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Kenton to Chipperfield


Ride type:

Guided Rides

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Challenging 

Ride title:

Kenton to Chipperfield

Start Postcode:

HA3 8AX

Elevation:

GPX reference:

Komoot route

Introduce your route:

New riders are welcome. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so if anyone is struggling we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary. If you have questions or concerns speak to the Ride Leader or contact them before the ride. We ask that you read the full details of the ride including the distance and terrain to ensure the ride will be enjoyable for you. There are options to join the ride at Moor Park Station or finish at Watford Station. This is a fantastic route when the bluebells are out in mid to late April.

Kind of roads you'll be riding:

We will use a mix of roads and cycle paths on this route with plenty of hills and short sections of main road with fast moving traffic. There is one kilometre of compacted gravel on the Ebury Way. There is a steep hill coming up out of Rickmansworth though generally it is up hill going out and downhill on the return. Though there are 'only' seven hills a couple are quite hard. 

Stops on the way:

This ride has options as you could do a two-stop strategy by using the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Cassiobury Park.  Chipperfield rather than the out and back to Bea's in Kings Langley. The standard route takes you from Chipperfield to Bea's Coffee Barn near Kings Langley then back to Chipperfield though individuals could reduce the distance and hills by stopping at Tia's.

What to bring:

Please check your bike at home before the ride leaving yourself time to remedy any issues such as brake adjustments and repairing punctures. Bring a spare inner tube of the correct size and valve type for your bike, the tools to repair a puncture, a bike lock, water and a snack. It is advised that you bring money for the café or unexpected circumstances such as taking the train home. Please be mindful that not everywhere takes cash payment.

Consider the duration of the ride, the time of day you will be riding and the weather forecast. Dress appropriately ensuring no loose clothing or long laces that could get entangled in bike parts.

Route description:

This is the ride for you if you want to get more ascents under your belt. The total amount of climbing is 410m over 7 climbs with 2 of these being steep. Starting at Kenton Recreation Ground we go through Harrow Recreation Ground then tackle the Northwood Hills 'rollers' before making our way to Moor Park Station. Then it is on to Loadwater after a short stretch on the busy A404, Sarratt, Chipperfield then Bea's Coffee Barn on the outskirts of Kings Langley. The return takes us back into Chipperfield then on to Cassiobury Park via the quiet but rough Rousebarn Lane. Then we pass Watford Station, and after a short spell on the Ebury Way we come back via Carpenders Park, Hatch End, Headstone Manor and Harrow Recreation Ground before arriving back at Kenton Recreation Ground. 

Starting point description:

We will meet at the pump track in Kenton Recreation Ground. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the published start time to allow for introductions, bike checks and any briefing; this ensures a prompt departure at the stated time. The pump track is one hundred metres into the park from the car park which is at the end of Carlton Avenue. There is parking on local streets though do look for any parking restrictions.The nearest stations are Kenton (Bakerloo/Lioness) and Northwick Park (Metropolitan). Neither has step-free access. Postcode HA3 8AX. what3words ///fleet.jeeps.sends

Ride distance (miles):

37

Riding time (minutes):

260

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Steady

Overall duration (minutes):

330

Ride Leader notes

  • You can reduce the distance by 5 miles for some or all riders by having coffee in Chipperfield and missing out-and-back leg to Bea's Coffee Barn. Averaging 11.5mph and a shorter Coffee stops makes this 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • It is useful keeping in a bunch and briefing people before the A404 busy stretch as that has the right hand turn and you need a confident back marker to stop the traffic.
  • It is useful keeping in a bunch and briefing people before the Oxhey Lane busy stretch as that has the right hand turn and you need a confident back marker to stop the traffic.
Suggested stops 
  • At the bottom of the walk up the path coming out of Rickmansworth as you then do the A404 with the associated right hand turn.
  • At the top of the hill on Oxhey Lane just before the golf course as you approach Hatch End as you then do the right hand turn.
  • Pausing at Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Cassiobury allows people to get a drink, use the facilities.
  • With new riders it is helpful to pause before the underpass near Carpenders Park to brief riders on the ramp and bollards after the underpass. 

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