Nature Walk in the Gade Valley (2501)

Today we will be exploring the varied habitats that make our Chilterns such a unique and special area for nature and wildlife.

Starting our walk beside the crystal clear broad-waters of the river Gade, we follow the riverside through water meadows for a while before heading up and into woodlands. As we walk through the landscape through farmlands and along leafy paths which skirt around the village of Potten End, we will arrive at the sleepy hamlet of Frithsden on the edge of the Ashridge Estate. We pause here before continuing on an ancient track through the next hamlet of Nettleden and then up past the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery before returning to our start, the peaceful village of Great Gaddesden. The focus of this walk will be observing and learning the variety of nature around us and the pace of the walk will allow us time to soak up the delights of this beautiful countryside.

Easy walking on good paths. The walk is 4 miles, 6.4km. Ascent and descent 560ft, 170m.