Ashridge Estate Circular to explore Best Bluebell Woods

General Area:-  Ashridge Estate Circular to explore Best Bluebell Woods  Miles  11.5  Grade  Moderate
Meeting Time 10.25   Meeting Place  Tring Station  (on right side of footbridge near carpark)
Leader  Sue Aldridge  Leaders Mobile  07713 025494  on the day only.
Travel:-  Depart Harrow & Wealdstone  9.51,  Watford Junc. 10.00,  Arrive Tring 10.21
Nature of Walk:-  Departing from Tring Station we soon ascend the wooded scarp slope into the Ashridge Estate to walk through Copse Wood to have our first glimpse of the bluebells. We have a brief break at the visitor centre, mainly for toilets and quick drinks. Then we loop round Ashridge Park, crossing the golf course heading towards Little Gaddesden. Picnic lunch probably on edge of golf course area, a short distance from ‘The Bridgewater Arms’ Pub where we hope to have time for drinks and use of toilets. (P.S. Very limited seating where we have our picnic so best bring a sitting mat in case grass is damp). We then continue via Ringshall and soon will walk round Crawley Wood and Dockey Wood, well known for their fantastic displays of bluebells. As it is the day leading up to the bank holiday weekend there is likely to be a small NT admission charge of approx. £3.50, preferably cash, to be able to walk round Dockey Wood, but if you are a National Trust Member, please bring your membership card to allow free access to Dockey Wood. Later, we will trek south along small tracks through the heart of the forest, hopefully seeing even more bluebells on our way back to the visitor centre, where we will have a much needed tea and toilet stop. Lastly, the descent down through scenic Albury village will soon bring us back to catch the train home from Tring Station.

Although a fairly long walk, there is only one steepish ascent early on in the morning, then most of the walk is gently undulating with quite a few flat sections. Some possible muddy tracks in woodland areas, particularly if there has been recent wet weather. Walking poles may be helpful if you normally use them as a few paths may be a bit rough and uneven. No toilets at Tring Station but will have two stops at Visitor Centre for toilets on outward and returning walk, plus at the Pub.