WATFORD CYCLE HUB: THE HARE AND HOUNDS

Prepare for the chase as this ride takes you through Harefield (the Hare) and Dog Kennel Lane, Chorleywood (the Hound), two pretty Chilterns towns. In between, there’s pleasant rural scenery viewed from mostly quiet lanes. Your effort in ascending up to Harefield is rewarded by breathtaking views over lakes and waterways in the valley below. You then have a chance to relax as you swoop down to take a closer look at the Grand Union Canal, crossing over it at the end of the 220 feet of descent. The route from there continues on small lanes through open fields and wooded areas and across the M25 before arriving at Chorleywood where there are some cafes and shops. You pass by the rail station and take a bridge over the lines at Chorleywood to follow a narrow road leading to Dog Kennel Lane, skirting around the County Heritage site and Local Nature Reserve of Chorleywood Common. You then head back, crossing the M25 again on roads leading back to Watford, passing by the ancient Lees woods and Whippendell woods before heading for the cycle paths through the Green Flag Award winning Cassiobury Park and on toward the finish at Watford Cycle Hub where participants may buy refreshments.

Note: This route is on the edge of the Chilterns and contains several hill climbs that some riders may find challenging. There is a short section near the start of the ride on a bridle path that can be a bit muddy in wet weather, but the large majority of the ride is on surfaced roads and paths.

Please bring a spare inner tube in case of a puncture - as it's easier to change an inner tube than repair a puncture. Watford Cycle Hub sell inner tubes from £4.50 new should you need to purchase one.

Please check your bike is in good working order before the ride - especially that your brakes are working & your tyres are pumped and wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and perhaps a backpack so you can put on or take off layers as needed. Also bring some money for our cafe stop if you would like to buy a drink, snack or light lunch.

Watford Cycle Hub can check over your bike and we can pump up your tyres for you if you come in good time before the ride. 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. Watford Cycle Hub are 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. :)

We look forward to riding with you. :)