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The Children’s Society                                       Registered Charity Number 221124 12 Feb 2008

The Routes

The Routes   Long Walk   Short Walk   Ashridge College Walk   Prizes   Parking   Maps

There are two walks starting from the Courthouse, Berkhamsted High Street, HP4 2AX. We are sure you will enjoy them, however far or whichever route you choose.  The bluebells in the woods of the Ashridge estate are invariably at their peak in mid-May, and Spring is in the air!

The Walks available are a Short Walk, 11 Miles, and a Long Walk, 18 Miles.  If you're not able to walk in the morning, make your way to the Ashridge Management College for an afternoon walk.  Register and start at the College and walk 6 miles over a circular route..

The descriptions following are an overview to give you a flavour of the routes and help you decide which one appeals to you most so you can plan your day.  All the routes will be waymarked, and a detailed route description with a schematic map will be provided at registration for the Walk of your choice.

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Long Walk (18 miles)

The 18 mile walk starts along the Grand Union canal then passes Bridgewater school to Northchurch Farm, continuing to Coldharbour Farm and the first check point.  Crossing New Road, the route heads towards Aldbury to reach the second check point at the Valiant Trooper.  Staying at low level, the footpath heads towards Duncombe Farm and then Clipper Down to enter the woods at Duncombe Terrace before  bearing left to reach Wards Hurst and checkpoint three.  A permissive footpath, with thanks to the farmer, gives close-ups of the spectacular carpet of bluebells in Dockey Wood.  Crossing Beacon Road and turning left, the walk reaches checkpoint four at Ringshall Road and crosses into Ashridge Park alongside a golf course to reach a stretch of the Chiltern Way leading to the Bridgewater Arms at Little Gaddesden.  Passing Little Gaddesden Church, the route continues to Hudnall and onwards to reach the Buddhist Centre at St Margaret’s and checkpoint five.  With two thirds of the Walk behind you, a right turn leads to Nettleden where Spooky Lane, reportedly a Roman road, passes between flint walls and uphill under an historic bridge.  At the summit, a right turn leads to Webb’s Copse, another bluebell wood spectacular, and then downhill into Golden Valley to reach Ashridge College and checkpoint six. The next four miles include an Alpine Meadow, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  A welcome down hill section reaches the grounds of Berkhamsted Cricket club before passing Berkhamsted Castle to reach the canal again and the return to the Court House. Complimentary refreshments await you.

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Short Walk (11 miles)

The 11 mile Walk follows the route of the 18 mile Walk but takes a “short cut” in the woods of Ashridge Estate before reaching Aldbury.  The short cut offers the spectacle of the carpet of bluebells in the woods before crossing Monument Drive to continue ahead to reach check point four at Ringshall Road. After entering Ashridge Park, the route goes directly to the Golden Valley and on to the Ashridge College, Checkpoint 6, where it rejoins the 18 mile Walk back to the Courthouse.

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Ashridge College Walk (6 miles)

The 6 mile Walk, starting at Ashridge College, crosses Golden Valley into the outskirts of Little Gaddesden, passing Home Farm to reach Hudnall Common. Here it joins the route of the 18 mile Walk to return to the College as previously described.       

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Prizes, Prizes, Prizes

The Complete Outdoors has generously sponsored three fantastic prizes for those who pay in the most sponsor money. 

First Prize         a Paramo waterproof walking jacket, value £180

Second Prize    a pair of Chris Brasher walking boots, value £100

Third Prize        a pair of Leki walking poles value £40. 

The Complete Outdoors has all the equipment and clothing that walkers, casual amblers or serious ramblers, could need.  The shop is on the London Road at Bourne End, near Hemel Hempstead at HP1 2RS. There is another branch in Aylesbury.  Goods can be bought on line at www.completeoutdoors.co.uk

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Parking

If you are coming by car to

• The Court House  - you may wish to park (free) in the Tesco car park or at Berkhamsted Railway Station. 

• Ashridge - you may park at the Ashridge Management College for the 6 mile walk.

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Maps

The Ordnance Survey map, Explorer 2, Chiltern Hills North, 1:25000 covers the routes.  The Berkhamsted Citizens Association Footpath Map 1:20000 also covers them and is very clear.  It includes a Berkhamsted Town Map and is available in local bookshops.

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