Berkhamsted to Beacon Hill
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/Photo: Michael Gallagher, Community -
/ Marsworth lakesPhoto: Michael Gallagher, Community
A lovely scenic route requiring 2.5 hours saddle time but there are a couple of shortcuts which will shorten it a little and remove one challenging climb.
This ride is a mix of canals, lakes and Ashridge forest. It 90% off road with all the hills in the second half after Ivanhoe. The first short cut misses out the Wendover arm of the canal and one of the Marsworth lakes and saves about 2 miles. (Points 1 to 2 on the map)
At Pitstone you could do a detour to see the very fine restored windmill.(Free)
The route goes around Ivanhoe Beacon (NT), but if you are feeling energetic you could cycle up it – although strictly speaking it is a footpath so you shouldn’t. Shortly afterwards you are off road along Dunscombe Terrace into the Ashridge estate – a great track all the way to the Bridgwater Monument (beautiful colours in the autumn time!).
The route then drops down to the pretty village of Aldbury, with a steep climb back, but if you have had enough hills there is a shortcut shown from point 3 to 4 which misses out Aldbury.
The final section is a lovely route through Ashridge forest back to Berkhamsted
Start
Note
Coordinates
Equipment
Basic Equipment for Mountain Biking
- Cycling helmet
- Cycling gloves
- Sturdy, comfortable and preferably waterproof footwear
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket)
- Sunglasses
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
Technical Equipment for Mountain Biking
- Air pump or CO2 pump including cartridges
- Puncture repair kit
- Replacement inner tube
- Tire levers
- Chain tool
- Hex keys
- Phone / device holder as required
- Bike lock as required
- Where applicable, the bike must meet requirements for road use by having a bell, front and rear lamps and spoke reflectors
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
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