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Watford Rural walks
Wild Flowers from Cassiobury Park
Association / Club / Walk leader
4.67 mi
+148 ft
-157 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Watford (Hertfordshire)
This beautiful walk takes you from the outskirts of Watford into the depths of the countryside to see a host of wild flowers.
The Celandine Way - Pinner to Eastcote
Visorando Member1.51 mi
+16 ft
-30 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
This is the first section of a 12 mile walking route which follows the River Pinn from Pinner to Uxbridge. Of all Middlesex's 'lost rivers' the River Pinn is perhaps the most visible.
Rickmansworth to West Drayton
10.52 mi
+13 ft
-108 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Batchworth (Hertfordshire)
This is the fifth stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London".
There is water, water everywhere on this walk, starting with the diverse habitats of the Rickmansworth Aquadrome, then passing more lakes and nature reserves. A stark contrast is the massive HS2 Colne Valley viaduct crossing the canal.
Metro-Land, Chilterns
6.14 mi
+177 ft
-161 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Batchworth (Hertfordshire)
This walk visits Rickmansworth and Croxley Green, whose current size and character owe much to the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway. The varied route includes woodland, fields, a moor designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a village green, rivers and a canal.
Colne Valley Wildlife, Chilterns
6.16 mi
+144 ft
-144 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Batchworth (Hertfordshire)
This walk gives you the opportunity to experience the abundance of wildlife in the beautiful Colne Valley across many different types of habitat. It’s a wonderful location for all ages to explore and enjoy with the possibility of spotting rare migrating birds.
Circular country loop around Radlett
11.85 mi
+338 ft
-354 ft
5h 45
Moderate
Departure from Aldenham (Hertfordshire)
The walk alternates between countryside and woodland, paths, trails and small roads, making a large loop around Radlett from the Aldenham Golf & Country Club.It runs alongside or through some magnificent locations, including, in no particular order, the golf course, Munden House estate, Wall Hall, Shenley Wood, the Ver and Colne valleys, Battlers Green Farm, etc.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome to Cassiobury Park
8.81 mi
+272 ft
-279 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Batchworth (Hertfordshire)
This walk starts at Ricky Aquadrome with its 3 lakes and goes along a delightful stretch of the River Chess, through Whippendell Woods (particularly nice in mid April when the bluebells are out), to Cassiobury Park with its 2 cafes and voted one of the 10 best parks in Britain and along short stretches of the River Gade and Grand Union Canal. Do allow plenty of time for exploring the many interesting features on this walk.
The Yeading Brook
3.45 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
This is a short urban walk exploring another of the 'lost landscapes of Middlesex'. The Yeading Brook rises at Headstone Manor and can be tracked all the way to Ruislip Gardens. This walk starts and finishes in West Harrow, and follows the most attractive section of the river through two pretty linear parks : The Yeading Brook Open Space and Streamside Recreation Ground.
The Wealdstone Brook
1.75 mi
+3 ft
-95 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
The Wealdstone Brook is one of the lost rivers of Middlesex. It's a short urban walk, one of my 'lost landscapes' routes around the Harrow area. Ironically, there is no trace of the river left in Wealdstone itself, where it has all been culverted. However, it meanders very prettily through Woodcock Park in Kenton, surrounded by grassy banks and willow trees. This is the best bit! There are further glimpses of it along the route of this walk.
Sudbury Hill
3.88 mi
+220 ft
-226 ft
2h 00
Moderate
Departure from London Borough of Harrow (Greater London)
This is a short urban walk exploring the 'lost landscapes of Middlesex'. I was recently introduced to a secret park which I never knew about, and realised this must be the summit of the original Sudbury Hill before it was swallowed up under the tide of suburban housing. The walk visits Elm Park and also takes you past the Harrow School sports fields. It starts and finishes near Harrow School, Harrow-on-the-Hill.
Woodoaks Farm
4.83 mi
+377 ft
-381 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Three Rivers (Hertfordshire)
This short but varied walk starts from an historic farm, enjoys sweeping views and looks at some important local history. There's also the chance to explore nature in Philipshill and "No Dragon" woods.
You can finish the walk with some of the best cake in the area.
Dollis Valley Greenwalk - Mill Hill To Hampstead
11.37 mi
+312 ft
-308 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from London Borough of Barnet (Greater London)
Don't want to venture too far from London to find a countryside walk? This is when the Dollis Valley Greenwalk makes an entry. This decently long walk through Barnet and Finchley is that good surprise as it takes you through what is left of former countryside fields in the Capital city.
