Tring Circular walk

The Chilterns: An open ridge walk to Ivinghoe Beacon, gentle forests, and a classic village pub for tea.

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Wed, 27-Mar-24 Tring – the classic circular via Ivinghoe Beacon
Sat, 07-Oct-23 Tring Circular or Tring to Berkhamsted 12 cloudy breezy some sun getting sunnier
Sat, 06-May-23 Bluebells, bluebells and more bluebells on Tring to Berkhamstead (or Circular) 6 very wet
Sat, 08-Oct-22 Saturday Walk - Tring to Berkhamsted or Circular 13 a glorious sunny day
Sat, 04-Jun-22 b Saturday Walk Tring to Berkhamsted 2 hour of light rain
Fri, 29-Apr-22 Friday walk Tring to Berkhamsted - Ivinghoe Beacon, then bluebells in Dockey Wood and Flat Isley 11 cloudy chilly
Fri, 30-Apr-21 Friday Walk Tring to Berkhamsted via Dockey Wood and Flat Isley - for a bluebell fest 20 sunny and cloudy chilly at times
Sat, 01-Feb-20 Saturday Walk Tring Circular or on to Berkhamsted 13 mild some sun dry windy
Sun, 29-Dec-19 a Sunday Walk: Tring Short Circular 9 mostly bright sunny and cold
Wed, 18-Sep-19 Wednesday Walk - Tring Circular or on to Berkhamsted 9 warm and sunny day
Fri, 26-Apr-19 Tring to Berkhamsted - for bluebells in Dockey Wood, Flat Isley and Ashridge Estate 3 sunny spells in the morning a few light showers later
Sun, 18-Nov-18 Sunday Walk: Tring Circular or Tring to Berkhamsted 8 sunny
Sun, 13-May-18 Chiltern ridge and fabulous bluebell woods 12 dry warmer and sunnier as the day went on
Tue, 01-May-18 Tring to Berkhamsted - Dockey Wood and the Ashridge Estate 5 sunny Spring Day
Sun, 25-Feb-18 Sunday Walk: Tring Circular 9 crisp sunny
Sat, 14-Oct-17 b Saturday Walk Tring to Berkhamsted 12 mild slightly grey day with a little sun in the afternoon
Sat, 13-May-17 Tring Circular - last chance for bluebells 19 cloudy start sunny later
Wed, 03-May-17 Wednesday Walk - The Ridgeway, Dockey Wood, the Ashridge Estate and on to Berkhamsted 7 wintry conditions and a strong breeze
Sat, 18-Feb-17 Saturday Walk: Tring to Berkhampsted 19 rather misty but sun came out later
Sat, 22-Oct-16 Saturday First Walk - Autumn colours and Ivinghoe Beacon 12 misty and chilly poor visibilty becoming low autumnal sun later
Sat, 09-Jul-16 b Saturday First Walk: Tring to Berkhamsted 4 warm and breezy with occasional sunny intervals
Sun, 20-Mar-16 Sunday first walk: Chiltern ridge and woodland 6 fine and sunny
Sat, 24-Oct-15 Sat Walk 1 - Tring Circular 20 dismal damp but never really properly raining so cannot complain
Wed, 08-Jul-15 Midweek day walk - Tring Circular 6 longish shower in the morning but sunny later on
Wed, 06-May-15 Midweek Day Walk - Tring to Berkhamstead
Sun, 01-Feb-15 Tring Circular 3
Wed, 17-Dec-14 ? Tring to Berkhamsted, with short cut
Sat, 06-Sep-14 Tring Circular 0
Wed, 30-Apr-14 Tring Circular
Sat, 26-Apr-14 b Tring to Berkhamsted 17
Sat, 07-Dec-13 a Tring Circular, with short cut 7
Sat, 18-May-13 Tring Circular 18
Mon, 01-Apr-13 ? Tring to Berkhamsted, with short cut
Sat, 23-Feb-13 Tring Circular 14
Wed, 07-Nov-12 ? Tring to Berkhamsted, with short cut
Sun, 15-Apr-12 b Tring to Berkhamsted
Sat, 31-Dec-11 Tring Circular
Sat, 15-Oct-11 a Tring Circular, with short cut
Sun, 21-Aug-11 Tring Circular
Sun, 17-Jul-11 Tring Circular
Mon, 02-May-11 Tring Circular
Wed, 16-Feb-11 ? Tring to Berkhamsted, with short cut
Tue, 28-Dec-10 a Tring Circular, with short cut
Sat, 25-Sep-10 Tring Circular
Mon, 03-May-10 b Tring to Berkhamsted
Fri, 01-Jan-10 a Tring Circular, with short cut
Wed, 02-Dec-09 c Tring Circular
Sun, 22-Nov-09 a Tring Circular
Sat, 02-May-09 Tring Circular
Sun, 08-Feb-09 ? Tring Circular
Wed, 19-Nov-08 c Tring Circular
Sun, 03-Aug-08 ? Tring Circular
Sat, 31-May-08 Tring Circular
Sat, 29-Dec-07 c Tring Circular
Sat, 10-Nov-07 Tring Circular
Sun, 12-Aug-07 Tring Circular
Sat, 05-May-07 ? Tring Circular
Fri, 06-Apr-07 a Tring Circular
Sun, 07-Jan-07 a Tring Circular

16.3 km (10.1 miles) 4/10

An exhilarating start along the Ridgeway to the Chiltern escarpment and Ivinghoe Beacon, then by contrast, into the beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. If it's too muddy on the approach to the Bridgewater Monument, a hard-surface alternative is possible. Finally a gentle descent back to Tring station, with tea at the Monument Cafe or the pub in Albury.

Travel: 1009 from Euston, arriving at Tring at 1051. Four returns trains an hour.

Lunch: the only possible pub lunch stop is the Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden (01442 842 408). Located 10.2km (6.3 miles) from the start of the walk, this traditional country inn, now owned by Greene King, serves food all afternoon daily either in its restaurant or bar area. It also has a small garden. Fast walkers might be able to lunch at the Monument cafe – see below – especially if you short cut to avoid Little Gaddesden.

Tea: There's nothing by Tring station, but the Monument Cafe by the Bridgewater Monument on the Ashridge estate is a popular place for tea. It is self-service, with outside seating. Open till 4pm in winter, and 2.5 km from the end of the walk. Alternatively, the Greyhound Inn (01442 851228) in the village of Aldbury, describing itself as "a chocolate box village pub simply oozing charm and character," should be open for drinks. It's even nearer the end – say 25 minutes to be on the safe side. I think there's a village shop in Aldbury too.

Shortening the walk: You can go directly from Ivinghoe Beacon to the Bridgewater Monument, 4.7km (2.9 miles) for the most part on an easy gravel track through beech woodland but with occasional escarpment views. This misses out Little Gaddesden (and the lunch pub) and shortens the walk by about 2 miles.

For walk directions, map and GPX click here

T=2.5

branchline
branchline

Ivinghoe Beacon and Chiltern woodland

Length

Main walk 16.3km (10.1 miles),

Tring to Berkhamsted: 20.6km (12.8 miles)

Shorter walk from Tring to Berkhamsted: 9.4km (5.8 miles)

Toughness 4 out of 10

Travel: 9.39 from Euston arriving Tring 10.21

Return Trains from Tring: xx15; xx23; xx45; xx53

Return trains from Berkhamsted: xx20; xx28; xx50 xx58

Ticket: Return to Tring

Lunch: The Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden. If you have a picnic, best to eat it before turning off for the pub.

Tea: Plenty of tea places in Berkhamsted; sadly, none near Tring station. If you are finishing at Tring station, you can have tea in the cafe by the Monument although this can be quite busy. Or stop for a quick drink at The Greyhound in Aldbury en route to Tring.

For full details of the walks, GPX and map see https://www.walkingclub.org.uk/walk/tring-circular/index.html

T=2.5

Features

Here is a lovely description of the walk written by one of our fellow walker posters:

The first part of this route - following the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon - is exhilarating, offering downland scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. From the Beacon itself, it seems as if you can see half of England on a fine day.

Then, by way of contrast, you are plunged into the ancient Chiltern beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. Lovingly preserved by the National Trust, they provide fine autumn colours in late October or early November. Tea is at the Monument Cafe, a popular kiosk with outside seating on the Ashridge Estate. All of the climbing is in the first half of the walk: the second half is all flat or downhill.

  • 08-Oct-23

    10 at the station, joined later by an 11 th The day was cloudy breezy some sun getting sunnier Approaching Ivinghoe Beacon, about 5 forewent that experience and headed straight to Little Gaddesden. (The beacon crowd caught them up anyway, so nothing gained). More schisms occurred over lunch. Only about 5 visited the Bridgewster, none eating there. Others picnicked. We moved off in waves afterward with two groups pursuing an alleged shortcut to Berkhamsted.This involved walking most of Golden Valley. It was a bit shorter but not as shorter as it could have been if we’d turned off sooner. Not sure if any followed the conventional route. 3 went for tea in Gail’s. For most, the day ended in the Crystal Palace along the canal. So busy it’s hard to believe it was once threatened with closure. The garden area suffers a bit from train noise.

