Gadebridge
Gadebridge Park and Highfiled
| Distance: | 5km (3 miles) |
|---|---|
| Time: | about 1½ hours |
| Rating: | Moderate, with some steep climbs. (Taking the bus to Bellgate gives a choice of downhill walks) |
| Starting point: | Any point on the route show me Gadebridge Park on a map |
Route description
This walk may be joined at any point along the route, and walked in either direction. The dotted line on the map shows the route and there are also waymark posts with 'circular walk' arrows along the way. If you are driving to Hemel Hempstead, we suggest using one of the Gadebridge Park car parks, and walking clockwise.
The paths up through the Park and along the Nicky Line are quite steep. If you are not used to walking, you could take a bus to Bellgate (the highest point) and follow the walk downhill in either direction. Buses 2 and 3 go from Marlowes, via Fletcher Way; buses 4 and 5 go from Marlowes, via Catsdell. The Hertfordshire Traveline (telephone - 0870 608 2 608, Mon - Fri during office hours) will be able to advise on timetables.
Alternatively, it is very easy and pleasant to walk around Gadebridge Park to build up your level of fitness before trying the full route. The full circuit is just under 5 km (3 miles) and should take between one and one and a half hours to walk.
Points of interest
Gadebridge Park
Has many interesting features, such as the white bridge across the River Gade. This was on the driveway to Gadebridge House, where the new estate is now. And as you come into the Park from Queensway, look for the walled garden and Charter Tower. The interpretation boards will tell you more about these and other points of interest.
Howe Grove
Has been a Local Nature Reserve since 1997. The name "Howe Grove" may derive from the Howe family, who owned Gadebridge Farm, Pix Farm and Felden Farm for several centuries.It is one of the most important mixed woodland wildlife areas in Hemel Hempstead. You may be lucky enough to see or hear warblers, tawny owls, great spotted woodpeckers, tree creepers, nuthatches or sparrowhawks. Look out for the old hedge bank at the end of the wood and notice how the character of the wood changes here from high forest to young woodland.
The Nicky Line
Was once the railway line linking the straw plait trade of Hemel Hempstead to the hatmakers of Luton. It now provides a peaceful haven for walkers, cyclists and wildlife. The name may derive from "funicular", and refer to the steep gradients, or possibly from the knickerbockers worn by the navvies. Another theory is that the name comes from the parish of St Nicholas in Harpenden.
To extend your walk around Gadebridge Park, have a look round the western side of the Park or visit the site of the Roman villa. Please use the subway by the white bridge to cross the Leighton Buzzard Road.
Refreshments
This walk is supported by the Dacorum NHS Primary Care Group and Dacorum Borough Council
Rights of Way symbols you might see
|
Yellow arrows indicate footpaths for pedestrian use only |
| Blue arrows indicate bridleways for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrian use only |
| Red arrows indicate Byways Open to All Traffic (BOAT) for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians and may be legally used by other wheeled vehicles |
| Black arrows indicate Roads Used as Public Paths (RUPP) for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians and may be legally used by other wheeled vehicles |
Maps
This map is based on Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Hertfordshire County Council 100019606 2004.
The Ordnance Survey mapping included within this web-site is provided by Hertfordshire County Council under licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfill its public function to provide information relating to its activities, services and plans. Persons viewing this mapping should contact Ordnance Survey copyright for advice where they wish to license Ordnance survey mapping for their own use.
See the Ordnance Survey site for more information.
This is is one of a series of walks through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) supported by the Chilterns Conference.
Please be considerate in the countryside - keep to footpaths, especially through crops, and leave farm gates as you find them.
