Watford Cycle Hub: Denham Via Colne Valley Mtb & Virtually Traffic-Free

At just under 20 miles, the route is virtually flat along the Grand Union Canal towpath towards Denham with a little hill and gear practice on the way back as we take on some trails on National Cycle Route 6.

This is definitely a mountain bike specific route. Watford Cycle Hub can hire out mtbs. Call 01923 223994 if you would like to hire a mtb for this ride if you don’t own one. We are Not-For-Profit and our rates are very reasonable.

This will be a relatively slow ride (c. 7-8 mph average pace) partly to give people a chance to ride further at a comfortable pace, partly because routes involving the canal towpath and trails need a little more care, as well as consideration for other people out on a Sunday morning.

Children & teens are welcome to come with you on this route, if on mtbs with suitable knobbly tyres. We do not set an age limit, as we respect parents know their own children’s abilities and whether this ride would be a good stretch or a little too much at this stage…

We can stop at Fran’s Tea Room at Denham Deep Lock or ride a little further round to the Colne Valley Visitor’s Centre…so bring money if you would like to buy refreshments.

Please also bring layers and perhaps a backpack so you can put on or take off layers as needed. Bringing a drink and a snack is always good practice, as is bringing two spare inner tubes in case of punctures - as changing an inner tube is faster than getting out the rubber glue to mend a puncture. The Ride Leaders can help if anyone in the group has a puncture on the day. Watford Cycle Hub sell inner tubes from £4 new, or recycled ones for 50p patched, £1 with no patches.

Please check your bike is in good working order before the ride - especially that your brakes are working & your tyres are pumped.

If your bike might need a little more TLC or hasn't been ridden for a while, you can always bring it in for a free assessment; we're a Not-For-Profit, Community Enterprise and promise to give you an honest price if your bike needs fixing, fine tuning or a full service. :)

At just under 20 miles, the route is virtually flat along the Grand Union Canal towpath towards Denham with a little hill and gear practice on the way back as we take on some trails on National Cycle Route 6.

On road, off road cycle paths and canal tow path