A picturesque hiking trail through the Chilterns Hills - an officially designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This is a great hike towards the prominent beauty spot of Ivinghoe Beacon with some superb far reaching views. It is also a beginners hike and we return to London earlier than usual, so it is ideal for people new to hiking or those who have plans for the evening. We finish in a picture postcard country pub for some well deserved refreshments.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike to the start of the famous Ridgeway Trail - Britain's oldest trail dating back at least 5000 years• Get views of the huge 147m white lion carved into the hillside at Whipsnade• Walk some fantastic hills in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty• Visit the Bridgewater Monument - a 33m tall tower with stairs built in 1832 in memory of the third Duke of Bridgewater• Visit the tiny village of Aldbury - a picturesque setting often referred to as a ''chocolate-box'' village due to its traditional appearance
HIKE DESCRIPTION
This hike takes in both some stunning scenery and a good bit of history. We hike through beech woodland, chalk uplands and get some great views over the vale of Aldbury before leading back through the woods of the Ashridge Estate - the former home of the Dukes of Bridgewater. We then drop into the quaint and unspoilt village of Aldbury. Part of our route takes us along the ancient path of the famous Ridgeway Trail, a 5000 year old trading route, described as Britain's oldest road and we also pass the Bridgewater Monument - created to honour the Duke who built one of Britain's first canals.
Ivinghoe Beacon's appearance of remoteness, yet relative proximity to the film studios at Elstree meant that it was a favoured location for many dramas such as "The Avengers" and "The Saint".
For the attentive and sharp eyed a 483 foot long white lion carved into a distant chalk hill is also visible from the stunning panorama of Ivinghoe Beacon.
MEETING POINT
Euston station 8:55am, leave at 9:10am for the 9:26am train. Meet in front of the main ticket office - MAPPlanned arrival back into London is 5:29pm (you are committed until then)
GUIDE - GRAHAM 07796 098487 (only for use during the hike) ABOUT US
FOOD - Bring a packed lunch, we usually visit a pub after the hike for drinks
DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY
Distance: 9 miles (16km)
Grading: Beginners
Ascent: 330m
Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hours
Terrain: Mix of tarmac, gravel and woodland tracks
Convenience Breaks (WC): Train, mid afternoon after lunch, pub at end or train back
COST & PAYMENT
£31 plus Eventbrite fee they charge including the guided hike and return train travel, click “Check out” to join.
Payments are refundable upto 7 days in advance, after that they are non refundable and non transferrable.
WHAT TO BRING
• Hiking clothes & footwear - ideally hiking boots. Hat & gloves if cold, waterproof jacket & trousers KIT LINK• Water (2 litres)• Lunch• We arrange train tickets and logistics, so just turn up and have a great day 😁
SAFETY - Your guide is a trained hike leader and Outdoor Activity First Aider
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