Nature Walk in the Gade Valley (2501)

  • Event Icon
    Start dateMay 20 2023
  • Event Icon
    Time09:30 am
  • Event Icon
    LocationHP1 3BY
  • Event Icon
    Price£5

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.

Additional information

Good walking shoes or boots are highly recommended. Clothes according to the weather. Some money in case we stop for a drink. Bring water & snacks.

Julian Wilkes. Wilkes Walks.
In Great Gaddesden there is a Garden Centre called 'Hemel Hempstead Garden Centre', which is on the corner of the Leighton Buzzard road and Piper's Hill, postcode HP1 3BY. We will meet in the car park of the garden centre. There is parking in the garden centre, in the village or on Piper's Hill.
4 Miles
Medium walks (4-6 miles)
3 hours 30 minutes
Fairly easy (some gentle inclines, steps/stiles)
Gentle
16
Yes (A gentle pace with many stops)