Tring, Aldbury and Ivinghoe Beacon along the Ridgeway
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This is a circular walk, approximately 10 miles in length.
This walk takes in part of the Ridgeway (or "ancient trackway" often described as Britain's oldest road). The Ridgeway is a national trail which starts in Wiltshire and ends at Ivinghoe Beacon (which we shall visit) in the Eastern Chilten Hills. The national trail is 87 miles in length; clearly we will not be covering it all on this walk!
The views to the north over the Buckinghamshire countryside are spectacular on a clear and crisp Spring day.
We wind our way south through the huge and ancient forest of the Ashridge Estate, before reaching the Bridgewater Monument. The monument was built in 1832 in memory of the third Duke of Bridgewater who once lived in Ashridge house. As we walk around its York stone base, we will be able to notice how the monument is dedicated to 'the father of inland navigation' because the duke became famous for building canals during the Industrial Revolution.
We descend to the valley and the pretty village of Aldbury (often used in TV and film productions) where we will stop for a drink at one of the two excellent pubs in the village, before returning to the station.
What to bring
Water: bring at least a litre
Medicines: if you have any ailments etc.
Rucksack: or any other bag
Footwear: hiking boots or sturdy trainers.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally not jeans which become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
You will need a packed lunch, and plenty of water and snacks to see you through the day. We will stop for a picnic lunch at a suitably scenic spot; for your own comfort you may wish to bring something to sit on.