Old Moaner Travel
I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list
Grand Union Canal: Tring to Croxley
This stretch of the canal sees a transformation from the Home Counties to Greater London.
As the surrounding areas become more built up, the charm of the canal still remains.
Section Length: 16.27 miles (26.18 km)
Time Taken: 5 hrs 28 mins
Dates Walked: 6th & 10th May 2017
Weather conditions: 6th - overcast but warm, temperature 14°c
20th - Sunny and warm, temperature 20°c
Logistics: Leg 1: (Tring - Berkhamsted 4.02 miles) Train to Tring station. Tring station is very close to the canal with two - four trains an hour, depending on direction of travel.
Leg 2 (Berkhamsted - Croxley 12.25 miles) Train to Berkhamsted, two trains an hour. Short, uphill, walk to Croxley station, Metropolitan Line, approx 4 trains an hour in each direction.
Tring cutting begins opening up past Tring station and although the cutting is still there the number of trees is fewer, the cutting is wider and the dappled tones less pronounced.
If you have been following this guide from the start you will be aware there are marinas a plenty along the canal and we soon approach what, for me, is the best named of them all Cowroast Marina, although maybe not the best name if you're feeling peckish. I had visions of the marina being home to a massive barbecue and the aroma of sizzling steaks - sadly it was just a dream, as all there was there were canal boats.
The scenery becomes more urban, albeit an attractive kind of urban, as the canal approaches Berkhamsted. It has to be said the town has fully embraced the canal, and it has a lovely park built alongside the northern bank of the canal and it looks to be a park the locals take full advantage of.
The town centre is nearby and for those of a historic bent, the remains of Berkhamsted Castle are only a short walk from the canal.
Oddly enough this stretch of canal is quite hard on the legs, for the simple reason the towpath frequently switches sides of the canal and some of the bridges and crossings are incredibly steep, this is in total contrast to the earlier stages of the walk where the towpath would remain on the same side of the canal for miles and miles, for example the towpath doesn't change sides for almost 23 miles from Hatton to Braunston.
Now I have no desire to cast aspersions on the sobriety of the residents of Berkhamsted, however there are no fewer than five pubs along the half mile stretch of canal as you leave the town, although if you wish to imbibe I suggest you do in one of these five establishments as there is nothing else until Hemel Hempstead, some 3½ miles further down the canal.
The canal skirts round the southern fringes of Hemel Hempstead so if has a fairly rural setting and with only a couple lt locks it's a generally flat stretch, although the towpath is a bit rugged at times. If you like peeking into other peoples gardens there are some stunning properties backing onto the canal, along this stretch.
Apsley is a bit of a revelation as a lovey modern open area has been built around the towns marina. There is plenty of seating and pubs, restaurants and general stores - a good place for a relaxing rest.
As you leave Apsley the towpath again crosses the canal, with one of the steepest bridges on the entire walk - it will test your calf muscles.
There is a lovely shady section as you leave Apsley - by shady I mean in terms of light not the character of the area
Kings Langley is next up and another milestone as the canal passes under the M25 motorway and you really are now in Greater London. Before you cross the motorway a series of modern canal side properties line the canal. This was an odd stretch of canal and I'm not sure if it is used for nefarious purposes but there seemed to be a large number of lone men loitering in the area acting shiftily.
The section after crossing the M25 is very open, with a few locks.
Coming past Abbots Langley we go past one of the prettiest parts of the canal - flanked on the far side by a golf club, ample planting and delightful houses make this a great spot to stroll through. Another canal crossing involves an ornate bridge, which provides another steep crossing.
Heading south, the canal passes by Cassibury Park which looks to be very popular with locals. You soon pass under a railway bridge and, if you time it right, you'll get your first view of an underground train, confirming you really are in London.
Croxley is a typical suburban town and where this stretch of the walk ends.
Previous: Fenny - Tring
Next: Croxley - Brentford
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