Posts tagged Disused Railway

Cycling The Prime Meridian Part 3 - Peterborough to Sand Le Mere

Sand Le Mere: the most northerly point of the Prime Meridian on mainland UK

The Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, is the line of longitude defined as 0°. It’s the line that divides East and West. It’s also a line that I asked myself: “can that be cycled"?”. The answer is “no” as it’s a dead-straight line with buildings inconveniently built along it's path. You can cycle quite close to it though, so that’s what we did.

If you want to walk it, there’s a well-signed path called the Greenwich Meridian Trail. The Trail is also very well described in a series of 4 books by Graham and Hilda Heap. The cycle route that I designed stays as close to the Prime Meridian as possible but avoiding footpaths and opting for quieter country roads over busy main roads. Even if you’re cycling I highly recommend the Greenwich Meridian Trail books as they’re a great guide to the interesting things to see along the way.

It had been a year since Brian and I cycled the first part and three months since part 2 with Ray. As the rest of the route was now a lot further away from where we live in the south, this would be one final trip to complete the full route.

For most of the full 8-day trip most of the cycle route keeps close to both the actual Prime Meridian and the Greenwich Meridian (walking) Trail. The challenge at the end of the trip is getting around or across the Humber Estuary which cuts through the route between Cleethorpes and Sunk Island. The Greenwich Meridian Trail ends at Cleethorpes and a bus is the most practical means of picking up the route at Patringham on the North. For our cycle route we took a long diversion west to cross the Humber Bridge and return on the northern side via Hull. This gives you an unbroken cycle trip, but means that all of day 7 and half of day 8 are off the Meridian. It’s worth it though for the crossing of the Humber Bridge and the Hull to Winestead Rail Trail.

Day numbers below are for the total Prime Meridian trip starting in Peacehaven.

Day 5: Peterborough to Boston

Start: Peterborough Railway Station, Peterborough, PE1 1QL, United Kingdom
Finish: The White Hart Hotel, 1-5 High Street, Boston, PE21 8SH
Distance: 77 km (47.8 miles)
Elevation change: + 140m / -142m (Net -2m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Nene Way, Macmillan Way,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 12, 63, Peterborough Green Wheel
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Holbeach High Street (approx 45k in)
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (235) Wisbech and Peterborough North
- OS Explorer Map (249) Spalding and Holbeach
- OS Explorer Map (261) Boston
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 3: Hardwick to Boston
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Peterborough, Holbeach, Boston

Day 6: Boston to Grimsby

Start: The White Hart Hotel, 1-5 High Street, Boston, PE21 8SH
Finish: St James Hotel, Freshney Place, St James Square, Grimsby, DN31 1EP
Distance: 91.6 km (57 miles)
Elevation change: + 595m / -597m (Net -2m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Macmillan Way, Lincolnshire Wolds Way, Silver Lincs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 110
Pubs / Cafes on route: Cafe at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre (PE23 4DE) - free entry to the cafe. Several pubs and cafes in Louth.
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (261) Boston
- OS Explorer Map 273 Lincolnshire Wolds South
- OS Explorer Map (282) Lincolnshire Wolds North
- OS Explorer Map (284) Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham, Caistor and North Thoresby
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 4: Boston to Sand Le Mere
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Boston, Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, Old Bollingbroke, Louth, Cleethorpes, Grimsby

Day 7: Grimsby to Hull

Start: St James Hotel, Freshney Place, St James Square, Grimsby, DN31 1EP
Finish: The Gilson Hotel, 11 Anlaby Road, Hull, HU1 2PJ
Distance: 51 km (32 miles)
Elevation change: + 193m / -194m (Net -1m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Trans Pennine Trail, Yorkshire Wolds Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 65
Pubs / Cafes on route: Cafe at Deepdale Garden Centre (DN18 6ED)
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (284) Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham, Caistor and North Thoresby
- OS Explorer Map (281) Ancholme Valley
- OS Explorer Map (293) Kingston-upon-Hull and Beverley
Guidebook: N/A: not covered by the Greenwich Meridian Trail books.
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Grimsby, Immingham Docks, Thornton Abbey, Barton-upon-Humber, Humber Bridge, Kingston-upon-Hull

Day 8: Hull to Sand Le Mere

Start: The Gilson Hotel, 11 Anlaby Road, Hull, HU1 2PJ
Finish: Sand Le Mere Beach, Roos, Hull, HU12 0JF
Distance: 65 km (40.4 miles)
Elevation change: + 143m / -148m (Net -5m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Hull Fish Trail, Wilberforce Way, Hull to Winestead Rail Trail, Greenwich Meridian Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 66, National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: several in Patringham Village Centre
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (293) Kingston-upon-Hull and Beverley
- OS Explorer Map (292) Withernsea and Spurn Head
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 4: Boston to Sand Le Mere
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Kingston-upon-Hull, Sunk Island, Patringham, Withernsea

Return to Hull from Sand Le Mere

Start: Sand Le Mere Beach, Roos, Hull, HU12 0JF
Finish: Hull Station, Paragon Station, Ferensway, Hull HU1 3QX
Distance: 27.8 km (17.3 miles)
Elevation change: + 80m / -77m (Net +3m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Hull Fish Trail, Wilberforce Way, Hull to Winestead Rail Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 66, National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Nags Head, Preston (HU12 8TT)
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (292) Withernsea and Spurn Head
- OS Explorer Map (293) Kingston-upon-Hull and Beverley
Links: Kingston-upon-Hull

Prime Meridian Markers on the route

Row 2 (LEFT TO RIGHT):

Row 1 (LEFT TO RIGHT):

Row 4 (LEFT TO RIGHT):

Cleethorpes Finger Post
Sunk Island Pillar
Patrington Plinth
Sand le Mere lump of concrete (not the missing pillar)

Row 3 (LEFT TO RIGHT):

Previous section: Waltham Abbey to Peterborough

Back to Prime Meridian Index

Richard gower13 July 2021Cycle, NCN, Disused Railway, Coast, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, YorkshireComment

Cycling The Nickey Line, Ayot Greenway and The Alban Way

When Dr Beeching cut a large chunk of Britain’s rail network in the 1960s, Hertfordshire had a good share of the impact. The rail passengers’ loss later turned out to be the cyclists’ gain with several very enjoyable routes through the county.

This is a half day circular cycle route that follows three of Hertfordshire’s cycle paths along disused railways. It takes in the Nickey Line, Ayot Greenway and Alban Way. These were formerly the Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead Branch Railway, Dunstable Branch Line and Hatfield and St Albans Railway. Each of the lines have been adopted into the National Cycle Network and have been well restored.

The Lost Rails section of the Herts Memories web site is a great resource for the history of the lines.

Full Route Details

Start & Finish: Nickey Line Start, by The Midland Hotel, Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5BH
Distance: 54.2 km (34 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 364m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Map: OS Explorer Map (182) St. Albans and Hatfield

Section 1: The Nickey Line

Start: Nickey Line Start, by The Midland Hotel, Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5BH
Finish: Railway Bridge at Hollybush Lane, Harpenden (OS Grid Ref: TL 13426 15162)
Distance: 11.7 km (7.3 miles)
Elevation change: +94m / -77m (Net -17m)
Other routes touched (walk): Hertfordshire Way, River Ver Trail, Chiltern Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 57, Chilterns Cycleway
Disused Stations Passed: Hemel Hempsted, Godwin's Halt, Beaumont's Halt, Redbourn, Roundwood Halt
Pubs / Cafes on route: Midland Hotel at the Hemel Hempstead end
Links: Nickey Line (Wikipedia), Herts Memories: Nickey Line, Friends of The Nickey Line, Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden

Although you can start the route at any point on it’s circuit I chose the most westerly point at Hemel Hempstead. The Nickey Line starts where Adeyfield Road crosses over what was the Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead Branch Railway. Here there was a station called Hemel Hempsted which sounds the same, but spelled slightly differently to Hemel Hempstead station (previously Boxmoor Station) to the south-west. The section of the route from Boxmoor to here is now completely missing, covered by housing.

