Chilterns Challenge: Harpenden to Amersham via Berkhamsted: Summer of Cycling

This is our second long summer ride for 2021, a train-assisted adventure in the countryside, where we will meet the rolling hills, green valleys, quiet villages and country lanes of the Chilterns. We will be following several sections of the designated Chilterns Cycleway, from Harpenden to Amersham. (https://www.chilternsaonb.org/cycleway.html)

Please note that the distance given for the ride (50.5km/31 miles) does not include the journeys to and from rail stations at the start and end of the ride. This will add approx 20km/12 miles to the total distance to be ridden. There is the option of leaving the ride at Berkhamsted and returning by train if anyone does not feel able to complete the full ride.

This is not a very long ride, but it has some challenging hills. It is a full day out. We will not be in a hurry; we will stop to admire views, regroup at the top of hills, take time over refreshment breaks. There are some stretches on unpaved paths which can be uneven, potentially muddy if the weather has been wet. Road bikes will not be suitable for this ride.

We will make an early start from Ealing, riding up to West Hampstead to catch the ThamesLink train to Harpenden (single fare is £9.50, we might be able to get Group Save discounts).

On arrival in Harpenden, we have an easy start to our ride, following the Nickey Line, a disused railway track which is now a lovely peaceful cycle and pedestrian route. We leave the Nickey Line to ride through quiet country lanes, with some moderate hills and one sharp climb to reach Great Gaddesdon, before dropping down to Berkhamsted at the side of the Grand Union Canal for our lunch stop.

After lunch, we have a short ride on the canal towpath, followed by a fairly steep climb out of Berkhamsted. Then it’s more quiet country lanes, climbing gently to Ley Hill and then descending to Latimer, in the picturesque Chess Valley. Another sharp climb brings us onto a bridleway through woodlands, and then the last part of our ride into Amersham.

We will use the Metropolitan Line from Amersham to Wembley Park, and then ride back to Ealing; or you might make other arrangements for your homeward journey.

Please do not attend if you or anyone in your household has any Covid 19 symptoms or is currently required to self-isolate.
At the time of posting, we believe that covid restrictions will no longer apply. However, we will maintain social distancing and hygiene precautions as necessary.

A challenging train assisted ride on a section of the Chilterns Cycleway

Hilly terrain, mostly country lanes, some off-road sections on unpaved paths (Nickey Line, canal towpath, bridle way). Road bikes will not be suitable.

Lunch stop in Berkhamsted, cafes, shops etc available, or bring your own food for a picnic. We will stop to regroup at the top of hills and when required.

Bring plenty of water & snacks. Bring a lock for your bike at the lunch stop. Please do not attend if you or anyone in your household has any Covid 19 symptoms or is currently required to self-isolate. At the time of posting, we believe that covid restrictions will no longer apply. However, we will maintain social distancing and hygiene precautions as necessary.

First-timers welcome!