Ashridge Bluebells (14 or 11 miles)

Edward II was born this day in 1284. Roger Mortimer was born this day in 1287. Not only did King Edward & Mortimer share the same birthday, both their fates lay with "the beauty of beauties...in the kingdom if not in all Europe" - Isabella of France.

While Isabella acted out her role as dutiful wife to Edward at King's Langley, he proffered the nearby castle at Berkhamsted to his preferred favourite, Piers Gaveston.

From those impressive castle ruins, this walk heads into the Ashridge woods, which house among the most romantic expanses of bluebells. Then the Grand Union canal takes us to King's Langley, historic seat of the Plantagenets.

Travelling in France, Isabella found solace in Mortimer. After she returned with Mortimer triumphant, and Edward found himself duly deposed, the castle from where we start became home for her son John of Eltham.

Outward Travel: Take the train departing 9.54 AM from London Euston to BERKHAMSTED. With Groupsave or Network Card an off peak day single is £7.30. Return from KING'S LANGLEY to London is £5.75. So total return £13.05 with Groupsave or Network card.

Those wanting a shorter walk can finish at earlier stations Hemel Hempstead or Apsley.

Beforehand from 9.30 AM the organizer will be easy to spot near the ticket office in the station wearing yellow to act as a focal point for people arranging group tickets.

Walk start: 10.30 AM from Berkhamsted rail station.
Bring a packed lunch. Cafe stop. Pub stop for drinks.

How to join?

• The walk is entirely free of charge;
• You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses;
• Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part);
• Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips:

https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

What to bring

• Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended
• Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk
• Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case
• Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section!

IMPORTANT

Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes.

Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader".

Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen.

Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-)

By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer.

Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips:

https://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/

TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE

Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered.

As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.