Chilterns Safari

This route will take you on a safari into the Chilterns where you may see a large white lion, red kites and humans in flying machines.  Leaving Berkhamsted, you have a long but gradual ascent to the war memorial for the Inns of Court Officer Training corps, based in this area during world war one.  You'll then head into Ashridge passing the National Trust woodlands and Ashridge House, a grade 1 listed building now housing the Ashridge Business School.  You lose height as you descend into the Gade Valley and then regain it as you climb towards Studham and pass the Whipsnade Tree Cathedral and Whipsnade Zoo where you can often see gliders (flying machines) and Red Kites (birds) in the skies.  As you descend to the Icknield Way, with a careful look over your left shoulder you may see the white lion carved in the chalk.  After you join the B488 to your right is the Pitstone Windmill.  You'll continue towards the picturesque village of Albury , why no take a well deserved break at the Greyhound Inn?  As you leave the pub and cycle past the pond you'll see the stocks and whipping post on your left.  You then cross the Tring Gap and start your last climb of the ride alongside the A41.  You'll pass one of the entrances to Champneys, if you feel in need of pampering, before entering the outskirts of Berkhamsted.  This is a hilly route though it rewards with quiet tree lined lanes, woods and superb views.