Pride Month Challenge: Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (9/9) 18 miles

Event Details

  • Start Date Saturday, 26th of June 2021
  • End Date Saturday, 26th of June 2021
  • Start/End Time 09:00 - 18:30
  • Near Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
  • Categories
  • Groups ,
  • Approx Distance 18 Miles
  • TerrainDifficult Walk – strenuous walk for experienced country walkers with an above average fitness level. includes hills and may be at a brisk pace. Walking boots/footwear and waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their fitness should contact the event organiser or walk leader in advance.

This will be a full day challenge walk which you can select to join in the morning or the afternoon circular walks or the entire 18 miles.

****** Morning Start: 9:00 am and Afternoon start: 1:30 pm for the PRIDE month challenge*****

Berkhamsted Castle is steeped in over 950 years of history. It was here that the Anglo-Saxons surrendered to William, Duke of Normandy in December 1066, and he became “The Conqueror”. Within these walls have walked numerous English Kings and Queens, Thomas Becket, Edward the Black Prince and Geoffrey Chaucer.

Morning walk: will have a slow descent into Ashridge Estate with it's legendary ancient woodlands which Henry VIII enjoyed in his era. Harry Potter partly filmed here. Places that will be visited are Frithsden Beeches, Capability Brown's Golden Valley, the charming village of Little Gaddesden which several celebrities have properties. Passing by the magnificent Ashridge House on our return walk to Berkhamsted via the Alpine Meadow. This walk is between 100 to 200 metres in elevation.

Lunch on the royal grounds at Berkhamsted Castle.

Afternoon walk: will saunter along the Grand Union Canal southbound. Several locks on route and old Mill houses and a few wooden carvings. Narrow boats in all there splendour. We will ascent toward the prehistoric coastal site before arriving in the delightful Gade Valley - which several writers enjoy visiting due to the views and wildlife. The furthest point will be to Water End and it's watercress meadow and tranquil chalk stream which is popular with Wagtails. We will then pass through Great Gaddesden and ascent to St. Margarets (Ex Canadian Air Force base). Which is now owned by the Thai Forest Buddhists.  We will then descent into the hamlet of Nettleden before walking along a walled footpath with paranormal activity. Afterwards, we will enter Frithsden an exclusive hamlet. The walk will continue with a further ascent skirting Potten End, Berkhamsted Golf Course before arriving atop Berkhamsted Hill and dropping back to historical Berkhamsted. This walk is between 85 to 170 metres in elevation.

After walk - we will visit a pub on canal which flies our flag (depending on restrictions Covid)

Full details are available to members only

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