14 Aug 2016: St Albans to Wooburn Common

Last Sunday, 5 of us took a great little trip down to Maple Cross via Bricketwood and various off road parks in Watford.  We hit the Ebury Way and took that to Rickmansworth and then the main road from there to Maple Cross.  This route took in several different styles of road from quiet country lanes, a short portion of off road and some rather busy road riding.

After a break, we headed to Chalfont St Peter via the rather busy Welders Lane: this lane cuts through to just below Jordans, which is ideal for getting across to Beaconsfield.  Once there, it’s a case of finding the bridge that spans the huge motorway type road thing that dominates the area.  After crossing that, it’s a bit of jiggery pokery by another huge roundabout, down some very nice country lanes and Bob’s your uncle and we were there.

Outside The Royal Standard

The Royal Standard was a lovely pub and very accommodating; we shall be visiting again.  I was surprised we got to the pub so quickly: when I was working out this route it seemed a long way but, in practice, it was only just over 10 miles.

Lunch over, and we were off to Chenies via Holtspar, Penn, and Winchmore Hill.  This was the hilliest portion of the day, as we skirted the Chilterns and dropped down into Chalfont St Giles.  As we neared our planned tea destination, it was clear that we were going to be very early, so we put on some extra miles and headed to an alternative tea stop - Blackwells in Chipperfield.

Break over and it's back to St Albans via King’s Langley and Tom’s lane.  It was great day out to an area that needs a little more exploring.

Neil 14/08/2016