  • 08-Oct-23

    I am told there were 12

    Another walker started later, never met up with us and finished at Tring

Book 2 Walk 5: Tring to Berkhamstead (or Circular) t=2.5

Distance: 12.8 miles/20.6 ish km for the linear walk to Berkhamstead OR 10.1 miles/16.3 km for the circular walk.

Difficulty: 4 out of 10

Train: Take the 9:24 AM Tring train from London Euston arriving at Tring at 10:02. Return trains from Tring are 15, 23, 45 and 53 past the hour and 5 minutes later from Berkhamstead. The schedule shifts slightly at 19:09 – but still plenty of trains until about 22:00. Buy a day return to Tring.

This walk passes by two substantial and well-known bluebell woods – Dockey Wood and Flat Isley. But, it is not ALL about bluebells, the varied route first makes an excursion out to Ivanhoe Beacon with fine views. It then returns through the woods of the Ashridge Estate. More information about the walk and the instructions can be found here.

The suggested lunch spot is the Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden (6 miles into the walk). Tea can be enjoyed at the Brownlow Café near the Bridgewater Monument. For those finishing in Berkhamstead, further refreshments can be found in various places (see the walk notes).

Enjoy the walk!

  • 05-May-23

    I did this walk today, Friday 05 May. Lovely cowslips on the grassy ways on the approach to the Beacon. A year ago the National Trust "redesigned" Dockey Wood by introducing briars and undergrowth in between the seas of bluebells - spoiling the carpet effect. Same this year - bluebells still lovely, but not as good as pre-redesign, and this bank holiday weekend there will be an entrance fee to walk in the wood.

    Flat Isley's bluebells are stunning and well worth a wander on the permitted paths though this wood. But please don't walk on the paths reserved for badgers ! !

  • 07-May-23

    6 on a day that started wet, got very wet then dried up a bit near the end. The leading 5 managed to shake Mr Tiger off on the way to Ivinghoe Beacon. But he had a clever plan to take a secret short cut through to Dockey Wood, have a look round and look smug when the others eventually arrived at the pub.

    Part A worked. The wood’s bluebells looked good even if it cost £3 to go in. But Part B started to unravel as he neared the pub and realised he had left his walk book and map pocket (yes, book) on a seat in the woods. Not so clever. Barely time to swig a pint of cider before returning to retrieve it, passing the others on the way. From the woods, across to the shortcut and on to the Monument caff where he hung about with a coffee, trying to look smug again but eventually giving up and proceeding solo to Berko.

    Bluebells were good throughout (well, maybe not as good as Knebworth’s). Probably good in Flat Isley too, but I’ve never worked out which bit that is. Also good displays of cowslips and, nearing Berko, buttercups. Never saw the others again.

    Trains delayed at the station but got back eventually. Socks wet, fingers wrinkled.

  • 07-May-23

    Sorry you got left behind, Mr Tiger, and failed to meet us later. I presume you recovered your lost chattels? We had a very pleasant lunch in the Bridgewater Arms, suitably apprised of the calorific content of our food choices. There was a military parade of some sort on the television: not sure what that was about.

    The location of Flat Isley is indicated in the walk directions (though possibly not in earlier editions of the book…). We did a detour into it and found it magnificent as ever. Earlier we decided not to detour to Dockey Wood, but three of us did sneak across the field to look over the fence.

    Getting to the Bridgewater Monument we found the cafe and its normally bustling outside tables deserted. For the first time in my life I was able to order a tea there without a half hour wait in a slow-moving queue. The rain, which had seemed to be easing, had pepped up now, but luckily there turned out to be some tables in the visitor centre where we could huddle and tell tales of sunnier days.

    Two went direct to Tring station at this point. There they filmed columns of troops disembarking. (I fear there may be a military coup underway.) Three of us carried on to Berkhamsted. The bluebells on the early section of this extension were stunning - better and more extensive than I can ever remember. We also saw some deer.

    For the rest of the way into Berkhamsted it was basically a paddle through standing water, my boots ending the walk squeaky clean as a result. Both the canalside pubs were full to the brim, but we squeezed into one. Since the guy in the wine shop at the station looked a bit lonely we also bought supplies for the train.

Thomas G
I know, this has already been posted twice this year! But try finding a "Country Walk from London", on this very strike day...
Anyway, on its last posting only 2 punters turned up, and the previous outing was for the bluebells rather than for the scenery...
Length: 20.6 km (12.8 mi) [shorter walk possible]
Ascent/Descent: about 360m
Net Walking Time: ca. 5 hours
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Take the 09.33 Northampton train from Euston (09.55 Watford Junction), arriving Tring at 10.17.
Return trains from Tring: xx.00 and xx.19, but only to 17.19!
Return trains from Berkhamsted: xx.05 and xx.24, but only to 17.24!
Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon, ancient beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate etc.
Walk Options: Circular Walk back to Tring. Shortcut possible. See webpage or pdf for details.

For walk directions, a map, a height profile, gpx/kml files, and photos click here.
Lunch: The Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden (10.2 km, food all day, Greene King).
Tea: See the webpage or the pdf for details. T=2.5
  • 05-Oct-22

    Brilliant will try to come Jane

  • 08-Oct-22

    13 on this walk, including 12 at the start and one who got the train an hour earlier (I understand: I never saw her, but others did). It was a glorious sunny day , the most perfect walking weather I can remember for a long time - barely a cloud in the sky and delightfully warm in a way it probably won’t be again till next spring….

    After the fine downland stretch to Ivinghoe Beacon, passing larks on Pitstone Hill that seemed to think it was April, we passed into more wooded territory. A good deal of autumn colour was on display here, including more than usual amounts of maroon, pink and gold, the recent cold nights (perhaps combined with a sunny summer) having their effect.

    Six of us lunched in the Bridgewater Arms (fairly nice food but small portion sizes and sour-faced staff). None of the rest of the group turned up at the pub and we never saw any of them again. Three may have done the shortcut to the Bridgewater Monument, the other three possibly went on to Berkhamsted. They alone can tell their stories.

    The six of us carried on through the pleasant woods to the Brownlow Cafe, but I was the only one to have tea there. Three went to Tring station, the rest of us pioneered our own route to the northern edge of Berkhamsted, where after a drink one went to get the last train of the day (the 5.16).

    That left two of us to walk in the wonderful golden sunset towards Chesham, a walk of about five miles. We were disappointed of our planned mid walk pub stop when we found it closed for “maintenance”, but our reward was a beautiful dusk crossing of a valley, with a golden near full moon rising slightly shyly above the trees and several hundred jackdaws bedding down noisily in the surrounding trees.

    We then walked into Chesham in partial moonlight, serenaded by owls, and had a Lebanese meal before finding the 8.56pm Metropolitan Line train had been cancelled due to a suicide at Harrow. Cue a pub stop and the 9.26, which thankfully operated without incident.

PeteG
PeteG
Tring to Berkhamsted T=2.5.b

Length: 20.6km (12.8 miles). Shorter circular back to Tring after lunch 16.3km (10.1 miles)
4 out of 10

"The first part of this route - following the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon - is exhilarating, offering downland scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. From the Beacon itself, it seems as if you can see half of England on a fine day. Then, by way of contrast, you are plunged into the ancient beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. "

Trains: Get the 0933 Tring train from Euston arrives 1016 (Harrow & Wealdstone 0945, Watford 0953). An oddity of these lines is that Harrow & Wealdstone is the zone 6 boundary.

Lunch: The Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden, tel 01442 842 408, located 11.2km (7 miles) from the start of the walk. For a picnic, you need to stop before the turn off to the pub.


Tea: Various options in Berkhamsted. If you are rushing to get a train, the Platform Wine shop in the ticket hall of the station serves a full range of hot drinks to takeaway, as well as the alcoholic drinks its name suggests.

  • 05-Jun-22

    Just 2 on this enjoyable walk. An hour of light rain in the morning but otherwise a fine day. Not many people about, even the Bridgewater monument was quiet.

  • 07-Jun-22

    Hi Pete.

    I wonder if I did anything wrong on Saturday. I took the earlier train (9.24) but waited for the 9.33 to arrive at 10.16. I didn't see anybody and so set off about 10.30. The lunch pub didn't know of any walkers that day.

    I am a regular walker but decided to try out the SWC. Before I try another one I need to know I understand the system! I note that there were 2 on the walk. Is it usually that few?

    Tony

    tony@tonycampbell.info

  • 08-Jun-22

    Two of us got off the train. Where did you wait? We went to the station entrance then along the road. Gave the pub a miss for a picnic at the monument.

    This Saturday was a very unusual for numbers turning up, so give us another try!