There’s curb-side parking in some of the side streets near the start of the Nicky Line. Alternatively you add a couple of miles and can use the town centre car parks or access via Hemel Hempstead (Boxmoor) station if you’re coming by train.

Once on the Nicky Line, it’s a smooth easy to navigate, route all the way to Harpenden. There’s not much left of the 4 previous stations along the way, but several information signs to show you where they were.

Section 2: The Ayot Greenway

Start: Intersection of Lea Valley Walk and Westfield Road, Harpenden (OS Grid Ref: TL 13883 15861)
Finish: Sherrardspark Wood (OS Grid Ref: TL 22861 13396)
Distance: 11.7 km (7.3 miles) including the extra section of disused railway from Harpenden
Elevation change: +102m / -82m (Net -20m)
Other routes touched (walk): Lea Valley Walk, Hertfordshire Way, WCG 100 Centenary Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 57, 12, Chilterns Cycleway
Disused Stations Passed: Wheathampstead, Ayot
Pubs / Cafes on route: Charlie's Cafe Wheathamstead (AL4 8BU) plus several in Welwyn Garden City after the Greenway
Links: Ayot Greenway (Wikipedia), Herts Memories: Ayot Greenway, Dunstable Branch Line, Wheathampstead, Ayot Green, Ayot St. Peter, Sherrardspark Wood

The actual Ayot Greenway starts from Wheathampstead Station but it’s part of a group of cycle paths that trace the old Dunstable Branch Line. The distance and elevation stats below include the full stretch of the disused railway from Harpenden.

From the Hollybush Lane bridge that marks the end of the Nickey Line there’s two ways to connect to the old Dunstable Branch Line. One option is to continue along the NCN 57 to join at Hickling Way. The alternative route that I took was to turn left onto Westfield Road, heading north along the Chilterns Cycleway. Take the path on the left after Beeching Close to keep on the Cycleway as it joins the Lea Valley Path. Whichever option you take you’ll end up following the NCN 57, Chilterns Cycleway and Lea Valley Path in a south-easterly direction. At the junction with Cherry Tree Lane, turn left, then right onto B653 Lower Luton Road. Follow this for ~1.5km to the roundabout where you’ll find the beautifully preserved Wheathampstead Station on the south east corner. Stop here for a rest before heading south down Station Road. Take a left onto Mount Road where you’ll pick up the NCN 57 again and the start of the Ayot Greenway. Follow this in an easterly direction to Ayot Green.

The sign-posted Ayot Greenway ends at Ayot Green but you can continue following the NCN 57 over the A1, picking up the path of the old railway at Sherrardspark Wood.

Section 3: The Alban Way

Start: Small park off the Great North Road Hatfield (OS Grid Ref: TL 23173 09327)
Finish: Cottonmill Lane, St Albans (OS Grid Ref: TL 23173 09327)
Distance: 9.5 km (5.9 miles)
Elevation change: +39m / -36m (Net +3m)
Other routes touched (walk): St Albans Green Ring
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 61
Disused Stations Passed: Lemsford Road Halt, Nast Hyde Halt, Smallford, Hill End, Salvation Army Halt, London Road Station
Pubs / Cafes on route: none
Links: Alban Way (Wikipedia), Hatfield and St Albans Railway, Herts Memories: Alban Way, Hatfield, St Albans

From Sherrardspark Wood continue along the NCN 57 to Welwyn Garden City town centre. This is approximately half way into the circular tour and a good place to stop for food and a rest. From here continue south along the NCN 57, crossing the present-day mainline railway bridge and connect with the NCN 61 on the A1000. The NCN 61 will take you through Hatfield and onto the Alban Way. The distance and elevation stats above for the Alban Way start as the NCN 61 crosses the Great North Road.

The Alban Way is the best preserved of the 3 routes. Nast Hyde Station is a highlight and there’s information boards along the way detailing the history of each of the old stations. It’s worth taking this section slow to take in the artifacts of the old line. This section of the route ends at the junction with Cottonmill Lane just before the old rail line would have connected with the present-day line to St Albans Abbey Station.

Section 4: Return To The Start

Start: Cottonmill Lane, St Albans (OS Grid Ref: TL 23173 09327)
Finish: Nickey Line Start, by The Midland Hotel, Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 5BH
Distance: 14.1 km (8.8 miles)
Elevation change: +129m / -100m (Net +29m)

From the end of the Alban Way at Cottonmill Lane, take a left to continue on the NCN 61. Follow this for 2.5km until it meets the B4630 Watford Road. After following this south for ~100m carefully cross the road onto Ragged Hall Lane in a south westerly direction. You will now have left the NCN 61. Continue south-west along Ragged Hall Lane and onto Bedmond Lane, St Albans Lane and Sergehill Lane. At the junction with Church Lane in Bedmond take a right onto Bedmond Road for 2.5km.

You’ll now be in the uninspiring outer edges of Hemel Hempstead. There’s no pretty way through this back to the start but several options. If you have the GPS route you can take a complex route through quiet residential streets. Alternatively, the easiest route to navigate is to continue on Bedmond Road north, merging with the A4147 then left on the the B487 Swallowdale Lane. This runs past Keens Field where you can pick up the Nickey Line again, retracing your treads back to the Midland Hotel.

Rail-based circular walks in the Chiltern Hills AONB

Where all or most of the walk is within the boundary of the AONB

Amersham Old and New Towns (Amersham Station): 8.3 Km. +/- 75m Elevation Gain.
Berkhamsted Castle and Common (Berkhamsted station): 10.5 Km. +/- 73m Elevation Gain.
Chesham & Tylers Hill (Chesham station): 9.3 Km. +/- 84m Elevation Gain.
Chorleywood and Chenies (Chorleywood station): 8.0 Km. +/- 85m Elevation Gain.
Goring & Streatley Station Circular (Goring & Streatley station): 8.9 Km. +/- 155m Elevation Gain.
Great Missenden and Ballinger (Great Missenden station): 9.8 Km. +/- 113m Elevation Gain.
Great Missenden and Little Kingshill (Great Missenden station): 10 Km. +/- 112m Elevation Gain.
Little Chalfont and Latimer (Chalfont & Latimer station): 8.4 Km. +/- 140m Elevation Gain.
Saunderton & Loosely Row (Saunderton station): 9.1 Km. +/- 125m Elevation Gain.
Tring Park and Northfield (Tring Station): 8.4 Km. +/- 140m Elevation Gain.
Uxbridge to Denham (Uxbridge High Street, Denham stations): 6.3 km. +/- 27m Elevation Gain.
Wendover and Coombe Hill (Wendover station): 7.3 Km. +/- 139m Elevation Gain.

Rail-based circular walks in the Greater Chilterns Area

Where all or most of the walk is outside of the boundary of the AONB

Beaconsfield, Knotty Green and Seer Green (Beaconsfield station): 10.6 Km. +/- 84m Elevation Gain.
Cassiobury, Whippendell Woods and Croxley Green: (Croxley and Watford stations): 10.1 km. +/- 84m Elevation Gain.
Rickmansworth and Chorleywood (Rickmansworth station): 9.4 Km. +/- 100m Elevation Gain.
Risborough Railways Ramble (Princes Risborough station): 10.7 Km. +/- 83m Elevation Gain.
Shiplake and Henley-on-Thames (Shiplake and Henley-on-Thames stations): 8.8 Km. +/- 80m Elevation Gain.
Walking The Marlow Donkey (Bourne End and Marlow stations): 11.4 Km. +/- 65m Elevation Gain.

Rail-based point to point walks in the Greater Chilterns Area

The Chess Valley Walk (Rickmansworth and Chesham stations): 17.9 Km. +309m / -256m Elevation Gain.
Walking The Abbey Line Trail (St Albans City to Watford Junction): 15 Km. -74m / -86m Elevation Gain.
Walking The Bourne End To Maidenhead Line (Bourne End, Cookham, Furze Platt and Maidenhead stations): 9.6 Km. +60m / -58m Elevation Gain.
Walking The Wycombe to Bourne End Disused Railway (High Wycombe & Bourne End stations): 9.9 Km. +37m / -86m. Net -49m Elevation Gain.
Walking The Ebury Way Disused Railway (Watford Junction to Rickmansworth Church Street): 8.8 Km. +39m / -61m Elevation Gain.
Train out, walk back: The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway: 6.3 km (3.9 miles). +73m / -46m. Net = +27m. Elevation Gain.

