Chorleywood and the Chess Valley
Details
Walk length 10 miles (16 km) approx
A delightful circular walk taking in the small Chiltern Town of Chorleywood and village of Latimer along a particularly scenic route along the Chess Valley.
Walk Description
The walk starts from Chorleywood Station and then after short de-tour to explore the nearby common (County Heritage site of significant biodiversity) then takes in a route following a loop along the Chess Valley with the mid-point at the village of Latimer. One of the main features is the River Chess which forms part of the so called Three Rivers (Colne, Gade and Chess) it joins the Colne at Rickmansworth. The clear chalk filtered water of the Chess has made it popular for the growing of water cress, the last remaining cress farm can be seen on this walk.
History & Trivia
A village settlement has been at Chorleywood since Roman times. During the 17th century after the Turnpike act it was able to use its favourable location as a major point on the road between Hatfield and Reading to charge for its road use. Extensions of the Metropolitan Railway to Chorleywood in the 19th Century brought it into the rapidly developing commuter belt of London and further population growth. In the 1960's researchers at Chorleywood improved on established bread making processes (Chorleywood Bread Process), this is now used in 80% of the current UK bread production. The village of Latimer is particularly attractive with a number of 17th and 18th century cottages surrounding a small village green with a green pump.
Lunch & Finish:
Please bring a packed lunch and water for the walk. The walk will finish at about 4.15pm and include a 30 min lunch stop and pub stop, however the time may be earlier or later than this depending on the weather and pace (we have a relaxed pace which includes sightseeing and photography).
Meeting and Transport:
Meet at the entrance to Chorleywood Rail Station at 10.30am for the walk to start at 10.45am.
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Car: There is free parking close to the station such as Lower Rd, the station charges on a Sunday.
Please check for parking restrictions.
Train: The 10.12am train from London Marylebone gets to Chorleywood for 10.39am. If you are coming by train please let the organizers know, See Chiltern Railways (http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/). Chorleywood is also served by the London Metropolitan Underground line from Baker Street See Transport for London (http://www.tfl.gov.uk/)
I would encourage you to seek other members who are driving, or take advantage of a group save on the train. See: Group Save Advice (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Group_Save/)
Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Leon 07950125826 and Colin 07709305681.
RSVP: The organizers monitor non-attendance; we will ban anyone who 'no shows' twice for our events. You are also asked to please update your RSVP at least 24 hours beforehand.
Please see our RSVP policy (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/RSVP_for_Walks/)
Weather: Updates will be posted; see also BBC Weather (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/)
Please see our weather policy (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Weather/)
Walking Safety: Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You must wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking boots, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions (https://www.meetup.com/Chiltern-Explorers/pages/Terms_and_Conditions/)
Chorleywood and the Chess Valley