Book 2 Walk 5b - Tring to Berkhamsted

Length: 22 km (13.7 miles) Back to Tring: 17.6 km (11 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10 Some steady inclines in the morning as you approach the Beacon. The afternoon is mostly flat, easy going.
London Euston: 10-24 hrs West Midland service to Northampton Watford Junction 10-40 hrs
Arrive Tring: 10-58 hrs
Return

Tring to Euston: 15-27, 16-00, 16-18, 16-37, 16-57, 17-17, 17-27, 17-59 and so on
Berkhamsted to Euston: 16-05, 16-23, 16-32, 16-46, 17-02, 17-23, 17-32, 17-48, 18-05, 18-26, 18-30 and so on
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Tring
This is an "extra" bluebell walk, one of the best in south-east England, on account of Dockey Wood. But timing is tricky - last year I posted the walk a week too early: back in 2019, I was a week too late. This year it looks as though bluebells are appearing early - so I am taking a punt on Friday 29 April.
Leaving the railway station the walk starts through light woodland before a ridge path takes you over grassy plateaus and fields before a steady uphill path takes you up into light woodland then down to the foot of Ivinghoe Beacon. You can climb it if you wish. Afterwards, or otherwise, keeping to the main route today (not the shortcut) you walk along field edges and through a wood to the base of Wards Hurst Farm - you should find lots of wild garlic in this wood and either side of a steepish path which takes you up and through the farm. You now take a detour from the original TO Book route as you head towards Dockey Wood - famous for its carpet of bluebells. Do spend a little time here enjoying the 'bells before returning to the TO Book route (although I just walk along the road) until you reach the hamlet of Ringshall. From here you take woodland path to the village of Little Gaddesden, for lunch at the good Bridgewater Arms pub. Booking ahead is advisable unless you are happy dining in the pub's beer garden, to the side of the pub. Your e.t.a is 1-25 pm 01442 842408.
After lunch you enter the main grounds to the Ashridge Estate as your head for some more lovely bluebell displays - Flat Isley being the best. On then to the Bridgewater Monument, for a possible early tea stop. Here it's decision time: to return to Tring, or head to Berkhamsted. If you have the energy, the latter is recommended today, as the route takes you initially through some more bluebell woods. Crossing the B4506 road you say goodbye to bluebells today as you now head to Berkhamsted, through a mixture of woodland, farmland and via a nature reserve before you drop down to the town. If you are not in a hurry to return home, pass by the railway station and head for one of the three canal-side pubs for post walk refreshments. For those of you who like to purchase "supplies" for your journey home, the shop in the railways station has an excellent selection of wines.
If you like bluebells you will like this walk.
T=2.5
Walk Directions are here: L=2.5
  • 23-Apr-22

    Did this walk today, sat 23/4... bluebells out everywhere... enjoy!

  • 30-Apr-22

    8 arrived at 10:58 and set off only to find that 3 had already arrived at 10:52. They were miles ahead by the time they were caught up with. That makes 11 including 2 first-timers. There were cowslips along the top. The group fragmented soon after coalescing, with 3 taking a secret short -cut to Dockey Wood ("not so short” said one), the rest progressing to Ivinghoe Beacon. Although 4 of those could well have been abducted by aliens, as they were never seen again . (Doo doo doo doo)

    Dockey Wood was impressive but we have seen it better. Theres a £2 charge over the Bank Holiday so we did well to come Friday.

    7 at the Bridgewater Arms where, apparently, there's a ban on eating in the garden. (no Health-and-Safety-gone-mad certificate). Not that we'd have wanted to on such a cloudy chilly day.

    Flat Isley was so purple Alice Walker could have written a book about it. Bluebells again. Lots of the little blighters. And, a bit later, a wonderful green bit with light filtering through the young beech leaves. On and on we went, eventually reaching Berkhamsted where 2 of the remaining 3 caught the 17:32, and one the 17:44. A grand day out

    Incidentally, there are reports the Valiant Trooper in Aldbury has closed.

Book 2, Walk 5c - Tring to Berkhamsted
Length: 21.3 km (13.2 miles) or 11 miles if finishing walk back at Tring
Toughness: 4 out of 10
London Euston: 10-24 hrs West Midlands service to Northampton
Arrive Tring: 10-58 hrs
Return: Tring to Euston: 15-56, 16-18, 16-27 and 16-57 hrs
Berkhamsted to Euston: 17-02, 17-23, 17-32, 17-48, 18-05, 18-25 and 18-30 hrs
Rail ticket: buy a day return to Tring
Covid-19 Compliance: please note the current guidance on this website and observe social distancing. You should all come prepared to exchange contact details for track and trace purpose. You can either pre-register for this walk (not essential ) by e-mailing me at swc-marcus@walkingclub.org.uk or, if you prefer, please write your name, e-mail address and contact 'phone number on a small piece of paper for handing to me on the train or when we assemble at walk start. Thank you.
This walk is arguably the best bluebell walk in the SWC repertoire, so why post it on a Friday and not Saturday, you may well ask ? Answer: 1. it's not my turn to post this Saturday. 2. North-East London Ramblers will be on an Ivinghoe Beacon walk on the Saturday, probably following our Book 2 directions, and 3. this Saturday, Dockey Wood will be chocker with visitors - so it should be more relaxing to admire this bluebell wood the day before.
Leaving Tring railway station the walk goes through woodland before following grassy meadows uphill to Ivinghoe Beacon. Climbing up to the Beacon's trig station is optional ! On then to Ward's Hurst Farm, but just before we reach it, as we climb a steep bank towards the farm, we should find lots of wild garlic lining the bank at this time of year. We walk through the farm and bear right across fields to Dockey Wood one of the best bluebell woods in Southern England. After spending some time wandering through this wood, admiring the bluebell displays, which hopefully will be nearing their best, even if in need of some rain, we leave it and walk beside the road into the hamlet of Ringshall, before following a pleasant route through light woodland to the village of Little Gaddesden where we stop for a lunchtime picnic. Alas, the village pub, the Bridgewater Arms, is not planning to reopen until mid-May.
After our picnic lunch we re-enter the Aldbury Estate to soon walk through Flat Isley, a large expanse of bluebells. Onwards then to the Bridgewater Memorial and the visitor centre (an early tea option) to start the walk extension to Berkhamsted. The initial part of the extension takes us through more bluebell woods, to satiate our bluebell fix for the day. For those finishing their walk in Tring, there are two good pubs in Aldbury for post walk refreshments. Those carrying on the walk into Berkhamsted, the recommendation is we walk past the railway station to walk along the canal tow path to one of two excellent canal-side pubs for our post walk refreshments.
T=2.5
Walk Directions are here: L=2.5
  • Anonymous
    26-Apr-21

    I did a variation of this walk on Sunday, bluebells in Dockey Wood were about 60% out but only 30% in Flat Isley. Hopefully by Friday, it will be in full bloom.

  • Anonymous
    27-Apr-21

    Anyone planning to do the shorter walk versions?

  • Mike P
    27-Apr-21

    I'm planning to do the 5a short cut (without bluebells), continuing to Berkhamsted, about 10.6 miles I think.

  • 27-Apr-21

    I’m doing the short version. 7 miles.

  • Anonymous
    28-Apr-21

    Hi Marcus was in Tring yesterday and bluebells not fully out between 50 to 70 % in some places while others still in buds. Dockey Wood was impressive while Flat Isley about 40% out. Rail Copse, Old Copse and Swallow Copse barely in blue colour. Still its dazzling in Dockey Wood and Flat Isley. Place was very quiet. Should be better by Friday and some rain will definitely helps. Enjoy your walk on Friday. By the was at Isabella Plantattion in Richmond today and the azleas are late by about 2 weeks. Only 20% are in flower. Thought some of the SWC might be interested. Monica.

  • Anonymous
    28-Apr-21

    Posting walk on Friday is a good idea as there are no direct train to Tring this weekend and BH due to engineering works. Also its free to go into Dockey Wood on weekday where as weekend you have to pay from this weekend unless you have NT card I think. Monica.

  • 29-Apr-21

    Thank you for the update on the bluebells, Monica. A number of us are looking forward to seeing them on Friday.

    Will we have the pleasure of your company next Wednesday, 05 May on the Holmwood Walk ? I recall you like Leigh Hill Rhododendron Wood - the azaleas and rhodos should be in full flower by then.

  • Anonymous
    29-Apr-21

    Yes I will be attending next Wednesday walk and hope the weather holds as I may extend my walk around Gomshall. Old Sims Copse also has very good bluebells wood and maybe we might be lucky. Was in Wendover woods mostly Hale Wood and Barn wood the bluebells about 50 % out but a good show of 3 corner leek. Makes very nice soups or stir fry. Would like to join you all tomorrow but have been exploring bluebells woods in the Chiltern for the past 4 days so quite tired. Enjoy the walk tomorrow and see you all on Wednesday. Monica

  • 30-Apr-21

    20 at the station. 17 set off at a brisk pace. 2 lagged and 1 opted for short walk c.

    One lagger was persuaded by the other one to take an even shorter short cut in the direction of Dockey Wood. This resulted in an intersection with some of the others doing the official shortcut. A diversion off this route led to Dockey Wood. Later, the same two laggers decided to forgo the alpine meadow for a gentler route through the common. Then a circuit of the castle moat. Didn’t see many of the others during the day so don’t know what they did.