Rail-based cycle trips in the Greater Chilterns Area

Cycling The Nickey Line, Ayot Greenway and The Alban Way: 54.2 km. +/- 364m Elevation Gain.
via the routes of the disused Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead Branch Railway, Dunstable Branch Line and Hatfield and St Albans Railway lines.
Cycling The Phoenix Trail and Watlington & Princes Risborough Railway: 46.6 km. +/- 313m Elevation Gain.
via the routes of the disused Wycombe Railway from Princes Risborough to Thame and back via the old Watlington and Princes Risborough line.
Cycling The Windsor to Staines Railway: 26.3 km +/- 78m Elevation Gain.
via Windsor & Eton Riverside, Datchet, Sunnymeads, Wraysbury and Staines stations
Cycling The Staines West to Denham Disused Railways: 22.9 km. + 99m / -67m. Net +22m Elevation Gain
via 3 separate disused railways through West Drayton and Uxbridge

Back to Chiltern Walks Index

Richard gower22 May 2021Trek, Canal, Railway, Disused Railway, Underground, Thames, Chilterns, Colne Valley, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, EnglandComment

Cycling The Prime Meridian Part 2 - Waltham Abbey to Peterborough

It had been 9 months since Brian and I cycled the first part from Peacehaven to Waltham Abbey. There had been 2 Covid-19 Lockdowns since then and we were eager to get out on the road. So, as soon as we were able to travel again we picked up an additional cycle buddy and headed to Waltham Abbey.

Day numbers below are for the total Prime Meridian trip starting in Peacehaven.

Day 3: Waltham Abbey to Barton

Start: Waltham Abbey Church, 4 Church St, Waltham Abbey EN9 1DJ
Finish: The White Horse Inn, 118 High St, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7BG
Distance: 76 km (47 miles)
Elevation change: + 517m / -517m (Net 0m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Lea Valley Walk, New River Path, Hertfordshire Way, Icknield Way, Harcamlow Way,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 61, Icknield Way Trail, National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Heath Cafe Bar at Royston
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (174) Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map
- OS Explorer Map (194) Hertford and Bishop's Stortford
- OS Explorer Map (209) Cambridge, Royston, Duxford & Linton
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 2: Greenwich to Hardwick
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Waltham Abbey, Lea Valley Park, Ware, Royston, Barton

Day 4: Barton to Peterborough

Start: The White Horse Inn, 118 High St, Barton, Cambridge, CB23 7BG
Finish: Peterborough Railway Station, Peterborough, PE1 1QL, United Kingdom
Distance: 88.9 km (55.2 miles)
Elevation change: +246m / - 253m (Net -9m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Harcamlow Way, Wimpole Way, Pathfinder Way, Ouse Valley Way, Rothschild Way, Nene Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 12, 51, 63, National Byway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Nook at Swavesey, The Rose and Crown Somersham and Nanas Team Room Chatteris
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (209) Cambridge, Royston, Duxford & Linton
- OS Explorer Map (225) Huntingdon and St.Ives, Grafham Water
- OS Explorer Map (227) Peterborough
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 2: Greenwich to Hardwick and Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 3: Hardwick to Boston
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Barton, Hardwick, Swavesey, St. Ives, Somersham, Chatteris, Peterborough

As you can see from the map below, both Barton and (especially) Peterborough are a bit off course for the Prime Meridian. The choice of Barton was really down to post-Lockdown availability of hotels. In normal times there would likely be more options. Given the choice we would have stayed in Hardwick where the 2nd Greenwich Meridian Trail book ends.

Peterborough is actually a long way off course at 22 km away from the final Meridian marker of the trip. This was our end point as we were taking the train from there back to the start. We took a Thameslink train to Potters Bar via a change at Hitchen. From Potters Bar, Waltham Abbey is a 50 minute cycle ride or, as we did a 20 minute drive as we left a car at Potters Bar and another at Waltham Abbey.

The Missing Link: March to Fleet

If you’re not taking the Peterborough diversion to end the section there, here’s how to continue up the Meridian. This section starts at the last Meridian marker on Day 4 and picks up the Day 5 route at the first Meridian marker. You’ll save ~20k by taking this route rather than going via Peterborough. There’s not much to see though and few options for food and accommodation.

Start: Turves Sustrans Millennium Marker. Grid Ref TL 35692 97021
Finish: Fleet Obelisk. Grid Ref TF 35123 15538
Distance: 28.7 km (17.8 miles)
Elevation change: +91m / - 89m (Net -2m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Nene Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 63
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (227) Peterborough
- OS Explorer Map (235) Wisbech and Peterborough North

Prime Meridian markers on the route

Bottom Row (left to right)

Top row(left to right):

Previous section: Peacehaven to Waltham Abbey

Next section: Peterborough to Sand Le Mere

Back to Prime Meridian Index

Richard gower15 April 2021Cycle, NCN, Canal, Railway, Disused Railway, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, EnglandComment

St Albans Easter 10k

When: April 2nd 2021
Where: Highfield Park, St Albans, AL4 0DY
Course: P-shaped route starting in Highfield Park, following the Alban Way and a loop out to the North Circular/A1 around Sleapshyde
Other routes touched: Alban Way / NCN 61
Finish time: 53:12

This was the first organized 10k event of 2021 and my first since Newbury Racecourse in February 2020. It was great to be back with other people and in a well organized Covid-secure event.

Back to Run Index

Richard gower2 April 2021Run, 10k, Disused Railway, Chilterns, Hertfordshire, EnglandComment

Chiltern Walks: Risborough Railways Ramble

Level Crossing on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway near the start of The Phoenix Trail

Start & Finish: Princes Risborough Station, Princes Risborough, HP27 9DD
Distance: 10.7 km (6.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 83m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Risborough Blue, Orange, Green and Pink Routes, Outer Aylesbury Ring, The Ridgeway, Chiltern Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 57, Phoenix Trail, Chilterns Cycleway
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Princes Risborough High Street, including The Crepe Escape
Map: OS Explorer Map (181) Chiltern Hills North
Links: Princes Risborough, Princes Risborough Station, Watlington and Princes Risborough Railway, Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway

For the latest in our Chiltern Railways circular walks we visited Princes Risborough. It’s a market town on the north edge of the Chilterns and a meeting point of current and disused railway lines. 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.

From the station take the B4444 Summerleys Road north, passing under 2 railway bridges. After the 2nd bridge, take a right onto a small road, also called Summerley’s Road (but leaving the B4444). Pass under another railway bridge then take a right onto Mount Way. Carefully cross over a level crossing and continue to the T junction with Stratton Road. Take a left onto Stratton Road, then onto Church Street and take a right at the end onto the High Street. You’ll now be on the Outer Aylesbury Ring. Follow this along the High Street, left onto the A4010, right onto New Road. Continue up New Road, climbing the hill until you get to the Ridgeway. Take a right onto the Ridgeway.

Follow the Ridgeway for ~2.5 km in a south-westerly direction. Be careful on the section that follows the A4010. There’s a wide pavement but it’s a very busy road and you’ll need to cross over it. At the end of this Ridgeway section you’ll join the Chiltern Way and cross over the railway. Take a right onto the Chiltern Way and follow this north. Cross over a level crossing again and continue north towards Horsenden. After the level crossing make sure you follow the Risborough Blue route and not the Chiltern way which takes a turn to the left.

When you get to Horsenden Lane, take a left and pass Horsenden Parish Church. Keep on Horsenden Lane as it turns right. You’ll now be on the Risborough Pink Route and NCN 57. Follow this in a north-westerly direction until you meet the B4009. Just before the main route you’ll have passed over a level crossing on the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway and then the start of the Phoenix Way.

