Berkhamsted Grand Union Canal

Leisurely walk along the canal to a great pub and back again

Easy ~ 7KM ~ 2 HOURS

Berkhamsted Grand Union Canal

This is an ideal walk along the canal if you fancy something quite leisurely and with very little elevation. Start at The Boat (or the train station in Berkhamsted which is just round the corner) and head along the canal. It’s not suitable for wheelchairs as the canal path can be a bit iffy in places and there are steps up to bridges which you need to use to cross to follow the tow path.

Take your time and let the countryside just soak into your soul. You’ll pass and be passed by canalboats of all sizes, colours, and conditions, and you can stop and rest at a few of the locks along the way.

Do take care to watch out and listen out for cyclists who can appear behind you quite suddenly.

Probably best to keep dogs on a lead as the canal water isn’t best for them – that said, please make sure you pick up after your dog and put the bags in the proper bins. As seems typical these days you’ll find other dog owners have passed this way before you and some of them leave the stuff behind on the paths or hang their little bags off random branches.

Apart from that this is a great little walk and the pubs at either end are both worth it.

DIFFICULTY
Easy
Distance
7KM
Time
2 HOURS
Elevation
 
1: Start at The Boat in Berkhamsted

Just round the corner from the train station and the ruins of Berkhamsted Castle, The Boat is a great place to start from. Check out the menu before you set off so that when you get to the pub at the other end you know whether you fancy something there or would prefer to wait to get back to The Boat for food. Either way you won’t be disappointed.

2: Walk along the canal

Dead easy this one. Come out of the Boat onto their terrace and then head down the stairs to the canal path. You’ll be on the north side of the Grand Union Canal. Now just keep walking. If you find yourself thirsty early then there’s a lovely little pub called The Rising Sun about 100 yards down the path. Also well worth a visit.

Eventually you’ll reach a small road bridge (Bank Mill) and you’ll have to cross over it and back down the other side to the south side of the canal.

Keep going.

3: The Three Horseshoes at Winkwell

After 2km you’ll spot a pub in the distance on the north side. This is The Three Horseshoes. Cross over the swing bridge (as long as it isn’t currently open to let a canalboat through) and you’ve arrived.

In the summer months especially at weekends you may need to book tables. Worth giving them a call and checking before you set off.

 

4: Retrace your steps

Easy as pie. Stop when you get back to The Boat in Berkhamsted.

Pubs on this walk

Keep updated

Register your email address to be notified when we launch every new feature, including saving favourites, offline walking maps, and much much more!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.