    There are definitely bluebells about and plenty of purple patches but they’re not really at their best yet. Dockey Wood was perhaps the most impressive. If you can call it impressive. Quite a tough walk post-lockdown .

    The day was sunny and cloudy chilly at times

  • 01-May-21

    An addendum to Ian's report, from one of those who did most of the main walk. As Ian said, the group soon split up after the start, with further separations taking place at the foot of Ivinghoe Beacon. As I opted not to ascend the Beacon today, I surprisingly found myself at the front, alone, heading towards Wards Hurst Farm, then Dockey Wood, now in glorious sunshine, and pleasantly warm. Alas, although the bluebells were colourful in the Wood, we were about a week too early for their best carpet display. Having said hello to Mr M Tiger and his sister in the Wood, I continued on to the hamlet of Ringshall, where two other walkers joined me - for the rest of the walk to Berko. We stopped for our picnic lunches in Little Gaddesden in the (closed) pub's beer garden - as I've spent "loads of money" in this pub over the years, I didn't feel too guilty for our technical trespass. Onwards then to Flat Isley, where the bluebells were close to "full on". We spotted at least one other walker sunbathing by the Bridgewater Visitor Centre, before carrying on, passing some very good bluebell displays on the descent to the main road. The sunshine stayed with us for our walk through the Common to Berko, where one went in search of tea, leaving two of us to head for the railway station - and the 16-46 hrs fast train back to London. A lovely day out - and the forecasted rain showers never materialised.


Tring Circular or on to Berkhamsted T=2.5

Length: 16.3km (10.1 miles), five hours walking time. To Berkhamsted 20.6km (12.8 miles).
4 out of 10
Although featured on Wednesdays & Sundays quite recently, it hasn't had a Saturday outing for some time.

"The first part of this route - following the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon - is exhilarating, offering downland scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. From the Beacon itself, it seems as if you can see half of England on a fine day. Then, by way of contrast, you are plunged into the ancient beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. "

A Berkhamsted variation: After the pub, take an alternative route, carrying straight on along the Chiltern Way, eventually picking up the directions on Berkhamsted Common by going leftwards rather than a right turn towards Tring. This is shorter than the written up route.

Trains: Get the 0934 Tring train from Euston arrives 1017 (Harrow & Wealdstone 0946, Watford 0955). There is also a train to Tring from East Croyden (to Milton Keynes) with various stops in London but the timings mean either a wait or a later start. Frequent return trains.
An oddity of these lines is that Harrow & Wealdstone is the zone 6 boundary.

Lunch: The Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden, tel 01442 842 408, located 11.2km (7 miles) from the start of the walk. For a picnic, you need to stop before the turn off to the pub.

Tea: For Tring: The excellent Valiant Trooper pub in Aldbury is well worth a stop. For Berkhamsted: "I love Food" at 25 27 Lower Kings Road and 200m or so past the station is recommended by Pete B.

  • Anonymous
    27-Jan-20

    Bridgewater Arms. Friendly staff. Mediocre food.

  • 01-Feb-20

    13 mild some sun dry windy Fairly mud-free, except for the bits that weren’t. Strong winds on exposed hill-tops. Mr Tiger, who was trailing from the start, seems unable to resist the allure of this walk’s shortcut these days. The faster 12 will have to comment on the main walk. The café at Bridgewater Monument had large queues. Mr Tiger contemplated the extension to Berkhamsted, growled “nah” and returned to Tring station instead, without stopping at the Trooper. Nice walk, don’t get me wrong.

Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Tring Short Circular 12.8 km, 8 miles.
Difficulty: 4/10
A Chilterns walk with trees, views, and an easy journey. We’ll be doing the shorter version that misses out the usual lunch pub in Gaddesden .
Trains Get the 10:01 Crewe train from Euston arriving Tring 10:36. Get a return to Tring.
Return from Tring at xx:14 and xx:35
Lunch: Lunch and tea are close together on this version of the walk. The National Trust's Brownlow Cafe near the Bridgewater Monument comes up first, followed, after your descent into the pretty village of Aldbury, by the Greyhound Inn 01442 851 228 and Valiant Trooper 01442 851 203. You could have lunch on top and ‘tea’ down below or, if you're quick enough, save yourself for one big blowout in the village. The upmarket Greyhound serves food till 2.30, the Trooper, said to be more walker-friendly, serves food till 3.
Directions here
The full walk's a bit long for the time of year, so follow option (a) from point 21.
If you're waddling along like an over-fed turkey, still suffering from Christmas excess, you could shave another kilometre off the walk by turning round after point 20, pretending you’ve been to Ivinghoe Beacon and going back across the road to pick up the directions at point 68. (This is one of Mr Tiger’s secret cheats – his Christmas present to you. Have your excuses ready, though. "I was there, didn't you see me?" usually shuts them up).
If any hardnuts reckon they can yomp on to Berkhamsted (option b), trains leave there at xx:07, xx:19 and xx:40. Not recommended for the likes of us though, not without see-in-the-dark spectacles.
T=2.5.a
  • 03-Jan-20

    Photographic evidence, gleaned from the internet, suggests there were at least 4 on this walk.

  • Anonymous
    03-Jan-20

    9 in mostly bright sunny and cold weather. 7-2 female to male ratio with one newcomer who had motered to Tring. I took MR. Tiger’s advice and skipped the beacon but pressed on to Berkhamsted where I enjoyed a pint in Wetherspoons garden for £1.69

Tring Circular or on to Berkhamsted T=2.5

Length: 16.3km (10.1 miles), five hours walking time. To Berkhamsted 20.6km (12.8 miles).
4 out of 10

"The first part of this route - following the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon - is exhilarating, offering downland scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. From the Beacon itself, it seems as if you can see half of England on a fine day. Then, by way of contrast, you are plunged into the ancient beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. "
A Berkhamsted variation: After the pub, take an alternative route, carrying straight on along the Chiltern Way, eventually picking up the directions on Berkhamsted Common by going leftwards rather than a right turn towards Tring. This is shorter than the written up route.
Trains: Get the 1004 Tring train from Euston arrives 1049. If you miss this, the 1024 is only 8 minutes later at Tring. There is also a train from Clapham Junction 0939 arrives 1038 with various stops in London (East Croyden to Milton Kenes). Frequent return trains.
An oddity of these lines is that Harrow & Wealdstone is the zone 6 boundary.
Lunch: The Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden, tel 01442 842 408, located 11.2km (7 miles) from the start of the walk, so a late lunch. For a picnic, you need to stop before the turn off to the pub.

Tea: Valiant Trooper pub in Aldbury

  • David M
    19-Sep-19

    9 turned out on a warm and sunny day. All followed the Chiltern Escarpment up to Ivinghoe Beacon where we lingered for 10 minutes or so to take in the fine views. 2 took the short cut to the Bridgewater monument going on to finish the walk in Berkhampstead. The remaining 7 continued on the main Tring circular walk. Staff at the Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden were very accommodating and happy for us to eat our own sandwiches in their garden. Needless to say, we all bought a drink. Just 1 ordered from the menu and commented only that it was what he had expected to get for the price. Being such a nice day, we all stopped again in Albury at the Valiant Trooper for drinks and/or cream teas. The barman there was a bit manic as he struggled to come to terms with a faulty till. 3 just made the 4.57 from Tring station, while the other 4 were 20 minutes behind. A lovely day spent in great company. Thanks for posting Pete.

  • Anonymous
    19-Sep-19

    9 turned out on a warm and sunny day

Book 2, Walk 5b - Tring to Berkhamsted

Length: 22 km (13.7 miles) Short-cuts and shorter walk returning to Tring possible
Toughness: 4 out of 10

London Euston: 10-24 hrs Milton Keynes service
Arrive Tring: 10-59 hrs

Return : Berkhamsted to Euston: 01, 15, 31 and 46 mins past the hour
Tring to Euston: direct trains at 10, 26 and 56 mins past the hour

Rail ticket: buy a day return to Tring

With reports that the Dockey Wood bluebells are now in full bloom, I'm posting this classic bluebell walk at nil notice, given it is my only "free" day during the coming week when trains are running.
T=2.5

For Directions, lunch options etc. please refer to the Walk Directions here: L=2.5
  • Anonymous
    25-Apr-19

    Just a note to say them Dockey wood bluebells and other woods in Ashridge estate are at its best. I was there yesterday. By the way the cafe/restaurant at Berkhampstead called 'I love food' is close for a few months for renovation as I discovered yesterday. Might join your guys tomorrow.

    Monica

  • 26-Apr-19

    2 walkers spotted my late posting and joined me on today's bluebell extravaganza, so that is 3 .

    The weather was sunny spells in the morning a few light showers later .

    As per Monica's report, the bluebells in Dockey Wood and Flat Isley were stunning, with many more displays elsewhere in the Ashridge Estate.