Take a right turn on the B4009, passing under the old railway bridge that’s now the start of the Phoenix Trail. Take a right hand footpath immediately after the bridge and follow the path parallel to the still abandoned rail line that connects the Phoenix Trail to Princes Risborough Station. The path will connect with Summerley’s Road where you can take a right and return back to the start.

Back to Chiltern Walks Index

Richard gower21 March 2021Trek, Railway, Disused Railway, Chilterns, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment

Walking The London Loop and Capital Ring

London Loop in Blue, Capital Ring in Red. Base map from OpenStreetMap

The London Loop and Capital Ring are long distance circular walks around London. Both were conceived in the ‘90s and completed in the early 2000s. They pass through mostly green spaces around the capital and can easily be broken up into a series of shorter walks. Having cycled both a few years ago, I’m now returning to walk it. I’ve mostly covered the western sections and there’s a long way to go.

The list of sections below are those that I’ve planned but not necessarily completed yet. I’ve also included links to blog posts for other walks that follow or cross over parts of either the London Loop or the Capital Ring. If you would like GPX files of any of these sections please Buy Me a Coffee and let me know which section(s) you are interested in. For a limited time I would be happy to share files for all sections of either collection for 1 coffee plus any feedback on the route (corrections, changes etc.)

There’s now several guidebooks to either the Loop or the Ring. Note that the sections below and the order of them don’t necessarily match exactly to those in the guides. I use Colin Saunder’s Guides for each route and can highly recommend them for their description of the route and points of interest

The London Loop In Sections

London Loop Section 01: Erith Riverside to Bexley. Distance: 14.0 km. Elevation Change: +72m / -67m. Net +6m
London Loop Section 02: Bexley to Petts Wood. Distance: 12.5 km. Elevation Change: +134m / -67m. Net +67m
London Loop Section 03: Petts Wood to West Wickham Common. Distance: 15.2 km. Elevation Change: +168m / -183m. Net -15m
London Loop Section 04: West Wickham Common to Hamsey Green. Distance: 15.1 km. Elevation Change: +285m / -182m. Net +183m
London Loop Section 05: Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South. Distance: 10.2 km. Elevation Change: +119m / -201m. Net -82m
London Loop Section 06: Coulsdon South to Banstead Downs. Distance: 8.0 km. Elevation Change: +126m / -87m. Net +39m
London Loop Section 07: Banstead Downs to Ewell West. Distance: 6.6 km. Elevation Change: +23m / -114m. Net -91m
London Loop Section 08: Ewell West to Kingston Bridge. Distance: 12.8 km. Elevation Change: +47m / -72m. Net -25m
London Loop Section 09: Kingston Bridge to Hatton Cross. Distance: 16.1 km. Elevation Change: +70m / -58m. Net +12m
London Loop Section 10: Hatton Cross to Hayes and Harlington. Distance: 6.8 km. Elevation Change: +36m / -24m. Net +12m
London Loop Section 11: Hayes and Harlington to Uxbridge. Distance: 12.0 km. Elevation Change: +55m / -54m. Net +1m
London Loop Section 12: Uxbridge to Harefield. Distance: 7.6 km. Elevation Change: +29m / -23m. Net +6m
London Loop Section 13: Harefield to Moor Park. Distance: 8.7 km. Elevation Change: +116m / -91m. Net -25m
London Loop Section 14: Moor Park to Hatch End. Distance: 7.7 km. Elevation Change: +93m / -95m. Net -2m
London Loop Section 15: Hatch End to Elstree. Distance: 15.2 km. Elevation Change: +182m / -153m. Net -29m
London Loop Section 16: Elstree to High Barnet. Distance: 18.1 km. Elevation Change: +243m / -238m. Net +5m
London Loop Section 17: High Barnet to Enfield Lock. Distance: 14.8 km. Elevation Change: +95m / -176m. Net -81m
London Loop Section 18: Enfield Lock to Chingford. Distance: 8.1 km. Elevation Change: +110m / -71m. Net +39m
London Loop Section 19: Chingford to Chigwell. Distance: 7.1 km. Elevation Change: +83m / -95m. Net -12m
London Loop Section 20: Chigwell to Havering. Distance: 10.7 km. Elevation Change: +175m / -115m. Net +60m
London Loop Section 21: Havering to Harold Wood. Distance: 8.1 km. Elevation Change: +29m / -97m. Net -68m
London Loop Section 22: Harold Wood to Upminster Bridge. Distance: 7.3 km. Elevation Change: +46m / -64m. Net -18m
London Loop Section 23: Upminster Bridge to Rainham. Distance: 7.7 km. Elevation Change: +32m / -43m. Net -11m
London Loop Section 24: Rainham to Purfleet. Distance: 8.3 km. Elevation Change: +38m / -38m. Net 0m

Other Walks on The London Loop

Walking The London Loop: Stanmore Common to South Oxhey. Distance: 9.2 km. Elevation Change: + 103m / - 120m. Net -17m
Walking The London Loop: South Oxhey to Hill End. Distance: 10 km. Elevation Change: + 93 / - 136 m. Net -43m
Walking The Hillingdon Trail. Covers the London Loop from Hill End to The Grand Union and from The Parkway to Cranford Park
Walking The Colne Valley Trail. Covers the London Loop from Coppermill Lock, Harefield to Yiewsley
Walking The London Loop: Cranford Park to Bushy Park. Distance: 17.5 km. Elevation Change: +60m / -79m. Net -19m
Walking The Thames Down Link. Covers the London Loop from Kingston-upon-Thames to West Ewell

The Capital Ring in Sections

Capital Ring Section 01: Woolwich to Falconwood. Distance: 10.6 km. Elevation Change: +158m / -95m. Net +63m
Capital Ring Section 02: Falconwood to Grove Park. Distance: 6.9 km. Elevation Change: +56m / -80m. Net -24m
Capital Ring Section 03: Grove Park to Crystal Palace. Distance: 14.2 km. Elevation Change: +151m / -120m. Net +31m
Capital Ring Section 04: Crystal Palace to Streatham. Distance: 6.9 km. Elevation Change: +78m / -122m. Net -44m
Capital Ring Section 05: Streatham to Wimbledon Park. Distance: 9.4 km. Elevation Change: +49m / -59m. Net -10m
Capital Ring Section 06: Wimbledon Park to Richmond. Distance: 12.0 km. Elevation Change: +132m / -148m. Net -16m
Capital Ring Section 07: Richmond to Osterley Lock. Distance: 7.8 km. Elevation Change: +44m / -33m. Net +11m
Capital Ring Section 08: Osterley Lock to Greenford. Distance: 9.3 km. Elevation Change: +50m / -45m. Net -5m
Capital Ring Section 09: Greenford to South Kenton. Distance: 9.2 km. Elevation Change: +137m / -120m. Net +17m
Capital Ring Section 10: South Kenton to Hendon Park. Distance: 10.7 km. Elevation Change: +134m / -108m. Net +26m
Capital Ring Section 11: Hendon Park to Highgate. Distance: 9.4 km. Elevation Change: +99m / -70m. Net +29m
Capital Ring Section 12: Highgate to Stoke Newington. Distance: 9.1 km. Elevation Change: +42m / -112m. Net -70m
Capital Ring Section 13: Stoke Newington to Hackney Wick. Distance: 6.7 km. Elevation Change: +26m / -48m. Net -22m
Capital Ring Section 14: Hackney Wick to Royal Albert Dock. Distance: 8.4 km. Elevation Change: +31m / -33m. Net -2m
Capital Ring Section 15: Royal Albert Dock to Woolwich. Distance: 6.2 km. Elevation Change: +30m / -25m. Net +5m

Other Walks on The Capital Ring

Walking The Capital Ring: Harrow on the Hill to Horsenden Hill. Distance: 9.9 km. Elevation Change: +96m /- 146m. Net -50m
Walking The Merton, Wandsworth and Richmond London Borough High Points. Covers the section on Wimbledon Common and Richmond Park
Alexandra Palace and The Parkland Walk. Covers the section from Finsbury Park to Highgate Wood.

