Change: +/- 385m

Click here for more information on the Chiltern Heritage Trail cycle routes.

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment
Hardwick X-Stream Trail Run

When: March 9th 2025
Where: Hardwick Village, Buckinghamshire
Organiser: Bearbrook Running Club
Distance: 9.5 km
Elevation: +/- 100m
Course: Undulating, muddy single lap route through farmland near Hardwick village. 4 crossings of the stream, 2 ditch crossings and 2 stiles.
Other routes touched: None
Finish time: 1 hour, 2 minutes, 17 seconds

In-stream photo by Ken Darius

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Richard gowerRun, 10k, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment
Chiltern Walks: Cow Roast and Berkhamsted Common

Northchurch Lock

Start & Finish: Free parking by the Cow Roast Recreation Ground, Tring, HP23 5RE
Distance: 11.9 km (7.3 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 140m
Hertfordshire Way section covered: Tom’s Hill to Berkhamsted Common: 3 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Chiltern Way, Grand Union Canal Circular Walk Berkhamsted-Tring, Hertfordshire Way, Ashridge Boundary Trail, Rangers Ramble
Other routes touched (cycle): Grand Union Canal Towpath, Chilterns Cycleway, Berkhamsted 6 Circular
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Artisan at the start and finish
Map: Chiltern Hills North Map | Aylesbury, Berkhamsted & Chesham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 181
Links: Cow Roast, Berkhamstead Common, Berkhamsted

The Hertfordshire Way offers an incredible opportunity to circumnavigate one of England's home counties, revealing its hidden charms and surprising variety. This circular long-distance footpath, stretching around 273 km (170 miles), guides walkers through the county's most picturesque landscapes, proving that green spaces are never far, even in this area close to London. We walked the Chilterns part of the Hertfordshire Way in 15 sections over a couple of years. We used my “Greater Chilterns” definition that takes the trail from the River Lea near Wheathampstead to the River Colne near Garston. This route is one of those 15 circular walks.

The guidance below will help you navigate but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide. Always take a map and/or a GPX route and prepare well for the weather and terrain.

For this walk we parked at the free parking spot next to the recreation ground at Cow Roast. Cross over the A4251 Trig Road to reach Cow Roast Lock. Cross over the canal and follow The Chiltern Way along Wharf Lane. Take the path on the left to continue on the Chiltern Way crossing over the railway footbridge and climb the hill into the Ashridge Estate. When you meet the Hertfortshire Way take a right to follow it for 3 km into Berkhamsted Common.

Once you’re 5km into the walk from Cow Roast lock take a right to leave the Hertfordhshire Way to follow the Ashridge Boundary Trail in a southerly direction. When you reach Northchurch Lane, leave the Boundary Trail to take a path on the left towards Bridle Lane. Follow Bridle Lane onto Billet Lane then cross the railway line and over the Grand Union Canal. Once on the southern side of the canal follow the tow path in a westerly direction back to the start at Cow Roast.

Hertfordshire Way next section clockwise: Aldbury & Ashridge
Hertfordshire Way next section anti clockwise: Berkhamsted Castle and Common

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Richard gowerTrek, Chilterns, Hertfordshire, Canal, England, National TrustComment