    In the morning the meadow below the ascent to Ivinghoe Beacon was a mass of dandylions and cowslips - yellow to offset bluebell blue.

    2 of us dined at the Bridgewater Arms and although we had a longish wait for our food to arrive, when it did it was good, honest pub grub - just what the doctor ordered to sustain us on our afternoon leg. We caught up with our sandwich colleague as we left the Ashridge Estate, and all three of us enjoyed the Berkhamsted leg now in intermittent light drizzle.

    We enjoyed good travel both ways on our lovely day out: it is always a treat to fit in this bluebell classic during bluebell season.

Mr M Tiger
Book 2 walk 5
Tring circular: long: 10.1 miles or short (omitting lunch pub): 8.3 miles.
Tring to Berkhamsted (omitting lunch pub): 17.6 km, 10.6 miles.
Difficulty: 5/10
This walk’s got trees (hopefully autumnal), it’s got views, and it’s got an easy journey. The basic circular walk includes a proper pub stop. The more adventurous of you could take a more sylvan route, no doubt dripping with autumn colours, through Ashridge to Berkhamsted. With daylight being short, that option would involve a shortcut, bypassing the pub and stopping at the NT café for lunch. The same shortcut could also be used as part of a shorter circular walk. Your choice.
"Sylvan" eh? ..... how often do you see words like that on these pages?
Trains
• Get the 10:01 Northampton train from Euston arriving Tring 10:36. Get a return to Tring.
• Return trains from Tring at xx:14 and xx:35
• Return trains from Berkhamsted at xx:19 and xx:40
Directions here
Options: After Ivinghoe Beacon [4], the main walk takes you via the lunch pub in Little Gaddesden but you can take a shorter route (option a) to the Bridgewater Monument and its cafe. From there you can either continue through Ashridge to Berkhamsted (option b) or, if Mr Sun is looking for his pyjamas, follow the circular walk back to Tring.
Lunch:
If you're doing the main walk, your lunch stop is the Bridgewater Arms 01442 842408 in Little Gaddesden
If you're deploying the short cut, lunch is at the National Trust's Brownlow Cafe near the Bridgewater Monument (or you could descend to Aldbury for its two pubs).
Tea
If doing the Main walk, you could stop at Brownlow Cafe or the Aldbury pubs.
If finishing in Berko, you'll find tea places in Berkhamsted High Street, e.g. two Costas and a House of High Tea at no. 61. A shortish walk east from the station along the canal takes you to at least two real ale pubs, the Crystal Palace 01442 862998 and the Boat 01442 877152. The pubs are shown on this unfortunately shaped map.
There are no tea options near Tring station.
T=2.5
  • Anonymous
    17-Nov-18

    Hi Guys anyone attending this walk Tring circular or extend to Berkhampsted. Love to attend and look forward to see some of you on sunny Sunday.

    Monica

  • 19-Nov-18

    If you are hoping to channel that Wordsworthian "wandering lonely as a cloud" vibe then do not do this superb walk on a lovely sunny late autumn day. 8 of us joined a caravanserai of meet-up groups, ramblers and families on the route to Ivinghoe Beacon. Just before there the group split with with 3 of us deciding to walk to the Bridgewater monument for a picnic lunch and then go on to Berkhamsted. The trail to the monument became fairly crowded and when we reached the cafe you would have thought an open air concert was taking place.

    The lovely trail to Berkhamsted was virtually empty and the woodland and open countryside looked gorgeous in a shimmering glowing light. At Berkhamsted the 3 of us enjoyed scrumptious cakes and tea at "I love Food" at 25-27 Lower Kings Road and 200m or so past the station. Strongly recommend this is added to the tea stops for those who do this ending as you would be hard pressed to find anything better. Great cakes, warm welcome and plenty of space with tables on two storeys. 3.40pm train back for us. Hope the rest enjoyed their walk and whatever routes they took. Terrific day out.

  • Anonymous
    19-Nov-18

    Yes totally agree. Hoards of people up Ivinghoe Beacon and horrendous ques at Monument. Lots of nice picnic benches which I enjoyed. Was walking solo from Ivinghoe Beacon to Berkhamsted. Very peaceful route from Monument to BKM not a sole in sight till I got to BKM station I met up with 3 others who had tea and cake which I missed. Lovely day walk many thanks to the author AKA Walker.

    Monica

  • Llama Pyjama
    19-Nov-18

    3 of us did the main walk and we had a great day, the views were stunning, the weather was good (if a bit nippy). We visited the church in Aldbury and we were delighted to find a fantastic carving of a 'Wildman of the woods' completely covered in delicately carved curly hair, with a garland of ivy round his waist, lolling at the feet of the recumbent effigy of Sir Robert Whittingham.

    So the church is well worth a visit.

Chris L
Chris L
Tring Circular
Length: 16.3km (10.1 miles) Toughness: 4/10

After following the Chiltern ridge as far as Ivinghoe Beacon, with superb views all the way, the route follows woodland tracks and paths to the lunchtime pub and then onwards to the Bridgwater Monument before descending to tea in Albury. More information about features of interest on the route can be found on the walk’s Introduction page.

After leaving Ivinghoe Beacon, a short cut direct to the Bridgwater Monument saves a couple of miles walking but cuts out the lunchtime pub so you’d need to lunch at the Ashridge Estate visitor centre next to the monument if you opt to do this. There is an optional extension, mainly across fields, to finish the walk at Berkhamsted, where there are plenty of tea places. This adds 4.3km to the length.

Although a variant of this walk was posted as recently as May Day, only 4 walkers were able to do it on a Tuesday, so no apologies are necessary for posting it again now, as it passes probably the most spectacular bluebell wood in the south-east, Dockey Wood, which no-one should miss (see para 33 of the directions). So popular is it that the National Trust were charging visitors an entrance fee during the last two weekends, but not this one.

After lunch, a slight diversion at para 51 will lead you to another superb bluebell wood, Flat Isley. You can also visit this wood by following the directions starting at para 77 if you are taking the ‘Short Cut from Ivinghoe Beacon to the Bridgwater Monument’ (para 66). The two woods are quite near each other and, if armed with the Explorer map, you could easily take in both woods if you are doing the short cut.

The recommended lunch stop is the Bridgwater Arms (01442 842408) in Little Gaddesden. As always on a Sunday, reserving a table is advisable. If doing the ‘Short Cut’ you can lunch at the National Trust’s Brownlow Café, next to the Bridgwater Monument. This is also a possible tea stop, as are the pubs in Albury, for those doing the main walk. There are plenty of places to take tea in Berkhamsted.

Trains:
10:01 Northampton train from Euston, arriving Tring at 10:36.

Return trains are at xx:35 (fast) and xx:14 (slightly slower). All trains call at Berkhamsted 5 minutes after Tring.


You will need to download the Walk Directions.

T=2.5
  • 06-May-18

    As of Sunday 6 May, Flat Isley was looking wonderful. This is a huge bluebell wood, though that may not be apparent when you first approach it from the main walk route: go a good 150 metres in for the full effect.

    The first mile and a half or so (as far as the road) of the Berkhamsted extension was also awash with bluebells today. I have never seen them looking so good.

    Will all this last another week? Who can say. But I saw no sign of decline today and the Ashridge woods traditionally come out a week to ten days later than those in Kent or Surrey.

    Just to whet your appetite further, approaching Berkhamsted I was serenaded for an HOUR by a cuckoo, the biggest amount of cuckoo song I have heard since I was a child. Obviously I am hoping that by next Sunday he has met a lady cuckoo, some poor dunnock couple have a hungry adopted chick and the cuckoos are on their way back to Africa. But you never know.

  • Anonymous
    07-May-18

    Talking about cuckoo - I did a Islip circular yesterday and spend most of my time around the Otmoor RSPB. Was lucky in a way as I saw a cuckoo singing and also flying around. In fact while walking round the reserve and hides I heard a turtle purring, lots of sedge warblers and other types of warbles singing their hearts out. Also plenty of black cap birds too. Best of all was a little tern was spotted in of the hides.Bird of prey especially hobbies and marsh harriers were spotted. Very hot day indeed and trains were packed with shoppers for Bicester. Thought some of you might like an update on wildlife if you are doing future walks around Islip.

    Monica

  • 07-May-18

    You SAW a cuckoo? Gosh. And a turtle dove too. I am very jealous.

  • 08-May-18

    What time is the suggested train for this walk?

  • Anonymous
    14-May-18

    I counted 12 walkers in total, one of whom arrived lat and met us in the pub. All but 1 did the longer version. Only a few were eating in the pub, nonetheless it was busy with a wait of about 45 minutes. The rest had their own lunch nearby (St. Peter and St. Paul's church was a few minutes detour but made a lovely picnic spot). The weather was dry warmer and sunnier as the day went on . A very nice walk and a good tea at The Valiant Trooper in Aldbury.