Books about the London Loop

Books about the Capital Ring

Other Resources

Transport for London: The London Loop, The Capital Ring
Wikipedia: The London Loop, The Capital Ring
Long Distance Walkers Association: The London Loop, The Capital Ring

More London Adventures

City of London Boundary Walk

Cycling The Capital Ring

Cycling The London Loop

London Borough Tri-points

London's Coal Duty Posts

London's High Points

London's Protected Views

parkrun: LonDone

Walking The River Fleet

Walking The Roman London Wall

Back to Trek Index

Richard gower2 January 2021Trek, Canal, Railway, Disused Railway, Underground, Thames, London, Middlesex, EnglandComment

Cycling The Prime Meridian Part 1 - Peacehaven to Waltham Abbey

The Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, is the line of longitude defined as 0°. It’s the line that divides East and West. It’s also a line that I asked myself last Christmas: “can that be cycled"?”. The answer is “no” as it’s a dead-straight line with buildings inconveniently built along it's path. You can cycle quite close to it though, so that’s what we did.

For the first stage of our cycle trip we started at Peacehaven, where the Meridian meets the sea at it’s most Southerly point. From there we headed north over 2 days to Waltham Abbey, just above the M25. The rest of it came in later trips covering 6 days. See the main Prime Meridian post for the full route

Day 1: Coast, Downs and Weald

Start: Prime Meridian Obelisk, 96 The Promenade, Peacehaven, BN10 8LN
Finish: The Bakery Restaurant and Rooms, Westmore Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2AG
Distance: 75 km (47 miles)
Elevation change: + 1,013m / - 812m (Net +201m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Newhaven-Brighton Clifftop Path, South Downs Way, Sussex Ouse Valley Way, Forest Way, High Weald Landscape Trail, Mid Sussex Link, Sussex Border Path, Tandridge Border Path, Greensand Way, Vanguard Way, North Downs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 2, 21
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Stable Tea Rooms, Heaven Farm, Furner's Green, Uckfield TN22 3RG (at km 34)
Maps:
- OS Explorer OL11 Brighton & Hove Map
- OS Explorer Map (135) Ashdown Forest Map
- OS Explorer Map (146) Dorking, Box Hill and Reigate Map
- OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham Map
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 1: Peacehaven to Greenwich
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Peacehaven, Prime Meridian Obelisk, Tatsfield

Day 2: London

Start: The Bakery Restaurant and Rooms, Westmore Road, Tatsfield, Westerham, TN16 2AG
Finish: Waltham Abbey Church, 4 Church St, Waltham Abbey EN9 1DJ
Distance: 62.5 km (39 miles)
Elevation change: + 377m / - 585m (Net -208m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridian Trail, Tandridge Border Path, London Loop, Capital Ring, Waterlink Way, Lewisham Promenade, Thames Path, Lea Valley Walk, Jubilee Greenway, The Greenway.
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 13, 21, 4, CS2, CS3, CS16, CS23,
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but I recommend The Breakfast Club, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 29 East Bay Lane Canalside Here East, London E15 2GW
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham Map
- OS Explorer Map (162) Greenwich and Gravesend Map
- OS Explorer Map (174) Epping Forest & Lee Valley Map
Guidebook: Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 1: Peacehaven to Greenwich and Greenwich Meridian Trail Book 2: Greenwich to Hardwick
Links: Wikipedia: Prime Meridian, The Greenwich Meridian, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Tatsfield, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Waltham Abbey

Prime Meridian markers on the route

Bottom Row (left to right)

Top row(left to right):

Next section: Waltham Abbey to Peterborough

Back to Prime Meridian Index

Richard gower14 July 2020Cycle, NCN, Coast, Disused Railway, Thames, South Downs, Sussex, Surrey, London, Hertfordshire, EnglandComment

Chiltern Walks: Rickmansworth Three Rivers Circular

Start & Finish: Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth WD3 1NB
Distance: 11.4 km (7 miles)
Elevation change: + / - 59 m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Rickmansworth Aquadrome Woodland Trail, Grand Union Canal Towpath, Colne Valley Trail, Hillingdon Trail, Ebury Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 6, 61
London Coal Duty Posts: 59, 62
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Cafe in the Park at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Cafe @ Lock 81 (WD3 1JJ)
Map: OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
Links: Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Rickmansworth, Ebury Way

This week’s walk was a return to the source of some of our recent Colne Valley trips. In this short circular you’ll pass by the start of the Colne Valley and Hillingdon Trails and the confluence of both the rivers Chess and Gade with the Colne. Throw in a few Coal Duty Posts and a disused railway too and it’s a pretty geeky Chiltern trail. 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.

If you’re driving the best place to start is Rickmansworth Aquadrome which has a large free car park. If you’re coming in by train, it’s a 1 km walk from Rickmansworth station to the Aquadrome.

From the Aquadrome Car Park follow the Bury Lake Circular Walk round the southern and western edges of the lake. At the north-western corner take a left and follow the path along the northern edge of Stocker’s Lake. After ~2m from the start you’ll reach Springwell Lane. We took a right here to find the Coal Duty Post at Drayton Ford bridge before returning back. If you can live without the Coal Post excitement, just turn left onto Springwell Lane, reducing the total trip length by ~500m.

Continue South along Springwell Lane to meet the Grand Union Canal at Springwell Lock. Here’s you’ll meet the Colne Valley Trail and the start of the Hillingdon Trail. Follow signs for the Hillingdon Trail over the canal and through farmland uphill to Hill End Road. Turn left here, leaving the Hillingdon Trail and walk north along Springwell Lane, taking a footpath on the right as Springwell Lane curves to the left. Follow this footpath north for ~2 km to Stocker’s Farm. You’ll pass a well-preserved Coal Post about half way along this path. Continue north through Stocker’s Farm to reach the Grand Union Canal at Stocker Lock. Cross over the bridge to the north bank of the canal, to the site of another Coal Duty post on the towpath on the north west Corner of the bridge.

From Stocker Lock follow the Grand Union Canal towpath north east. Soon you’ll pass the gate to the Aquadrome Car Park. This gives you the option of making this a shorter route or pausing for a rest at the Cafe in the Park. An alternative place for a rest is the Cafe at Lock 81 further along the canal. Continuing on the Grand Union, you’ll reach an old railway bridge ~2 km from Stocker Lock. Leave the canal at the bridge by taking the steps up to the Ebury Way. This is a walking and cycling trail that follows the old rail line between Rickmansworth and Watford. I’d previously cycled the whole length en route to find the Middlesex County Top at Bushy Heath.

After leaving the Grand Union take a left onto the Ebury Way, following it back to Rickmansworth. On this stretch of the Ebury Way you’ll pass the confluence of both the River Gade and the Chess as they join the Colne.

Cross over the roundabout and follow a path to the left of the A404 Riverside Drive for ~500m. Before you reach another large roundabout take a left into the playground and follow the footpath over the River Colne and back into the Aquadrome. Follow the path in either direction around Batchworth Lake to return the the car park.

Back to Chiltern Walks Index

Richard gower5 July 2020Trek, Chilterns, Colne Valley, Canal, Disused Railway, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, London, England, Coal Duty Post Comments

Walking The High Wycombe To Bourne End Disused Railway

Start: High Wycombe Railway Station, High Wycombe, HP13 6NN
Finish: Bourne End Railway Station, 1 Station Road, Wooburn Green, Bourne End, SL8 5RN
Return to Start: via #36 bus. Check timetables for details.
Distance: 9.9 km km (6.2 miles)
Elevation change: +37m / -86m. Net -49m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): The Chiltern Way
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Other Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Wooburn Green village
Map: OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
Links: Maidenhead - Marlow Passengers’ Association History, Wycombe to Bourne End railway - looking back at the historic line (Photos)
Wycombe Railway, Loudwater Station, Wooburn Green Station, Bourne End Station

The Wycombe to Bourne End Railway was originally part of a longer section that connected Maidenhead and High Wycombe. The Maidenhead to Bourne End section is still intact but the line to Wycombe closed in 1970. Unlike a lot of disused railways its not been fully adopted into a cycle route or walking trail. It’s all walkable though with a bit of planning, some good navigation and a few diversions. 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.

