Green Loop Walk, Watford 🚶🏼‍♂️

Myself, Frixos and Karen recce’d this recently as we wanted to put on a walk around Watford. It’s their Green Loop and is the pride of the town.

We genuinely thought it was going to be pretty rubbish at first, but then it turned into an absolutely fantastic walk. We ad-libbed in places and will do the same as we think it was better (and we’ve added in a special bit at the end which will blow you away 🦖)

We leave @ 10:30am from outside the front of the Watford Colosseum. Please park as near as you can to the end of Cassiobury Drive. This should bring you to Peace Drive. WD17 3PH. You can park on yellow lines on Sunday. (Check signs). You simply walk to the end of the road and turn left. (See photos for map) Please ensure you are ready to leave 10 mins before the departure time 🚙

The walk will follow this route (see map in photos):

1. Town Hall Quarter – The top of Watford town centre is a mixed-use cultural community hub with the Town Hall, Colosseum and Library.
2. Town Centre – A bustling hub of retail, dining, entertainment as well as a rich history, it has landmarks like St. Mary’s Church, Watford’s oldest building.
3. Oxhey Activity Park – A state of the art skate park with a café, bike trail, an adventure playground and wildflowers aimed at improving biodiversity.
4. River Colne – A globally rare chalk river, the Colne’s mineral rich waters support amazing wildlife and provides a green corridor through Watford.
5. Watford Parks – With many award-winning open spaces, including several along or near the Green Loop route, notable parks on the map are Waterfields and Riverside, both offering a variety of amenities. There is also King George V Playing Fields, which has Watford Cycle Hub, a children’s learn-to-ride facility, café, and fitness equipment.
6. Ebury Way – A scenic route that follows the route of a disused railway line. It stretches from Rickmansworth to Watford town centre, providing a peaceful and green corridor for outdoor activities.
7. Cassiobury Wetlands – A crucial habitat with reeds, ponds, and scrapes, as well as trees and a wildflower meadow also attracting birds like snipe and green sandpiper, as well as insects and crustaceans.
8. Cassiobury Park – The largest public park in Watford, it features woodland walks, a nature reserve, playgrounds, miniature railway, paddling pools, sports facilities and two cafes at the Hub and Tea Pavilion.
9. Grand Union Canal – The major waterway which was originally built to transport goods during the Industrial Revolution, now offers recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and walking along its picturesque towpaths.
10. Whippendell Wood – Recognised as ancient woodland, the scenic open space is a must-visit in spring for its for stunning bluebell display

6.5-7 miles. Will be roughly 2.5-3 hours. Can walk 4 minutes to The Horns pub to finish if you like 🎶🍺🍷☕️

NB: Meet Up cost is £2. Please pay on the day or preferably beforehand via this link: https://www.paypal.me/aac007 Please choose friends & family option only

If you enjoy the event feel free to post pictures and/or a message after, on the event itself. 📸 ✍️

If you are unable to attend for any reason please ensure you change your RSVP to not going. Not doing this results in holding up everybody else, which is unfair on all. Contact number on the day is 07376 796266

NB: This event is not led by a qualified leader, or covered by insurance. Please wear suitable footwear 🥾 and clothing. The organisers cannot be held responsible for any injuries, however caused. Members are expected to take responsibility for their own preparation and safety (including fluids, weather protection and a snack).