Book 2, Walk 5 - Tring to Berkhamsted

Length: 22 km (13.7 miles) Option to shorten to 8.3 or 11 miles
Toughness: 4 out of 10

London Euston: 10-24 hrs Milton Keynes service
Arrive Tring: 10-59 hrs

Return: Berkhamsted to Euston: 4 trains an hour

Rail ticket: buy a day return to Tring

A visit to Dockey Wood during bluebell season is a must, hence we usually try to find a slot in our walk schedule for this walk.
Leaving Tring station you head towards Ivinghoe Beacon, then on to Dockey Wood via Wards Hurst Farm. Having had your bluebell fix, you walk to the village of Little Gaddesden for lunch at the Bridgewater Arms. Onwards post prandial through the Ashridge Estate (more bluebells) after which you can end your walk by returning to Tring via one of the pubs in Albury or you continue via a varied route to Berkhamsted. Enjoy - this is a delightful walk during bluebell season !
T=2.5
Walk directions here L=2.5
  • 02-May-18

    4 off the train at Tring, plus one on an earlier train, who we met on top of Ivinghoe Beacon (but then doing the shortcut to the Bridgewater Monument) but I will include him, so that's 5 .

    Apart from one short, light shower at said Beacon, it was a lovely sunny Spring Day , and about sixteen degrees, almost ideal walking conditions.

    Lots of woodland flowers and plants which my companions were able to identify, and the bluebells were at their perfect best in Dockey Wood, Flat Isley and much of the Ashridge Estate, particularly latterly on the descent to the road before the start of Berkhamsted Common: vistas of blue carpets as far as the eye could see.

    The sight of young lambs in Ward's Hurst Farm and a herd of deer in fields below the Monument, all added to our enjoyment of today's walk. We had a pleasant, unrushed lunch stop at the Bridgewater Arms but we skipped tea as it was approaching 6 pm by the time we entered Berkhampsted. A fast train then whisked us back to Euston before 7 pm.

    For the record, there was not a single stile on the walk - a bonus for doddery, ageing walkers. Apart from the lack of any water features along the way (a big deduct in my book) I thought today's outing was a near perfect walk for bluebell season.

Sun, 25-Feb-18 : Sunday Walk: Tring Circular 9
Mr M Tiger
Mr M Tiger
Tring Circular Book 2 walk 5
Difficulty 4/10
Main walk 16.3km (10.1 miles) or shorter 8 mile option (see below)

Follow the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon with scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. The easier afternoon plunges into the ancient Chiltern beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate. A shorter option (a) bypasses the lunch pub and heads for the Brownlow cafe instead.
Trains Get the 10:01 Northampton train from Euston, arriving Tring at 10:36. Return at xx:35 and xx:14.
Lunch
The Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden, tel 01442 842 408, a fine old country inn which offers a gourmet restaurant and somewhat cheaper bar meals from noon daily.
(For the shorter walk, the Brownlow Cafe as below)
Tea
The Brownlow Cafe a National Trust-run kiosk with outside seating at the Ashridge Estate Visitors Centre (tel 01442 851227), next to the Bridgewater Monument. It is open until 4pm in winter, and serves some hot food options as well as cakes.
The Greyhound Inn and Valiant Trooper pubs in Aldbury are both open all afternoon for drinks.
Directions: here
T=2.5
  • David
    27-Feb-18

    Did this walk happen? I would be interested to hear how it went, having recommended it to one of the walkers on the Petts Wood circular.

  • Anonymous
    01-Mar-18

    Yes, there were 9 people on a crisp sunny day. All enjoyed the walk which has a mix of open countryside with great views in the morning and attractive woodland in the afternoon. Only two ate in the pub as it looked like there would be a long wait for food. The rest ate nuts and sandwiches in the sunny garden. One went to the National Trust cafe and seven to the Valiant Trooper for tea. The latter impressed with a boot scraper and a bucket of water with brush outside. We went home with clean boots arriving in London around 5.30pm. A lovely walk.

PeteG
PeteG
Tring to Berkhamsted T=2.5.b

Length: 12.8 miles (20.6km) 4 out of 10

"The first part of this route - following the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon - is exhilarating, offering downland scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. From the Beacon itself, it seems as if you can see half of England on a fine day. Then, by way of contrast, you are plunged into the ancient Chiltern beechwoods of the Ashridge Estate."

Info from a walk comment: A new path along the margin of a field now takes us safely from the station approach road all the way along the main road, until we turn off up the cement track at the beginning of this walk. Enter at the top of the station approach road through a kissing gate on your right hand side.

The walk directions were updated in February.

Trains:
Get the 0934 Tring train from London Euston, arriving Tring 1017. A return to Tring is valid from Berkhamsted. Freedom passes are only valid to Harrow & Wealdstone. There is a Southern train from Croydon through Clapham Junction to Tring, but the timings aren't particularly good. There is also the Overground line to Harrow & Wealdstone & Watford.
There are frequent return trains from Berkhamsted.

Lunch:
The Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden, tel 01442 842 408, located 11.2km (7 miles) from the start of the walk is an Old English Inns chain pub.

Tea:
You get to the station before any tea stops, which are a short walk further on, across the canal to Berkhamsted High Street.


  • 09-Oct-17

    The path along the field edge at the start has been incorporated into the directions - see the pdf, which should be dated as last updated in May. If this is not what you have, refresh and reload it onto your browser. The new pdf is also "sectionalised", hopefully making it easier to navigate.

  • 11-Oct-17

    The Berkhamsters might like to consider the Cafe & Bar Here at 28-30 Lower Kings Road. They seemed happy to serve tea and cakes last time we visited. There's also a Bills at 163-165 High Street if you want something more substantial

  • Anonymous
    14-Oct-17

    12 I think set off from the station and all did the official route to the Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddeson on a lovely mild slightly grey day with a little sun in the afternoon . Food at the Bridgewater Arms was good but service was interminable.

    7 of us after lunch went directly south through a Capability Brown valley to Berkhamstead where the going underfoot was dry and grassy with none of that slippery mud that we had had in the morning. The route which was suggested by MA was through Golden valley and then Frithsden Beeches and then Berkhamstead common and then the last 700 metres to the station back on the official route. Thus we did 17.6 km according to the Sat Nav

    Tea / coffee /cake was had by 5 of us at ' I love food ' on 24 Lower Kings Rd - apparently someone is going to put up a comment on this cafe - but it was good and friendly.

    Snooze on the train home - yeah

    Divine Dish

Walker
Walker
Book 2 walk 5 - Tring Circular
Length: 16.3km (10.1 miles) or 20.6km (12.6 miles)
Toughness: 4 out of 10

10.04 train from Euston, arriving Tring 10.49

or

9.10 train from East Croydon (9.21 Streatham Common, 9.28 Balham, 9.39 Clapham Junction, 9.50 Kensington Olympia, 9.53 Shepherd's Bush) to Tring, arrive 10.39.

Buy a day return to Tring, which also covers you if you come back from Berkhamsted.

For walk directions click here.

I am not going to lie to you. It MAY be starting to get a bit late for the wonderful Ashridge Estate bluebells. But on the other hand they are often out ten days or more later than ones further south (and lower down). I can attest that on 5 May they were glorious. The famous wood here is Dockey Wood (paragraph 31 in the directions) but for my money the best of all - the best bluebell wood in England (sorry, West Wood...) is the much-less visited Flat Isley (paragraph 51 in the directions): that is the one in the photo.

If the bluebells are over, you still get a glorious ridge walk in the morning. If you are a sandwich eater, there is nowhere better to stop and eat than Ivinghoe Beacon. For pub lunchers the Bridgewater Arms is often busy but we manage to squeeze in somehow. After a nice walk through the woods (listen out for all the blackbirds singing and notice the lovely fresh green beech leaves) tea at the Brownlow Cafe (an outside kiosk) means waiting in its glacially slow-moving queue, but otherwise this is a lovely spot.

The extension to Berkhamsted is worth doing if you have the energy and has more bluebells in its early stages.

Trains back are frequent - 10, 26 and 56 past until at least 8pm (after that check: you all have smartphones!). The return train to Clapham Junction etc is at 34 past until 19.34 (the last one). Euston-bound passengers can take this and change at Watford Junction.
T=2.5


  • 12-May-17

    At 4.40pm on Friday I uploaded a new version of the pdf for this walk, incorporating some updates and changes to options a) and c). The main walk and option b) are unchanged, but if you are using the later version of the pdf some paragraph and page numbers have changed.

  • Ian T
    13-May-17

    19 6 off the Clapham train, 12 off the Euston train and at least 1 joining at the pub. cloudy start sunny later The beeches along the Ridgeway were at their vibrant best with new leaves. Yours truly split off at Ivinghoe for the shortcut to the monument, so yours truly can’t comment on the pub. The bluebells were still out in force. Some spectacular splashes of colour on approach to the monument. I heard Flat Isley was good – I actually missed that , unless the patch I saw was part of it – but there were good shows at the start of the Berkhamsted extension, just past the paddock at Brownlow. Plenty to gush about. Also worthy of mention, buttercup meadows, speedwell and cowslips.

    I know of two others did the Berko bit. I’m guessing the others finished at Tringo.

Book 2, Walk 5b - Tring to Berkhamsted

Length: 20.4 km (12.7 miles)
Toughness: 5 out of 10

London Euston: 10-24 hrs Milton Keynes service
Arrive Tring: 10-59 hrs

Return Berkhamsted to Euston: 01, 15, 31 and 46 mins past the hour until 18-00 hrs, then 18-05, 18-15, 18-32 and 18-46 hrs.

Rail ticket: buy a day return to Tring

If I've timed the posting of today's walk correctly, the highlight today should be the bluebells on display in Dockey Wood, Before this, from Tring station you follow the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon, with fine views from its summit. Onwards then through Wards Hurst Farm, then your visit to Dockey Wood, into the start of the Ashridge Estate, and on to lunch in the village of Little Gaddesden at the Bridgewater Arms.
Post prandial, its through the Ashridge Estate to the Bridgewater Monument, with its cafe. You then divert from the Tring Circular walk as you walk through more bluebell woods on a pleasant, undulating route through woods and over open fields, before finally descending into Berkhamsted, with its tea options, ten minutes or so's walk past the station in the centre of the town.
This walk seldom disappoints - particularly during bluebell season.
T= 2.5
Walk Directions here: L=2.5

Next Week, Wednesday 10 May; SWC 121 - Bekesbourne Circular

  • 04-May-17

    Just 7 on today's walk - maybe some of our regulars had not recovered from their exertions in the Brecons. They missed a wonderful display of bluebells in Dockey Wood, and later more full carpets in the Ashridge Estate. Before that we encountered wintry conditions and a strong breeze as we made it to Ivinghoe Beacon, but luckily for us, the expected rain held off all day until we were safely back in London that evening. A good lunch was enjoyed by 3 of us at the busy Bridgwater Arms, with the pub kindly allowing our sandwichers to eat in their extensive garden, albeit it was far from warm for outside dining. Suitably fed and watered, we now headed for the Bridgwater Memorial, where we said farewell to the 3 in our party heading back to Tring and home for an early bath. The walk for the remaining 4 of us to Berkhamsted was as enjoyable as ever, more so with the excellent bluebell displays en route. We just made Berko railway station in time for my 3 companions to jump aboard the 16-46: as I have to stretch post walk to prevent my ageing limbs from seizing up, I caught the 17-15 service which whisked me back to London.

    Another most enjoyable SWC Wednesday walk.

PeteG
PeteG
Tring to Berkhampsted T=2.5

Length: 12.8 miles (20.6km) 4 out of 10

You can shorten the walk after lunch to 10 miles, by doing the circular walk to Tring.

This is a lovely walk. "The first part of this route - following the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon - is exhilarating, offering downland scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. Then you are into ancient Chiltern woodland. The paths are generally pleasant and easy underfoot, but note that on the Ridgeway the exposed chalk in some of the paths can be slippery in the wet, and in the woods the paths can be very muddy in winter.

Trains: 0934 London Midland train from Euston to Tring 1017, (freedom passes only valid to Harrow & Wealdstone). There is also a Southern train to Tring which wends its way through London, and arrives at 1039 (Clapham 0939) if you don't mind making up the time.
Berkhamsted has a 15 minute service back to Euston, or the Southern trains are hourly xx39.


Lunch: Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden, 01442 842408

Directions are here
  • 19-Feb-17

    19 , including two late starters. One of the latter came on the Clapham Junction train but only because of a mix up at Euston. No one else got this train that he noticed. The other came on the Clammy Junction train an hour later, did a short cut to lunch and then followed his own route in the afternoon - but he had lunch with us, so we are counting him. The day started rather misty but sun came out later . So we had the bits with the nice views in the mist, and sunshine after lunch in the woods. But the golden light on the bare trees was lovely and it felt almost - dare I say it? - springlike. Bliss it was in that afternoon to be alive.

    At least one group insisted on using an out of date edition of the book. Be warned by their story! They went the wrong way at Ward's Hurst Farm and got attacked by a gaggle of geese (admittedly while on a public footpath). One was bitten. Later in the pub we googled how to deal with aggressive geese and it turns out turning your back and running is not advised. It spurs them on, apparently.

    Twelve wanted a pub lunch so we phoned the Bridgewater Arms when we set off from the station and were told categorically they could not accommodate us. So we arrived anyway in dribs and drabs and they accommodated us fine. Indeed they seemed to me to be never more than two thirds full. The food was a tad slow coming but only a tad. Portions and quality were good. The Vegetarian Indian Feast was a rare veggie meal served in walker (or Walker)-sized portions.

    I don't know who did what later but four of us at least walked to Berkhamsted in the lovely sun and went to the Crown in the High Street. On the way I stopped by the canal at dusk. And at that moment a blackbird sang..... Two, actually. My first of the year.

Book 2 Walk 5 - Tring Circular
10.1 miles/16.3 km, Toughness 4 out of 10

This walk starts with a bracing ridge walk up to Ivinghoe Beacon, before passing through the woodlands of the Ashridge Estate to the Bridgewater Monument, and finally descending to the village of Aldbury.

Trains: 9:24 from Euston to Milton Keynes Central, arriving at Tring at 09:59. Return trains xx10, xx26, xx56 for Euston, or xx34, xx39 changing at Watford Junction.

Lunch: Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden, 01442 842408

Tea: The National Trust cafe by the Bridgewater Monument has tea and cake. Or furher on in Aldbury village are the Greyhound Inn and Valiant Trooper.

Click here for full details and walk directions

T=2.5
  • 23-Oct-16

    12 when I counted Maybe a typo by the walk reviewer

  • Anonymous
    23-Oct-16

    Lovely walk despite the misty start. Re the refreshments, I'd say the Bridgewater Arms has a good value menu (£5.95 for v good fish and chips)and Valiant Trooper did a v nice tea, in proper pots! Chocolate brownie went down well.

  • Anonymous
    02-Jan-18

    Historical duplicate/misleading attendance numbers cleanup project: 12

    typo in original comment, now deleted: "Anonymous said...

    22 on the walk The weather was misty and chilly poor visibilty becoming low autumnal sun later .

    A very pleasant day for walking though Bridgewater arms pub lunch was only okay

    At least 5 of us climbed the monument at Bridgewater monument ( £2.50 if you are not a NT member ) and that adds 66 metres to the length of our walk and makes it a 9 out of 10 for toughness but the views were still a bit hazy

    Valiant Arms tea was okay but far from valiant

    Thanks for a good day.

    I Strain"

PeteG
Tring To Berkhamsted

Book 2 Walk5b
12.8 miles (20.6km) 5 out of 10

The morning has an enjoyable, steady climb along The Ridgeway to Ivinghoe Beacon, followed by woods and open fields at the end. It is best not to use pre 2011 books for this walk, download the instructions instead.

If you have a map, you can make a small extension to Gallows Hill from the top of the Beacon, and take a path from there to re-join the walk on the Icknield Way.

Trains: 0934 London Euston arriving Tring 1017. Trains from Berkhamsted are approx every 15mins

Lunch: The Bridgwater Arms in Little Gaddesden. This part of a chain, Old English Inns, and you can get a £5 voucher by joining their mailing list (I haven't checked the T&Cs). From what I remember, there isn't a picnic spot in the village, so best to stop a bit before you get there if you're planning on having a drink in the pub.


T=2.5.b

  • Karen
    06-Jul-16

    Highly recommend The Attic tearoom on the top floor of Home & Colonial shop at 134 High Street in Berkhamsted. According to their website, they are open until 17:30 on Saturday.

    There are quite a few stairs to climb to get to The Attic, but the cake is worth it.

  • David
    10-Jul-16

    4 warm and breezy with occasional sunny intervals

    A surprisingly small group for a fine July Saturday. We followed the main walk as far as the Bridgewater monument, stopping for liquid refreshment at the Bridgewater Arms - much needed after the morning exertions - in the pleasant and spacious garden. We then did the extension to Berkhamsted, which was clearly longer than the 4.3 km (2.7 miles) stated in the directions. It took us 1 hour 25 minutes at a steady pace on a largely firm and level or downhill surface, so I would estimate the correct length as 4.3 miles (6.9 km). This would mean the total distance walked was 14.4 miles. The directions were helpful. I suggest one amendment in paragraph 37 to read as follows: "In 50 metres, you emerge onto a concrete car-wide track. 30 metres after the start of the track, turn left through a gate into a field"

  • 10-Jul-16

    Thanks for the very precise walk update: that is useful.

    The Berkhamsted extension is not 2.7 miles long and the walk document doesn't say it is. Going this way is 2.7 miles LONGER than the main walk, the distance you DON'T walk from the Bridgewater Monument to Tring station having to be subtracted from the 4 miles or so from the monument to Berkhamsted. I will try to make this clearer.

Chris L
Book 2 Walk 5b Tring to Berkhamsted
Length: 20.6km (12.8 miles) Toughness: 5/10

10:01 Northampton train from Euston arriving at Tring at 10:36.