You can start at either end but we chose to start at High Wycombe station as we will continue the trip to Maidenhead on a later trip. From the station walk East for approx 750m following Birdcage Walk, then Station Road and Queen’s Road until it meets the A40. Follow the A40 for another ~500m, crossing to the South side of the road at the junction with Pinions Road. Up to this point there’s no visible remains of the old railway, although you can see the main Chiltern Line when you look North up several of the adjoining streets.

The first time that you encounter the old railway is at the steep embankment that stops abruptly at the A40 opposite Pinions Road. There was originally a steel girder bridge that took the railway over the A40 to join up with the mainline to the Northwest. There’s a path to the East of the embankment where you’ll get your first chance to walk along the old rail route. Here the River Wye passes underneath as it continues its journey from Bradenham to the confluence with the Thames not far from Bourne End Station.

This part of the walk ends at Bassetsbury Lane which you can follow close to the old rail route for ~1.4km. To the right hand side of the road the houses are built up higher that the road in place of the tracks. Bassetsbury Lane becomes Kingsmead Road which you’ll take until it crosses the Chiltern Way just after the Rugby Club. Turn right up Bridge Bank Close following the Chiltern Way for about 100m. Here you can rejoin the path that follows the rail route South East through the woods. You’re now on the Chepping Wycombe Parish Council Railway Land Conservation Route, a highlight of the trail.

The conservation trail ends Treadaway Hill very close to the old Loudwater Station, now demolished. Here the there was a Level Crossing but the route is now blocked by an industrial estate next to the M40. To continue the walk, divert left onto Treadaway Hill and take a right at the Happy Union pub to follow Boundary Road. Pass under the M40 bridge and over a small roundabout onto Wycombe Lane. A very short distance past the roundabout take the footpath to the right of the pavement up into the woods.

Continue through the woods for a short distance until you reach Flackwell Heath Golf Course. A footpath will continue straight across the golf course, however turn left and follow the path and track along the North-East side of the golf course. When the main path will takes you back onto Wycombe Road continue along the overgrown path that follows the back of the houses. The path will take a sharp right hand turn up the hill at the end of the golf course. Continue up but take the left hand path at the path junction to continue on to Juniper Lane. Turn left on Juniper Lane and follow this back to Wycombe Road.

For the next 1.6 km / 1 mile you’ll continue along Wycombe Road through Wooburn Green. This stays to the East of the railway route, although diversions onto the parallel streets of Compton Road, Red Lion Way and Old Station Road would keep you closer to the tracks. All of these are cul-de-sacs so a through-route on these is not possible. The only one that we diverted to was Old Station Road which, not surprisingly, was the location of the original Wooburn Green Station that was demolished in the late 1980s.

When you reach Wooburn Manor Park, look out for a footpath on the right of Wycombe Road that takes you past Spade Oak and back onto the railway route. From here you can continue along a quiet, wooded section that follows the old rail line for 1.6 km / 1 mile to Bourne End. When the path finishes at the A4155 Cores End Road, cross over and take a footpath onto Boston Drive to continue to Bourne End Station.

I’d stumbled upon parts of this route year ago on various cycling and Geocaching adventures. As it’s not a recognised trail I hadn’t considered tracing the route of the line until recently. I’m glad that I did though as its a hidden gem of a route still with evidence of the old rail route.

The Wycombe Railway and Connecting Lines

Day 1: Cobh to Carrig Island

Date: July 8th 2017
Start: Titanic Memorial, 1 West Beach, Kilgarvan, Cobh Co. Cork, P24 W593, Ireland
Finish: Castle View House, Carrig Island, Ballylongford, Co. Kerry
Distance: 136 km (84.5 miles)
Elevation change: +1,133m / -1,144 m. Net -11m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): Wild Atlantic Way, EV1
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Old Crosshaven Railway Path, Backwater (Avondhu) Way, Ballyhoura Way

Day 1 was a Saturday and therefore it was parkrun day. Ballincollig, the nearest parkrun to Cork was a 15-mile diversion. The boys knew better than to talk me out of it, but it didn’t mean they were going to come along too. So, at Cork we shared our first breakfast at the Velo cafe and took separate paths. Brian and Martyn continued along the planned route and I would catch them 50 miles later.

By the end of Day 1 we all arrived together in a lovely B&B on Carrig Island. This was our longest cycling day of the trip, but necessary to get us on to the Wild Atlantic Way as soon as possible

Day 2: Carrig Island to Doolin

Date: July 9th 2017
Start: Castle View House, Carrig Island, Ballylongford, Co. Kerry
Finish: Toomullin, Doolin, Co. Clare
Distance: 103 km (64 miles)
Elevation change: +805m / -777m. Net +28m
GPX Fil get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): Wild Atlantic Way, EV1
Other Routes Touched (Walk): The Burren Way (Sli na Boirne)

Day 2 started with a 10-mile cycle to the Tarbet ferry. We were keen to get the first ferry at 08:30 so we were on a mission to get breakfast sorted, get geared up and get to the port. After the traditional faffing around we were cutting it fine so we only arrived with 2 minutes to spare.

5 minutes later it seemed odd that no one was around, let alone a ferry to pick us up. I’d checked the timetable online the night before so I was pretty confident I’d got it right. A car came, a man got out and checked the sailing times on the board then went away again. Hmmm ... maybe I’d better check the board too. Yes, definitely 08:30 .... ah ... except Sundays. We had another hour to wait. The boys were not amused.

The rest of the day was pleasant an uneventful. The Wild Atlantic Way lived up to its name not only with its dramatic, rugged coastline but also with lashing wind and rain. After hiding in a pub at Spanish Point for an hour we braved the slog up the road past the Cliffs of Moher. It was tempting to stop there as it was an unticked UNESCO site, but the prospect of a warm B&B and an evening in the pub was more enticing.

Day 3: Doolin to Galway

Date: July 10th 2017
Start: Toomullin, Doolin, Co. Clare
Finish: Galway Docks, 22-26 Bóthar Na nDuganna, Galway
Distance: 76 km (47 miles)
Elevation change: +531m / -551m. Net -20m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): Wild Atlantic Way, EV1
Other Routes Touched (Walk): The Burren Way (Sli na Boirne)

Day 3 continued to follow the Wild Atlantic Way through to Galway. It was here that we met with Neil, the 0.5 of our 3.5 person team. A previously arranged U2 concert in London meant he couldn’t meet us in Cobh. Instead he cycled a 2 day shortcut from Cork to catch us in Galway.

Day 4: Galway to Rosmuck

Date: July 11th 2017
Start: Galway Docks, 22-26 Bóthar Na nDuganna, Galway
Finish: Rosmuck, Co. Galway
Distance: 65 km (40 miles)
Elevation change: +338m / -336m / Net +2m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): Wild Atlantic Way, EV1
Other Routes Touched (Walk): None

Day 4 was our shortest day, designed to give us a longer morning in Galway. The pubs and music scene couldn’t be missed so some hangover recovery time was an essential part of the plan. Despite only being 40 miles and relatively flat it was a slog. Once we turned north from the Galway Coast civilisation felt a long way behind. It felt culturally different with the pubs and cafes having more of a “you’re not from around here, are you?” vibe. Maybe it was due to the sheer numbers of grim looking Republicanist photos on the walls, or maybe we were still hungover. Either way, we weren’t feeling the Irish charm we’d experienced earlier in the trip.

Day 5: Rosmuck to Westport

Date: July 12th 2017
Start: Rosmuck, Co. Galway
Finish: Bridge St, Cahernamart, Westport, Co. Mayo
Distance: 130 km (81 miles)
Elevation change: +1,102m / -1,103 m / Net -1m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): Wild Atlantic Way, EV1
Other Routes Touched (Walk): The Western Way - Mayo

On day 5 we set off early to get a head-start on one of the longer days of the trip. We were now back down to the core 3. Neil, who had only just caught us up in Galway, had to travel back to the UK for a funeral. This meant cycling back to Galway, taking a train to Dublin, a flight to London and a train to Darlington. If that wasn’t enough, he would reverse it again a day later to rejoin us at Monaghan for the final push to Belfast. It all seemed over-complicated but we were all happy to have him with us even if only for parts of the trip.

