Harpenden to Berkhamsted via Ashridge Estate

Please read the ride description carefully.

Overview

This is a train-assisted ride, following parts of the Chilterns Cycleway, then riding across the Ashridge Estate and along a short stretch of the Grand Union Canal. (Those with long memories might recognise some of this route as the first part of a longer day ride in summer 2021.)

Approx. one-third of the route is on unsealed surfaces, which are generally in good condition, though a few areas could be muddy after rain. Road bikes will not be suitable for this ride; hybrid or gravel bikes with good tyres are most suited. The road sections are undulating, with a series of steady climbs and one challenging ascent up Piper’s Hill. We will ride at a steady pace, with time to regroup and recuperate after the climbs, and you are welcome to get down and walk when you need to.

We ride 21km/ 13 miles before our refreshment stop, so you will need to make sure you have enough water and snacks with you.

Travel Arrangements

We will take the 10.29am ThamesLink service from West Hampstead ThamesLink to Harpenden, arriving at 10.47am. Single fare is £16.50, discounts might be available. Please buy your ticket in advance if possible.

This later start time allows time to reach West Hampstead ThamesLink on off peak London Overground services. Remember to allow time to get from West Hampstead Overground station to the ThamesLink station- this is a short distance, but the road can be very busy and difficult to navigate.

We will return from Berkhamsted on West Midlands Trains, which is a frequent service to Euston via Harrow & Wealdstone. A single fare to Euston (30 mins) is £10.50, to Harrow & Wealdstone (25 mins) £6; discounts might be available. You can change at Harrow & Wealdstone for London Overground services to Willesden Junction. There is no afternoon time restriction on taking bikes on trains from Berkhamsted into Central London. In theory, we shouldn’t take bikes on London Overground after 4pm, but the services we will be using are unlikely to be very busy.

The Ride

On arrival in Harpenden, we have an easy start to our ride, following the Nickey Line, a disused railway track which is now a lovely peaceful cycle and pedestrian route. We leave the Nickey Line at Redbourn (7.5km/ 4.5miles) to ride through quiet country lanes. We climb steadily up to Gaddesdon Row, before a steep descent and then the challenging climb of Piper’s Hill. Descending Piper’s Hill to Nettleden, we climb again steadily through Frithsden, before turning off at Potten End for our well-earned refreshment stop at the Cedar Village Store & Coffee Shop, which offers a range of food and drinks.

Leaving the café, we make our way up to the Ashridge Estate, with the option of a brief pause at the National Trust Visitors’ Centre by the Bridgwater Monument. The final 10km/6.5 miles of our ride is mostly off road, following the woodland trails across the Estate, before dropping down Norcot Hill to join the Grand Union Canal at Dudswell and follow it into Berkhamsted.

Train-assisted ride using parts of Chilterns Cycleway. Undulating gradients, one sharp climb.

Traffic-free shared tracks & paths, quieter roads where possible, some short sections on busier roads. Off road tracks for one third of route.

Refreshment stop at cafe in Potten End. Optional stop at National Trust Visitors' Centre on Ashridge Estate.

Plenty of snacks & water. Money/card for cafe and rail fares. Lock for your bike.

First-timers welcome!