The Chilterns Hike - Great Gaddesdon, Nettledean & Canal Circular - 17km

Join us for a beautiful and varied 17 km circular hike through the scenic Chilterns countryside.

Hemel to Great Gaddesden Circular via Nettleden, Frithsden & Canal Return

Start/ End: Hemel Hempsted Station
Distance: 17 km / 10.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 275 m
Difficulty: Grade 2.5/5 - Moderate to Challenging
Duration: Approximately 5hrs Walking time plus breaks
Accessible By Train: Yes
Terrain: Tracks, lanes, rolling hills, wooded paths, and canal towpath
Date & Time: Meet: 9.30am Finish: Around 3.30pm

Price: £12.50 Plus Meet up booking fee (Or pay by CARD)

Event Details:
Starting in Hemel Hempstead, we’ll head north through peaceful farmland and tree-lined paths to reach the historic village of Great Gaddesden, where you’ll pass the peaceful Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, a tranquil spot nestled in the hills.
From there, the route winds through the quiet hamlets of Nettleden and Frithsden, where we’ll walk close to the Frithsden Vineyard, tucked away on the edge of the Ashridge Estate. Depending on the season, you may catch a glimpse of the vines or even spot deer in the surrounding woodland.
We’ll also pass by traditional watercress beds, part of the areas agricultural heritage, and take in views of open countryside, mixed woodland, and gentle ridges. After our hillier woodland sections, we’ll descend to join the Grand Union Canal for a peaceful final stretch along the towpath, offering a flat finish back into Hemel.
This walk includes a mixture of wide tracks, forest trails, and a few short road sections. There are some steady inclines and descents, but nothing too steep or prolonged.

Highlights:

• Amaravati Buddhist Monastery
• Watercress beds and tranquil streams
• Frithsden Vineyard and ancient woodland
• Grand Union Canal return stretch
• Varied views across the Gade Valley and Chiltern foothills

Meeting Point:
Station Entrance Hemel Hempstead Station
Hemel Hempstead HP3 9BQ

What to Wear and Bring:
- Our walks go ahead in all weather, so dress appropriately. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
- Check the forecast and bring sun cream, a hat, or sunglasses for warm days, and waterproofs, a warm hat, and gloves for cold or wet days.
- Wear trousers or leggings to reduce the risk of tick bites and nettle stings. Avoid denim or cotton.
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. Open-toe shoes are unsuitable.
- Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, lunch, and snacks, as there may be no opportunities to buy food or drinks along the route.
- Public toilets may not be available on the route.

Sign-Up Form:
If you haven’t completed a form this year or your circumstances have changed, please fill out the sign up form before attending. Participation is not allowed without a completed form, as this ensures we understand your needs and can maintain group safety. (link can be found in Ts&Cs section of the website - or cut and paste below into your browser) Form link: [https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058 ](https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058)

Preparation and Fitness:
You are responsible for your own health and safety. Ensure you can hike continuously for the duration specified. Dress appropriately, please bring the required gear and carry any personal medications. Participants without proper equipment may be unable to join the walk.

Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, which can result in serious injury or death. By participating, you voluntarily assume all such risks.

Our Guides:
Our experienced, qualified leaders are skilled in navigation, first aid, and outdoor leadership. Each route is carefully planned to match the advertised grade, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enjoyable experience.

Additional Information: Dogs are not permitted on our walks. Adventure Women UK is an all-female activity group, and participants must be over 18.
Our events are advertised on other platforms, the number of "guest" booked on include attendees from other platforms. If the walk is full, you can join the website waiting list here

Walk Grades: For details on walk difficulty levels, visit the Walk Grades Section at[ https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1](https://adventurewomen.co.uk/walk-grades-1)

Important Note: By RSVPing “Yes” to any event, you agree to the group’s terms and conditions. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs