Leighton Buzzard to Berkhamsted Canal Walk

15 miles (24.1 km)

This walk takes you along a section of the Grand Union Canal Walk from Leighton Buzzard to Berkhamsted. The route runs for about 15 miles, following the towpath south towards Slapton, Cheddington and Marsworth Reservoir before finishing next to the castle ruins in Berkhamsted.
This peaceful stretch of the Grand Union Canal passes through the attractive countryside of the Chilterns and the Vale of Aylesbury, combining historic waterways with quiet rural scenery.... The canal was opened in the early nineteenth century to provide an important transport link between London and the Midlands, carrying coal, timber and other goods. Today the towpath offers a popular route for walkers and cyclists, with locks, bridges and traditional canal cottages adding character along the way.
Leaving Leighton Buzzard, the route quickly enters a more rural landscape, passing through farmland and peaceful villages including Slapton and Cheddington. The section around Marsworth Reservoir is one of the highlights, with a series of reservoirs, locks and waterways creating an attractive area for walking and wildlife watching. The reservoirs attract a wide range of birds, including waterfowl, herons and kingfishers.
The walk finishes in Berkhamsted, a historic market town with a strong connection to the canal and its surrounding countryside. The remains of Berkhamsted Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress, stand close to the canal and provide an interesting place to explore at the end of the walk. The town also has a range of independent shops, cafés, pubs and historic buildings to enjoy.