RickmansworthWatford

Ricwat two
Verified route

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

By Strider on 24 Apr 2022


Distance

7km/4mi

Ascent

-

Descent

-

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Description

Reviewers of Ricwat one did not like walking along main roads, who does?
This route follows The Ebury Way and parks for 90% of the way. Only 150m of busy road, the other roads are quiet.
Easy to cycle too as almost all cycle paths

Reviewers of Ricwat one did not like walking along main roads, who does?
This route follows The Ebury Way and parks for 90% of the way. Only 150m of busy road, the other roads are quiet.
Easy to cycle too as almost all cycle paths

Status

This route has been reviewed by 6 people.

There are no issues flagged.

Photos for Ricwat two

Photos of this route will appear when they are added to a review. You can review this route here.


Information

Verified route

Route status - Live

Reviews - 6

Average rating -

Is this route good enough? -  Yes (6)

There are currently no problems reported with this route.

Downloads - 14

Surveys

What is this route like?

Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.

Grade 2X based on 1 surveys Sign up or log in to survey this route.
Description Note
Grade 2: Mostly smooth and compacted surfaces, but there may be some loose gravel, muddy patches or cobbles.
Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 1 surveys.
Full grading description

Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.

Survey Photos

Facilities

Facilities in the middle third of this route.

Not present at time of survey Public toilet (1)
Not present at time of survey Wheelchair accessible toilet (1)
Not present at time of survey Supermarket (1)
Not present at time of survey Restaurant (1)
Not present at time of survey Vegan restaurant (1)
Not present at time of survey Accommodation (1)
Not present at time of survey Accommodation < £50 (1)
Not present at time of survey Campsite (1)
Not present at time of survey Bothy (1)
Not present at time of survey Free wifi (1)
Not present at time of survey Public phone (1)
Present at time of survey Mobile phone coverage (1)
Not present at time of survey Train station (1)
Present at time of survey Bench (1)
Not present at time of survey Picnic table (1)
Not present at time of survey Bus stop (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry (1)

Challenges

Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.

Not present at time of survey Scrambling (1)
Not present at time of survey Wading (1)
Not present at time of survey Swimming (1)
Not present at time of survey Climbing (1)
Not present at time of survey Stepping stones (1)
Not present at time of survey Very slippery (1)
Not present at time of survey Very muddy (1)
Not present at time of survey Very icy (1)
Not present at time of survey Likely to flood (1)
Not present at time of survey Long grass sections (1)
Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path (1)
Not present at time of survey Diverted path (1)

Obstacles

Obstacles on this route.

Not present at time of survey Stiles (1)
Present at time of survey Step and kerbs (1)
Present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable (1)
Not present at time of survey Flights of steps (1)
Not present at time of survey Gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Kissing gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Locked gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Disables access gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Cycle barriers (1)
Not present at time of survey Ladders (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle grids (1)
Not present at time of survey Fords (1)
Not present at time of survey Narrow bridges (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry required (1)
Not present at time of survey Acceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings (1)
Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads (1)
Not present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads (1)
Not present at time of survey Railway crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey River crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Horses possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Tidal area (1)
Not present at time of survey Potential falls (1)
Not present at time of survey Exposed to elements (1)
Not present at time of survey Remote area (1)
Not present at time of survey Mountainous area (1)
Not present at time of survey Military training area (1)
Not present at time of survey No visible path (1)
Not present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds (1)
Not present at time of survey Other hazards (1)

Accessibility

Is this route step and stile free?

Present at time of survey Free of stiles (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs (1)
Present at time of survey Free of flights of steps (1)
Present at time of survey Free of other obstacles (1)

Measurements

Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.

The narrowest part of the path is 130.0cm (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 5.0% (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 5.0% (1)

The steepest camber gradient across the path 1.0% (1)

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Unsigned (1)

Successfully completed

We asked route surveyors "Have you successfully completed this route with any of the following? If so, would you recommend it to someone with the same requirements?". Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Recommended by an expert

We asked route surveyors "Are you a trained access professional, officer or expert? If so, is this route suitable for someone travelling with any of the following?" Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Terrain

We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.

10.0% of the route is on roads (1)

12.0% of the route is lit at night (1)

50.0% of the route is paved (1)

5.0% of the route is muddy (1)

There is no data on rough ground

There is no data on long grass

Report a problem with this data

1 surveys

Information from verified surveys.

