Berkhampstead
Thank you Stephen for excellent walk today, including Golden Valley.
By train: The 09.25 from Euston to Berkhamsted, West Midlands Trains.
Arrives 9.57. Frequent trains for the afternoon return. Freedom passes cover travel as far as Watford Junction. Tuen left at the bottom of the steps from the platform to get to Castle side.
By car: A4/M4, M25, A41 (Turn off at exit after HemelHempstead). Plenty of free parking around Berkhamsted Station.
The walk starts with a long incline from Berkhamsted Castle to the magnificent Common and crosses Ashridge Golf Course (where the great Arnold Palmer used to practice before UK golf tournaments). Just before lunch we will pass through the one acre Alpine Meadow, a venture set-up to encourage chalk grassland bird and insect life. You may spot a rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly. The afternoon section drops fairly quickly, into the Golden Valley, one of the most beautiful places in all of the Chiltern Hills. There are commanding views before the final descent through woodland.
Lunch: The Bridgewater Arms, Little Gaddesden HP4 1PD. Tables booked inside but there is a large, slightly detached garden
Owing to staff shortages it will be necessary to confirm numbers and place food orders by 11am on Monday 10th July. There is an excellent PO general store next to the pub for soft drinks etc. if you do not want the full pub meal.