Return trains from Berkhamsted to Euston are at xx06, xx:20 and xx:39 (journey time 32 minutes). Buy an off-peak day return to Tring.

This variant ending of an ever-popular walk is due a Sunday outing, though some may regret that it comes a few weeks too soon to catch the wonderful bluebell displays en route(sorry, Peter!). After following the Chiltern ridge as far as Ivinghoe Beacon, with superb views all the way, the route follows woodland tracks and paths to the lunchtime pub and then onwards to the Bridgwater Monument before descending through open fields to Berkhamsted. More information about features of interest on the route can be found on the Walk 5 page.

After leaving Ivinghoe Beacon, a short cut direct to the Bridgwater Monument saves a couple of miles walking but cuts out the lunchtime pub so you’d need to lunch at the Ashridge Estate visitor centre next to the monument if you opt to do this.

The recommended lunch stop is Bridgwater Arms (01442 842408) in Little Gaddesden. As always on a Sunday, reserving a table is advisable. A good place for tea in Berkhamsted is the Attic Cafe - on the top floor of the Home & Colonial antiques shop, 134 High Street (01442 878713; turn left when you reach the High Street. It closes at 5pm on Sundays and offers excellent home-made scones & cakes and a wide range of teas in generously-sized pots. There are plenty of other places too.

You will need to take the latest (2011) edition of Book 2 or else download the Walk Directions.
  • 20-Mar-16

    Just 6 on this walk which was a bit surprising given its a lovely outing but perhaps some got left behind at Euston where a platform and display board mix-up meant a mad dash for the train. Needless to say there was no apology from the rail operator but so long as they are allowed to rip you off with impunity why should they care?

    Weather fine and sunny . A bit of strange day this as when we got to the road and the "there and back leg" to Ivanhoe Beacon I decided not to do this for the "nth" time but continue on the main route confidently expecting my faster colleagues to catch me up in about 20 mins. But they never showed up! When we all met up in Berkhamstead they had inadvertently done the Tring to Berkhamstead shorter walk - missing out the pub - which I think is walk 2-05ab in Sean's master walk list. They were a bit stunned when I explained this to them and to be frank its an easy mistake to make if you are using the book as the multiplicity of paths from the tarmac road can be confusing. (Of course its a cinch with GPS (;>)). Still they had superb refreshments in Berkhamstead's Attic Cafe and enjoyed their day's walking .

    in the afternoon I took the opportunity to explore a minor diversion from the route from the pub and I'll write a note on this on the walks comments page. Only David Colver did the walk as advertised so full marks to him!

    The ending to this walk is lovely and Berkhamstead is a place well worth lingering in on a fine summers evening. It has a number of interesting pubs and cafes and "artisan" type places.

  • David Colver
    21-Mar-16

    Did the walk as PeteB indicates. I've been to the beacon many times but always in dull or cold or rainy whether, never in sunshine.

    Good lunch at The Bridgewater Arms with the best roast potatoes of the year so far. Why fuss after bluebell woods when there are roast potatoes to savour?

    It might be worth updating the directions to say that while the Attic Tea Room closes at 5pm on a Sunday, it has a sign saying that last orders are at 4:30. I arrived at 4:33. So took tea at Carluccios, but saw no sign of the others.

Sat, 24-Oct-15 : Sat Walk 1 - Tring Circular 20
HollieB
HollieB
Tring Circular, Book 2 Walk 5
10.1 miles/16.3 km, Toughness 4 out of 10

This route starts with a bracing ridge walk up to Ivinghoe Beacon, then passes through the woodlands of the Ashridge Estate to the Bridgewater Monument, before descending to the village of Aldbury.

Trains: 9:24 from Euston to Milton Keynes Central, arriving at Tring at 09:59. (09:41 Watford Junction). Return trains xx10, xx26, xx56 for Euston, xx34 for South Croydon

Lunch: Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden, 01442 842408

Tea: The National Trust cafe by the Bridgewater Monument has tea and cake. Or there's the Greyhound Inn and Valiant Trooper in Aldbury. Nothing at Tring station.

You can download the walk directions here.
T=2.5
  • Ian T
    24-Oct-15

    20 on this walk. dismal damp but never really properly raining so cannot complain . Autumn colours starting to come through. Quite pretty in places. 3 or 4 opted for the shortcut to the monument. The rest went to the Bridgewater Arms which was friendly and accommodating. Later, some stopped at the Brownlow. I got the 3:34 back to Shepherds Bush. Don’t know what the others did, they all vanished in the woods.

Mike A
Mike A

Tring Circular - a Tube chaser challenge

The Chilterns: An open ridge walk to Ivinghoe Beacon, Ashridge forest, and a classic village pub for tea

Book 2 Walk 5

Length : 13 km or 8 miles

Toughness : 4 out of 10

Getting there : Catch the 10:24 am train from London Euston to Tring station or
Catch the 9:39 am from Clapham Junction arriving at Tring 10:37 am

Meeting point : Tring Station at 10:59 am

Tickets : Buy a cheap day return to Tring

Brief Description

With the possibility of a Tube strike later on in the day, I've posted this as an extra walk (in addition to the Winchester Circular). I would suggest walkers do the shorter version of this walk to arrive back in Euston in good time if the potential industrial action is confirmed. (In any event, there are good bus services from Euston) You may find full details of the walk here and a downloadable PDF here

Suggested Lunch stops

The Brownlow Café, a National Trust kiosk on the Ashridge Estate.

Suggested Tea stops

Possibility of a quick cuppa at The Greyhound at Albury if strike is on.

Maps

OS Explorer : 181

Return train times

Trains return approximately every 15 minutes to Euston with one an hour to Clapham Junction
  • Anonymous
    07-Jul-15

    Planning to do this walk instead of the Winchester one because of potential tube strike tomorrow.

  • Anonymous
    09-Jul-15

    6 on this walk with a longish shower in the morning but sunny later on ".

    A shorter walk for those who may have had travel difficulties returning home from Waterloo after the tube strike started.

    We skipped Ivinghoe Beacon and headed straight to Brownlows for a good value and tasty lunch. Fresh cream and strawberry scones were on offer and were yummy. Five returned to Tring via Albury, while the poster went off to explore routes around Ashridge College before slipping down through Frithsden woodland to Berkhampsted.

Mike A
Mike A

Tring to Berkhamsted

Ivanhoe Beacon, Ashridge and the Bridgewater Monument

Book 2 Walk 5


Length: 21 Km or 13.0 miles
Toughness: 4 out of 10
Getting there: Catch the 10:24 from London Euston to Tring

Calling station:
Watford Junction dep 10:41

Clapham Junctionites may wish to catch the 9:39 to Watford Junction (arriving 10:19) and wait for the Eustonites whose train will arrive at 10:40 and depart to Tring at 10:41

Meeting point: Tring Station at 10:59
Tickets: Buy a Cheap Day Return to Tring.
Brief Description:
SWC are pleased to announce this pre-election special. Get away from the election frenzy and enjoy a day in the Chilterns!
This walk is the Tring Circular with the Berkhamsted extension.
I'm minded that it is indeed bluebell time and Dockey Wood (which the walk passes) sports an amazing carpet of these flowers - well worth a visit
The first part of this route - following the Ridgeway along the Chiltern escarpment to Ivinghoe Beacon - is exhilarating, offering downland scenery as fine as anything on the South Downs. From the Beacon itself, it seems as if you can see half of England on a fine day. Then by way of contrast, you are then plunged into ancient Chiltern woodland, lovingly preserved by the National Trust, with fine autumn colours in late October and early November. The paths are generally pleasant and easy underfoot, but note that on the Ridgeway the exposed chalk in some of the paths can be slippery in the wet, and in the woods the paths can be very muddy in winter. All of the climbing is in the first half of the walk: the second half is all flat or downhill.

Full details of this walk may be found here and a printable PDF here.

Suggested Lunch and tea stops
Lunch at the Bridgewater Arms in Little Gaddesden tel 01442 842408
There is an early tea stop option at the Brownlow Cafe
However Berkhamsted town at the end of the walk sports a good array of cafes and these are some five to ten minutes or so from the station

Explorer Maps 181

Return train times:

There are frequent return trains to Euston from Berkhamsted (about 15 minute intervals).
There is also an hourly train at 39 mins past the hour to Clapham Junction.
  • Anonymous
    03-May-15

    PeteB your Cotswold map led walk sounds really good for one Wednesday in June/July.. hope to actually walk the walk instead of just reading about it !

    Many thanks, melanie

  • 04-May-15

    Thanks Melanie. If the Wednesday group do not choose it then I'll post it for my Sunday slot in July or August (the outgoing train for Cotswolds walks beyond Oxford work better on a Sunday than a Saturday but if a Saturday walks setter wants to do it then great.) I'll also be putting a slightly amended pdf in the temps walk directory later this week.

  • Anonymous
    05-May-15

    weather wet & blowy, beware!

  • Marion
    06-May-15

    Weather too violent for me. Mike not going either.