Chipperfield and the Chess Valley, Chilterns
5.81 mi
+430 ft
-440 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Chipperfield (Hertfordshire)
A rewarding, scenic country walk exploring several commons and villages along with an attractive river valley. Good pubs!
Chipperfield to St Albans Abbey Station
9.00 mi
+404 ft
-574 ft
4h 30
Easy
Departure from Chipperfield (Hertfordshire)
Starts at Two Brewers Inn, Chipperfield. Passes thru' Kings Langley where we join the Grand Union Canal for a short distance. Then thru' Bedmond & Potters Crouch before descending past the Roman wall into Verulamium Park and past St Albans Cathedral to finish at St Albans Abbey Station.
Horsenden Hill
2.48 mi
+164 ft
-164 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from London Borough of Ealing (Greater London)
The good thing about London is that you do not need to go far to track down some exceptionally decent walks. Take Horsenden Hill for instance: who would have thought that you could walk through meadows, a farm, a forest and along a Canal, all within a London postcode and accessible by tube? And you can! A walk through Horsenden Hill will definitely make you forget you are in the city.
Chess Valley Route, Chilterns
5.95 mi
+328 ft
-348 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Little Chalfont (Buckinghamshire)
This stile-free walk explores the picturesque Chess Valley and the pretty village of Chenies with its Tudor manor house, 15th century church and village green. It climbs to Church End, Sarratt, passing through the churchyard of the 12th century church. There are fine views of the valley and the River Chess.
Chalfont St Giles and Chiltern OAM
6.21 mi
+446 ft
-413 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Chalfont St Giles (Buckinghamshire)
A lovely walk that passes through woods and farmland with pleasant distant views. You can visit Chiltern Open Air Museum and Milton’s Cottage.
Note there is currently a temporary diversion in place (since May 2022) which prevents entry into Newlands Park whilst development work is undertaken. This description includes the diversion.
Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp)
4.46 mi
+79 ft
-79 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from London Borough of Barnet (Greater London)
When the sun makes an appearance, we all want to venture outside. But where to go in London to have a pleasant stroll without melting? Well, a walk around Welsh Harp, also known as the Brent Reservoir, comes as a nice surprise. Not so popular (except if you live locally), the Brent Reservoir offers shade and fresh air. It’s a perfect place for a nice day out with friends and family.
Chalfont and Latimer to Chorleywood via Flaunden
11.76 mi
+712 ft
-833 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Little Chalfont (Buckinghamshire)
This Chilterns walk takes in parts of the Chess Valley walk at the start and end of the route and a section of the Chiltern Way in between. There is a variety of scenery with undulating landscapes, pastoral scenes of grazing animals, fields of wild flowers in summer, a cricket pitch, a golf course, a quarry, two churches and the shallow chalk stream of the River Chess.
Sarratt Bottom and Chenies from Little Chalfont
6.69 mi
+236 ft
-226 ft
3h 15
Easy
Departure from Little Chalfont (Buckinghamshire)
This walk along the River Chess starts from Little Chalfont in Buckinghamshire and walks east through pleasant surroundings before turning west to Chenies and a return to the start.
River Chess highlights : Chalfont & Latimer, Chiltern AONB
5.66 mi
+236 ft
-226 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Little Chalfont (Buckinghamshire)
This circular walk is very peaceful and part of the Chess Valley Walk. The short walk from Chalfont & Latimer station will take you through neat Metroland streets, with mock 1930’s Tudor jostling with Art Deco suburban dwellings within easy reach of London and the countryside. Hemmed in on all sides by the pressures of London and urban overspill, the charming Chess Valley is a haven of solitude in outstanding Chilterns countryside.
St Albans Abbey Station to Hertford East Station
15.15 mi
+220 ft
-344 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from St Albans (Hertfordshire)
The stage starts at St Albans Abbey Station. Soon joins River Ver Path for 0.65 miles. Climbs to join the Alban Way (old railway line) all the way to and thru' Hatfield. Passes Mill Green Mill and follows Welwyn Centenary Walk thru' a golf course & The Commons Nature Reserve, then joins the Cole Green Way (old railwayline) to Hertford. Goes thru' the old part of this county town, taking in the castle and grounds, then joins the River Lea Navigation to just north of Hertford East Station.
West Drayton to Windsor
8.69 mi
+39 ft
-49 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from London Borough of Hillingdon (Greater London)
This is the sixth stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London".
