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Watling Chase Timberland Trail

9.94 miles (16 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap Follow the Watling Chase Timberland Trail through the Watling Chase Community Forest on this historical path used by travellers for at least two thousand years.
The walk starts at Elstree and Borehamwood Station and heads north to Shenley where you will pass though the pretty Shenley park. This 45 acre park boasts woodlands, a wildflower meadow and an apple orchard. Also at Shenley you will find the Shenley Cricket Centre with its 19th century pavillion designed by W.G Grace. The path then heads to London Colney, joining the River Colne which leads you to the picturesque Colney Heath and then onto the finish point at Smallford, near St Albans and Hatfield Park.

Watling Chase Timberland Trail OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Watling Chase Timberland Trail Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Shenley you could enjoy a pit stop at The White Horse. This gastropub has a great menu with delicious Mediterranean food. There's a stylish interior with open fires and armchairs. Outside there's a lovely garden area for warmer days. You can find them at 37 London Road with a postcode of WD7 9ER for your sat navs.
The route also passes very close to Ridge where the The Old Guinea provides another attraction option. The early 19th century inn has a splendid large garden seating 150 people. You can enjoy a meal here with a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside. They can be found at Crossoaks Lane, EN6 3LH.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

On the northern outskirts of St Albans there's miles of good cycling and walking trails to be found around the Heartwood Forest near Sandridge.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

London Colney, Arsenal FC training ground - geograph.org.uk - 1386293

London Colney, Arsenal FC training ground.  The Arsenal Training Centre was opened in 1999, costing £10 million. It houses ten full size pitches, two with under-soil heating, and a state-of-the-art dressing room complex. These facilities are owned by Arsenal and are also regularly used by the England national team for training in advance of club and international matches, respectively. This image was taken from the Watling Chase Timberland Trail public footpath.

London Colney, Watling Chase Timberland Trail - geograph.org.uk - 1386321

London Colney trail view. At this point the trail follows a public footpath between the extremely well concealed Arsenal FC training ground on the right and the University College London (UCL) sports facilities on the left.

Shenley, Watling Chase Timberland Trail - geograph.org.uk - 1385640

Here are two fine oak trees on either side of the trail between Shenley and London Colney.

Watling Chase Timberland Trail in Shenley Park 1

Shenley Park 1

Watling Chase Timberland Trail in Shenley Park 2

Shenley Park 2

River Colne, London Colney - geograph.org.uk - 1847247

The River Colne at London Colney

Elevation Profile

GPS Files

GPX File

Watling Chase Timberland Trail.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Watling Chase Timberland Trail.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)