Our route around the coast to Westport was by far the most enjoyable day of the trip. Beautiful panoramas stretched for miles ahead. The nice weather made sure we would appreciate every minute of it. This will stay in my memory as one of the most perfect days of cycling I’ve had.

Despite the wonder of the scenery we were happy to reach Westport for a rest and some overdue bike repairs. A breakdown at any point during the day would have been massively inconvenient so we took the opportunity to stock up on spares. We were determined to experience Westport's famous music scene, but our exhaustion limited our big night out to 30 minutes, 1 pint and an early night.

Day 6: Westport to Manorhamilton

Date: July 13th 2017
Start: Bridge St, Cahernamart, Westport, Co. Mayo
Finish: Manorhamilton Co. Leitrim
Distance: 123 km (76 miles)
Elevation change: +870m / -829 m / Net +41m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): Wild Atlantic Way, EV1, North West Trail
Other Routes Touched (Walk): The Western Way - Mayo, The Sligo Way

Days 6 and 7 were uneventful and less memorable. Given more time we would have continued north along the Wild Atlantic Way to Donegal. Belfast was calling us though, and we turned our back on the coast and headed east towards the border. Overnight stops on these days were Manorhamilton and Monaghan. Nice, but I’m struggling to remember anything about them several months after the trip.

Day 7: Manorhamilton to Monaghan

Date: July 14th 2017
Start: Manorhamilton Co. Leitrim
Finish: The Diamond, Roosky, Monaghan
Distance: 106 km (66 miles)
Elevation change: +700m / - 699m / Net +1m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): North West Trail, NCN 91
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Leitrim Way, Cavan Way, Ulster Way, Cuilcagh Way

Day 8: Monaghan to Titanic Belfast

Date: July 15th 2017
Start: The Diamond, Roosky, Monaghan
Finish: Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, BT3 9EP, United Kingdom
Distance: 101 km (63 miles)
Elevation change: +749m / -814m / Net -65m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): EV1, NCN 9, 91, 93
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Ulster Way, Newry Canal Way

By Monaghan Neil re-joined us and he and I set off early for the final day. It was Saturday and, not completely coincidentally, Armagh parkrun was on the route to Belfast. We were also now in Border Country and I amused myself with how many times we could cross in and out of the UK on the same tiny country road. We became minor celebrities at the parkrun based on the combination of having cycled there from Cork and it being my 200th parkrun event.

The rest of Day 8 had an intriguing mix of country roads and small towns decorated with Unionist murals. When I was growing up the Northern Ireland situation was the main thread of much of the news I watched. Whilst it’s mostly disappeared from the news on the mainland it’s clear that, for many, the wounds are still not healing.

As we reached the outskirts of Belfast the route joined the River Lagan which gave us a meandering and scenic final few miles. Unlike John o’Groats, which I found to be anticlimax to the LEJOG trip, the big iron sign at the Titanic museum was a much more satisfying final destination. We had largely forgotten about our tenuous theme along the way but the Titanic link added an extra dimension to a fun, challenging trip through Ireland.

The Complete Route

Each colour represents an individual day.

Back to Cycle Index

Richard gower17 July 2017Cycle, NCN, Canal, Disused Railway, Coast, Co Cork, Co Limerick, Co Kerry, Co Clare, Co Galway, Co Mayo, Co Sligo, Co Leitrim, Co Cavan, Co Monaghan, Republic of Ireland, Northern IrelandComment

Cycling The Rivers Gade and Ver

Part of the Chiltern Rivers Series
River start, end and length
- Gade: starts near B440 in Dagnall, Buckinghamshire, runs 25 km (16 miles) to the River Colne in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire
- Ver: starts in the grounds of Lynch Lodge, Kensworth Lynch, runs 24 km (15 miles) to the River Colne in Bricket Wood, Hertfordshire
Cycle route start / end: Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Frogmoor Ln, Rickmansworth WD3 1NB
Cycle route length: 78 km (48.5 miles)
Cycle route ascent: +/- 437m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Chiltern Way, Hertfordshire Way, Icknield Way, River Ver Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN routes 57, 6, 61, Chilterns Cycleway, Nickey Line, Grand Union Canal Towpath
Map: OS Explorer Map (181) Chiltern Hills North, OS Explorer Map (182) St. Albans and Hatfield, OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
Links: Rickmansworth Aquadome, Hemel Hempstead, Dagnall, Whipsnade, Kensworth, Markyate, St Albans, Bricket Wood

Today's 50-mile cycle trip was both a training session for July's Ireland trip and a 2 ticks for the price of 1 for the Chiltern Rivers. Both the Gade and the Ver start high in the Chilterns and meander south, eventually joining the Colne. Neither has well-defined paths next to the rivers, so they're best followed by bike along nearby roads.

The Gade can be seen many times after Hemel Hempstead as it keeps close to the main road to Leighton Buzzard. The Ver was less interesting and I barely saw it at all on the trip. The River Ver Trail, which I noticed on a few signs whilst speeding by, is a better way to see the river at a much slower pace.

The cycle route makes for a very pleasant adventure with a mix of canal, parks, country roads and quaint villages. There's a few stretches along busier A roads, but nothing too scary. The downhill stretch through Whipsnade and Kensworth after climbing Bison Hill is a particular highlight.

Here's the route:

The Gade

Start at the free car park at Rickmansworth Aquadome.
Follow Grand Union Canal north to Hemel Hempstead
Turn right onto Two Waters Road heading north. Take the underpass under the Plough roundabout.
Keep the Gade to your left, taking Waterhouse Street then Marlowes to Gadebridge Park
Keep to the right of Gadebridge Park, exiting to Piccots End Road, continuing to Leighton Buzzard Road.
Continue north until the Red Lion pub at Dagnall. Celebrate with lunch.

Between the Gade and Ver

After the Red Lion, double back for a couple of hundred metres then turn left onto the Dunstable Road towards Whipsnade.
After about a mile turn right onto the B4540, taking the steep(!) Bison Hill up to Whipsnade.
Continue past Whipsnade village, eventually reaching Kensworth, the source of the Ver.

The Ver

Continue along the B4540 until it reaches the A5, turn right.
Follow the A5 to the M1 junction, briefly diverting along Old Watling Street just past Markyate.
After the M1 junction, continue straight on Dunstable Road to the roundabout at the edge of St Albans.
Take the 3rd exit onto the A4147, following signs for Old Verulamium.
At the park, follow signs for the St. Albans Greenway until it meets NCN Route 6/61
Turn right / south onto NCN Route 6/61, following it all the way back to Rickmansworth Aquadrome.
The Ver meets the Colne just south-east of Bricket Wood station. I didn't search for it but, from the map, it looks like you can there via Drop lane, opposite the station.

Return to the Start

From Bricket Wood, continue on NCN 6/61 to Rickmansworth Aquadrome

Above: Red shows the course of the Gade and Blue shows the Ver. Green shows the cycle route.

Back to Chiltern Rivers Index

Richard gower17 June 2017Cycle, NCN, Canal, Disused Railway, Chilterns, Colne Valley, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, EnglandComment

Cycling The River Wye, Buckinghamshire

Part of the Chiltern Rivers Series
River start: Bradenham, Buckinghamshire
River end: Confluence with Thames at Bourne End, Buckinghamshire
River length: 14 km (9 miles)
Cycle route start / end: Parking in Bourne End Village Centre
Cycle route length: 33.6 km (21 miles)
Cycle route ascent: +/- 223m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Chiltern Way, Wycombe To Bourne End Disused Railway Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): Chilterns Cycleway
Map: OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
Links: River Wye, Bradenham, West Wycombe, High Wycombe, Wooburn Green, Bourne End

For my 3rd Chiltern River after the Chess and the Pinn, I chose the Wye for today's mini cycle adventure. The Wye, unlike its larger Welsh namesake, goes easily unnoticed. Despite having lived within 10 miles of it for most of my life, I'd barely heard of it until recently.

