03 Mar 2013: St Albans to Chipperfield

This morning we were a good size group and were soon off south out of St Albans, along the lanes through Potters Crouch, Bricket Wood and the fringes of north Watford.  It was a cold and frosty morning, but with bright sunshine and clear skies, there was every prospect of things warming up quickly.

Waiting for the train to pass on the Alban Way

Horses being unloaded at Patchett's

Turning east we crossed the M1 arriving at the equestrian centre at Patchetts Green. 'Equestrian centre', not 'riding stables' - this is an upmarket establishment (the toilets are luxuriously appointed), but they do seem to let cyclists into the cafe and it is reasonably priced.

Exercising in the paddock

Inmate at the stables

Refreshments over, we set off again through bits of Watford, dodging over the busy roundabout with the A41, but then down quiet side streets to pick up the Ebury Way cycle path. After 6 or 7 miles we left the path at Rickmansworth. 

Climbing the narrow lane to Chorleywood we passed Penn Farm, an historic building which was a puritan centre during the Civil War and in which William Penn was married before leaving for America. Crossing the steep valley at Chorleywood soon brought us to the much steeper Chess valley. A stiff climb brought us into Sarratt and soon on through the pleasant lanes to our lunch stop in Chipperfield. This went on a bit, as there was quite a delay in getting our sandwiches served. 

Still, no serious complaints, and after a relaxing lunch break it was time to make our way back to our various haunts.


Only 36.7 miles, but a great day out.

Richard
3 Mar 2013