A superb, circular walk of 9.6m between south-west Herts and London, comprising a sumptuous slice of marvellous metroland blended into a London village disconnected from London’s railway system. All within the M25.

The walk features an old High Street, local nature reserves, sports lakes, the River Colne, the Grand Union Canal, elegant modern architecture in peaceful residential estates, busy urban freeways, quiet rural lanes, open fields, horses, cows, superb views across the Colne Valley, a piece of HS2, woodland (including the ancient semi-natural woodland of Bishops Wood, a designated County Park) and one stunningly beautiful golf course. And an enormous sewage works. Happy days.

Outside of Rickmansworth, most parts of the route are relatively quiet. You’d never know you were inside the M25 and, in parts, in a London borough.

The route is 50% pavement and 50% off-road. The route uses part of the London Loop and the Hillingdon Trail, the Grand Union Canal Walk and the Colne Valley Trail. The route uses pavement, road, field & field edge on footpath, bridleway and towpath.

Gradient ranges from 34m to 113m, max slope 45m rise over 809m (11.3%).

There are numerous stiles on the route, none of which have alternative routes.

The route is partially exposed, some of which is on the side of a valley, so expect high wind gusts. Wear windproofs and/or sun-screen and sunglasses as appropriate.

Wear sturdy boots. Trainers are unlikely to suffice for the some off-road parts.

Bring packed lunch, a mid-morning snack and something to sit on. Lunchtime is later than usual. A limited number of benches is available at lunchtime. There is an opportunity to buy coffees shortly after the walk has stated. There are opportunities to buy takeaway lunch at the start point and at the lunch point.

Optional pub stop at the end of the walk.

Herts GOC last did this walk in June 2016 (event report).