2X May 2022 by Strider
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Geography information system (GIS) data

Total length

Maximum elevation

Minimum elevation

Start and end points

Rickmansworth
Grid Ref TQ0600794441
Lat / Lon 51.63881° / -0.46952°
Easting / Northing 506,007E / 194,442N
What3Words glad.alarm.change
Watford
Grid Ref TQ1137096101
Lat / Lon 51.65268° / -0.39153°
Easting / Northing 511,370E / 196,101N
What3Words clip.opera.flown

Sorry Land Cover data is not currently available for this route. Please check back later.

reviews


Andy_mackay

25 Jun 2023 Summer

A straightforward walk using for a large section - the well pathed and walked/ wheeled and cycled Ebury Way. A group of us walked this route in reverse from Watford High St. to Rickmansworth.

The Watford end is well placed for the main facilities (being at the bottom of the high street). Buses stop nearby (5-10 mins walk) at Claredon Street, and the overground station at the meeting place can whisk you away to other destinations (with connections).

Walking from town, there is a bit of pavement walking alongside busy roads, but crossings are reasonable. From Oxhey Park, you join the cycleway, and quickly are on the quiet (except for passing cyclists who share the route) Ebury Way. A stop at Watford and Leavesden Cycle Hub can break up this route if needed (there are toilets, seating and refreshments there).

There are limited obstructions on RicWat2, unless you detour onto Croxley Moor (where there is some kissing gates). Entering Rickmansworth via Hampermill Lake, there are some narrower path sections, but nothing seems too restrictive.

In Rickmansworth, the meeting place (as discussed in other reviews) could be better placed, although the train station and bus stops are nearby (5 minute walk).

Totally legitimate part of the network. A lovely and efficient walk and uses existing walking infrastructure (purposeful), what a good Slow Way should be.


Sue

25 Jun 2023 Summer

We joined the route at Watford and after walking along busy road quickly found ourselves in countryside. The walk was accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.
The cycle hub at Croxley Green is about halfway with seating, toilets and snacks.
I think you would feel safe walking this route by yourself during the day. Varied scenery and information boards along the way with the opportunity to walk round nature reserve. Well sign posted.


Kevin Wooldridge

25 Jun 2023 Summer

On leaving the lower part of Watford High Street the route runs close to the A411 road and close to a busy shopping mall. There are two single lanes of potentially fast-moving traffic to cross before reaching Oxhey Park.

Once in the park the well-maintained path (the Ebury Way) follows the Colne River and then the disused railway line. The Watford Cycle Hub mid-distance offers seating, drinks and toilet facilities. For the remainder of the walk the route is a good surface and seems quite popular with cyclists - some riding at speed !

Arriving in Rickmansworth there are quite narrow pavements and it is safer to cross the road (not too busy) where the footpath is wider. The end point of the walk would be better if moved to the top of Station Road adjacent to the tube station and bus stops.

I would walk this route again. It is level throughout, feels safe and has no apparent access issues. I would recommend it as it is.


Bob Sherren

25 Jun 2023 Summer

From Watford High St Station the route quickly leaves urban Watford behind for a pleasant, safe, walk through largely unspoiled countryside to Rickmansworth on level terrain
The walk finishes at one end the pedestrianised section of the High Street. The bus stop shown here has now been moved to the adjacent Northway but is still only of very limited use. I would recommend ending the route at the railway station to give a wider choice of trains/buses for onward travel.


Carl

22 Dec 2022 Winter

I have used this route multiple times. A pleasant route Spring to Autumn but can be rather muddy along the Ebury way in the wetter months. Much better than following the canal towpath for those on bikes but not the best route for those in wheelchairs. It can be rather quiet at times and thus some may find it uncomfortable to walk alone.
Croxley Common is located along the way and can be a pleasant side trip, a slight detour near Rickmansworth will get you to the Aquadrome - both are worth a visit.

  • Strider

    Strider

    28 May 2023

    Spring 2023. Half the Ebury way has been resurfaced with a smooth grit surface, no mud. Fingers crossed the other half will follow.

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Strider

27 May 2022 Spring

I walked from Watford to Rickmansworth.
A short walk from the station to a quiet road and a footpath to a busy road. This busy road is quickly over and you pass by the skate park over a bridge and through a park. One road crossing and you are on the Ebury Way. This was an old rail way so it is a relatively flat and direct path from here to Rickmansworth. Lots of beautiful green, lakes and nature reserves. The path is generally good, tarmac in places and gritted in others, shallow mud and puddles form in winter. Another short section on pavements past the church in Rickmansworth brings you to the High Street. The Tube Station is about 200m away.
A beautiful walk with minimal roadside walking. Good for wheels.


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Other Routes for Rickmansworth—Watford See all Slow Ways

Rickmansworth—Watford

Ricwat one

Distance

7km/4mi

Ascent

19 m

Descent

35 m

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