The Hare and Hounds Challenging

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: Note that 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.