A varied walk across an aqueduct on a quiet branch of the canal, then following a cycleway to the Jubilee River, where a footpath crosses the playing fields of Eton College to the historic towns of Eton and Windsor and the Thames Path.
This is a short stage allowing plenty of time for a stroll along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park and/or to sample the tourist attractions of Windsor with its royal connections.
From Hemel Hempstead station
6.36 mi
+256 ft
-282 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Dacorum (Hertfordshire)
Starting from Hemel Hempstead Station this is a walk which can be enjoyed without a car. The station is right on the edge of the town so virtually all the route is through the open country, much of it through Boxmoor Trust land, on the plateau of the Chilterns and along the Grand Union Canal. There are lots of reminders of the history of the area from 1594 through WWII. If you are lucky you may see a couple of rare farm breeds kept on Trust land and some interesting birds along the canal.
Black Park Family Circular
3.19 mi
+59 ft
-66 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Wexham (Buckinghamshire)
Black Park is a great place for a family outing. This short walk passes through lovely woodland and open heathland. You will also pass Pinewood Studios. Leave enough time to relax at the café or have a picnic by the lake.
A Sense of Dacorum
6.32 mi
+289 ft
-285 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Dacorum (Hertfordshire)
This walk demonstrates that modern Hemel Hempstead and its environs have much more to offer than cynics would have you believe, taking in sections of canal and river and what has been described as one of the prettiest streets in Hertfordshire.
Little Hay and Box Moor Trust
4.99 mi
+279 ft
-272 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Bovingdon (Hertfordshire)
A great circular walk combining canal, chalk stream and woodland, along with some lovely scenic views over the Bulbourne Valley.
The route is described from Little Hay Golf Club, but it is easy to join at Waypoint 7, from the south side of Hemel or the Railway Station.
A Ley Hill Circular
3.82 mi
+167 ft
-135 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Latimer and Ley Hill (Buckinghamshire)
This stile free walk to the east of Chesham explores the network of paths in beautiful rolling countryside. There are lovely views of the Chess valley and the walk passes Cowcroft Wood nature reserve where bluebells and wild orchids can be found during the early summer.
Brentford to Hanwell Canal
5.19 mi
+72 ft
-33 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from London Borough of Hounslow (Greater London)
The Brentford to Hanwell canal walk is a gentle stroll perfect for a quiet day out in London to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Accessible by train on the TFL network, this Oyster Card-friendly ramble takes you to the Grand Union Canal towpath, from a seventeenth-century manor house to a viaduct. There is so much to discover on our doorsteps!
From Stamford Brook to Embankment via the Thames
10.26 mi
+174 ft
-151 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from London Borough of Hounslow (Greater London)
These two London Underground stations are less than a few kilometres apart, which is shorter than the open-air route that follows the course of the Thames, first on the north side on the left bank and then on the south side on the right bank between Hammersmith Bridge, Battersea Power Station, the London Eye and Jubilee Bridge.Although mainly urban, the route does offer a few tree-lined sections, particularly in the two parks it passes through.
Berkhamsted to Frithsden with the Devil's Own
6.27 mi
+417 ft
-420 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
A walk through lovely Chiltern scenery with lots of interest on the way - a Norman Castle, WW1 trenches, a canal and more.
Berkhamsted to Rickmansworth
14.36 mi
+30 ft
-184 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
This is the fourth stage of the multi-day route "Railways and Waterways, between Oxford and London".
Following the River Bulbourne, then the River Gade along the valley, there is plenty to see on this walk, from the narrowboats, historic locks and bridges and the oldest mechanised paper mill in the world, to nature reserves and the popular Cassiobury Park.
Berkhamsted Common
4.91 mi
+377 ft
-364 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Berkhamsted (Hertfordshire)
This walk takes in some great views of the valleys and woodland to the north and east of the historic town of Berkhamsted. You pass the remains of Berkhamsted Castle, visit a nature reserve and walk through the ancient woods of Frithsden Beeches.
Richmond's Green Trail - Barnes to Hampton
16.15 mi
+223 ft
-207 ft
7h 35
Moderate
Departure from London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (Greater London)
This last walk describes a route from one end of the Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames to the other. It traverses many of the borough's parks and commons and shows how they can be linked by footpaths to form an impressive 15-mile country-style walk we proudly present as "Richmond's Green Trail".
More walks in Watford Rural
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