51km A Champing Gravel Ride
Sunset from Ivinghoe Beacon
Ride Overview
The Chilterns National Landscape offers some of the best off-road riding in the South East. Short sharp hills, grin-inducing descents through fields and woods, or cruising along flat trails, some of which are very ancient, through the spectacular beech forests of the hills. Riding along a path surrounded by the nationally famous bluebell woods of the Ashridge Estate, with an avian soundtrack accompanying you and a warm(ish) spring sun on your back is surely one of the great joys of being alive. Of course in other seasons the ride is equally delightful; rich and verdant summer, or multi-hued autumn. There are wonderful views across the plains and along the ridge of hills. If it’s a different sort of nature that you seek, something more exotic, you ride past past Whipsnade Zoo, (ZSL Conservation Zoo) with its lion, pygmy hippos, rhinos, elephants and the like.
It is not just nature which features on the ride, for there is Ashridge House, once the seat of the Dukes of Bridgewater. The gardens are a delight to walk around and the cafe offers a good half way stop. There is an impossible-to-miss memorial column commemorating the role of the Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater’s role in the development of England’s canal system. There are gliders to watch in the thermals above the Dunstable Downs and lunch (it could be the destination for the day) at The Alford Arms, listed as one of the best pubs in England is a treat. (book ahead). There are some delectable houses to dream of owning, quintessential villages and their medieval churches such as at Great Gaddesden.
As a half day blast, or a more leisurely full day out, the ride is an experienced cyclist’s must do, whilst Champing at Edelsborough Church.
Reviewed and amended April 26
Ride Practicalities
DISTANCE: 51km TOTAL ASCENT: 626m TERRAIN AND SURFACES: The whole route uses bridleways, by-ways and quiet country lanes, except for two short (5-600m) stretches on busy roads. A gravel bike is recommended. In early spring the paths can be muddy and chalk is never good to ride on when wet RECOMMENDED CAFÈS/PUBS/: Edlesborough; Heirloom Café, Dunstable Downs; View Café (NT) Aldbury; Church Farm Café, The Greyhound, Ashridge Estate; Ashridge Monument Café, Ashridge House; The Bakehouse; Frithsden (near Berkhamstead); The Alford Arms, NEARBY MAINLINE TRAIN SERVICES: Tring, Berkhamstead, PLACES TO VISIT; Edlesborough: St. Mary the Virgin church, Ashridge Estate; Ashridge House and bluebell woods LINKS TO OTHER RIDES: The Chiltern Explorer
Ride Notes
The Ashridge Estate, variously owned by the Bonhommes, (what a name for a group of monks - ‘good men’), and later by the Tudor monarchs who apparently loved the place. The first Duke of Bridgewater bought the estate from the Crown and successive Dukes used it as their private playground until Lloyd George’s Death Duties made the passing of huge estates onto the next generation all but impossible. In the early years of the twentieth century, the House became a Conservative (party) college before coming under the on-going control of the Hult International Business School. The Estate is managed by the National Trust. The wide, shared path is well maintained and you ride through the woods, which in spring are bursting with blue and green. (The woods are famed for their bluebells). If you are riding the route in late April/early May, turn right once you arrive at the road in order to see Dockey Wood. It is one of the most spectacular places in England to see Hyacinthoides non-scripta, the English bluebell.
Duke of Bridgewater Monument, Ashridge
All the details given on this route are given in good faith. However, situations on the ground can change, so if you know of any access issues, closures, or have any thoughts and feedback on the route, please include them in the comments section below.
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