The Wye rises at Bradenham, near West Wycombe, travelling south-east for 9 miles before joining the Thames at Bourne End. The junction with the Thames is on private land so I started my trip on Bourne End High-Street, cycling toward the source.

The first couple of miles is fairly pleasant. After Bourne End, the river follows the A40 to Wooburn Common. From there navigation gets tricky as the river gets lost amidst housing and an unpleasant retail park hiding under the M40 flyover. The route through Loudwater continues along similarly unremarkable territory before a more pleasant cut through the Wycombe Rye park. One particular point of interest is where the Wye crosses under the route of the disused Wycombe to Bourne End Railway. You can see this by taking the small footpath from the A40 up onto the old railway embankment opposite Pinions Road shortly before Wycombe Town Centre.

The following mile or so, cutting past High Wycombe Town Centre and the Desborough Estate, is best completed as quickly as possible. It's only at the edge of town, approaching The border with West Wycombe, where there's anything worth slowing down for. The final place to see the Wye is on a bridge looking into the National Trust Estate at West Wycombe where you can see the lake that feeds the river.

West Wycombe High Street is a good place for a coffee stop before starting the second, much more pleasant, half of the trip. After West Wycombe, the route follows the A40 for a mile or so, joining the Chiltern Cycleway. Bullocks Farm Lane, now heading back South needs the lowest gear for 10 minutes of slog to the routes highest point.

From here, the Chiltern Countryside comes into its own as pleasant country lanes take you through Wheeler End, Lane End, Freith and down to Marlow. From here the A4155 forms an easy final 3.5 miles back to Bourne End.

Red = course of the river, blue = cycle route

Back to Chiltern Rivers Index

Richard gower5 February 2017Cycle, Chilterns, Disused Railway, Buckinghamshire, England, ThamesComment

Walking The Icknield Way Through The Chilterns

Having been on a (literal) high following our completion of the Ridgeway we were keen to continue our winter walking adventures. The Icknield Way was the obvious continuation as the 2 paths meet at Ivinghoe Beacon. From there the Icknield Way heads north-east for 110 miles to Knettishall Heath in Norfolk which is also the start of the Peddars Way. I loved the idea of connecting my 2 previous adventures, so Wife and I started our Icknield wander.

We broke our first section, Ivinghoe Beacon to Chalk Hill, into 2 separate Sundays. This worked well with our new routine of ~5 mile point-to-point winter walks leaving a car at each end. Although the sections of the Ridgeway trip were all short car trips from our home, the driving was getting long enough to start getting boring by the time we’d finished this first section. Next time I’d be back would be 2 years later for the next section.

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.

Part 1: Ivinghoe Beacon to Chalk Hill

Start: National Trust Car Park at Ivinghoe Beacon (LU6 2EG)
Finish: The White Lion Pub, Watling Street / A5 (LU6 1RS)
Distance: 17.5 km (11 miles)
Elevation: +197m / - 307m. Net -110m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Ashridge Boundary Trail, Chiltern Way
Other Routes Touched (cycle): NCN 6
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (181) Chiltern Hills North
- OS Explorer Map (181) Chiltern Hills North
- OS Explorer Map (193) Luton and Stevenage
Guidebook: The Icknield Way Path: A Walkers' Guide
OS Trig Pillars: TP1099 - Beacon Hill and TP0379 - Dunstable Down
Links: Icknield Way Wikipedia entry, www.icknieldwaytrail.org.uk, www.icknieldwaypath.co.uk
- National Trails page on the Icknield Way Trail (Rider's Route and Walker's Route)

From Ivinghoe Beacon the Icknield Trail follows the Ashridge Boundary Trail for just over 2km before reaching a farm at the top of a hill. Leave the Boundary Trail here and turn left. Continue in a north-easterly direction to the B440 / Main Road East and turn right to pass through Dagnall. The Red Lion Pub is a nice place to stop and it’s also close to the start of the River Ver. After Dagnall School, take a left off the main road and follow the Trail as it passes through Whipsnade Park Golf Club and around the perimeter fence of Whipsnade Zoo.

Walk through Whipsnade Tree Cathedral. Just after the 1st km at Bison Hill the route will take a right angle and switch from a north-westerly to a north-easterly direction. The Trail will soon meet up with the Chiltern Way again as they pass over the top of Dunstable Downs. You can see for miles here and its a good place to stop and check out the National Trust Visitors’ Centre, the Bedfordshire County Top and have a picnic whilst watching the gliders take off and land below.

Follow the trail down off the Downs and cross the busy B489 onto Green Lane. After ~1k the Trail will take a sharp right off Green Lane into farmland. Follow the Trail for ~2km past Maiden Bower Hill Fort and Sewell Manor before reaching the A5 Watling Street and the end of this section.

Part 2: Chalk Hill to Pirton

Start: White Lion Pub Watling Street, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU6 1RS
Finish: The Motte & Bailey, 1 Great Green, Pirton, Hitchin, SG5 3QD
Distance: 31 km (19.4 Miles)
Elevation: +435m / -470m. Net -35m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Chiltern Way, John Bunyan Trail, Walk on the Wild Side
Other Routes Touched (cycle): Chilterns Cycleway, Icknield Way Trail (cycle route)
Map: OS Explorer Map (193) Luton and Stevenage
Guidebook: The Icknield Way Path: A Walkers' Guide
OS Trig Pillars: TP6734 - Warden Hill and TP2743 - Deacon Hill
Links: Icknield Way Wikipedia entry, www.icknieldwaytrail.org.uk, www.icknieldwaypath.co.uk
- National Trails page on the Icknield Way Trail (Rider's Route and Walker's Route)

It had been 2 years since I’d started the Icknield Way and I was eager to get back to it. Other adventures had got in the way, but I had a new motivation for it once I’d decided to explore the “North Chilterns Exclave”. This is the north-eastern part of the Chiltern Hills National Landscape that’s cut off from the rest of it. The Chilterns’ rolling chalk hills stop abruptly after Dunstable Downs followed by a flat gap featuring Dunstable, Luton, the A5 and the M1. I’d have to get through this section before the pleasant parts start again near Sundon. So, when I was looking for this year’s Winter Solstice long walk, the next section of the Icknield Way was the obvious choice.

In a change to my previous Solstice walks, I wasn’t alone as my friend Brian came too. It was great to have a buddy this time and there was an added logistical advantage by being able to leave a car at each end. After a bit of parking logistics we set off from the White Lion pub as the sun rose over the newly built distribution centres. We were already firmly in logistics country: a corridor of fields along the M1 that are being gradually replaced by huge warehouses. Within a mile of our start we were already on a diversion of the trail as it skirted round a building site that would soon be a new growth on Dunstable.

At Wingfield we were back on course and in pleasant countryside again. The next 5k was fairly unremarkable as the trail crossed the gap between the 2 parts of the AONB, crossing the River Flit, M1 and mainline railway. Immediately after rail bridge, the trail ascends 60m reaching Upper Sundon and the border back into the Chilterns. This next section before lunch was lovely with great views for miles to the north and a pleasant route along the John Bunyan Trail and into Sharpenhoe National Trust land.

Streatley is a great stopping point a little over half-way into the route. It also had the only pub that we found on the trail and it conveniently opened for lunch shortly after we arrived. After a pretty large Surf-and-Turf and an hour of warming up we headed South back on the trail. The route briefly dips out of the AONB as it skirts the northern edge of Luton before a steep climb up through South Beds Golf Club to the top of Warden Hill. Here we took a minor diversion from the trail to bag our first Trig Pillar of the day. From the Trig you can see right across Luton, which sits right in the middle of the gap in the Chilterns, and Dunstable Downs in the distance.

The final few miles was on a straight path heading north-east and keeping on high ground. We took another diversion up Deacon Hill to bag the 2nd Trig Pilar of the day. By now it was getting dark and misty so we quickly returned to the trail and start the final descent to Pirton. My energy was noticeably depleted after Deacon Hill and the final mile seemed to go on for ever. The end point at the Motte and Bailey was a very welcome sight, as was the table by the fireplace to warm up next to before the drive home.