Tripit three

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 60.00% of reviewers

I had a lovely walk with my youngest daughter and our dog from Pitstone to Tring. Some fantastic pictures are already on the site, so I won't upload anymore, but this was a great little adventure, including canals, reservoirs, rivers, and an inspirational conversation with a war veteran.

The route is pretty much flat and easygoing but narrow in parts, which might not be evident if/when overgrown. There is plenty of seating en route and places to stop to eat.

Why not 5 stars? We got a little lost towards Tring and ended up on a detour, but that's down to user error. Also, public transport on the way back wasn't obvious. We waited an hour for a bus only to be told they wouldn't take pets. The only practical option was a taxi or to walk back. Service is more frequent on a weekday but the pet rule would still apply.

Fantsatic walk though and a really nice route.

I walked this (again) from Pitstone to Tring, on a chilly but sunny afternoon. It had rained in the past.

After now having walked it again, I agree with LWatson's comment. The section between the Wendover Arm and Icknield Way was indeed impassible (photo #2). I have found an alternative route, which I'll upload as TriPit Four.

I walked from Tring to Pitstone. This was so very nearly a 5 star route but for one section of canalside walking.

The south side of the Wendover arm of the canal was very difficult to walk due to vegetation - in some places I could barely see where the path was supposed to go. I was glad to be wearing long sleeves and full-length trousers during this section, which appears to have become a lot more overgrown since the previous reviewer walked the route. I have reported this to Herts CC and will update my review if (when) it gets cleared!

Apart from this, it was a lovely route. Particular highlights were the reservoirs (there was a diversion here but only whilst works are carried out, as mentioned by a previous reviewer) where there was lots of wildlife to see, and a lovely swing bridge on the way into Pitstone. Apart from the one footpath, it was easy underfoot and easy to navigate.

There are plenty of places to stop and rest on the way and in Tring.

Excellent 5 star route.
First photo ** note that the footbridge at the southern entrance to Startopsend Reservoir will close June - August 2023. This route uses the footbridge, and then follows the western edge; but it should be possible to avoid the problem by walking along the narrow central reservation strip instead. **

Walked Tring to Pitstone on a beautiful May day, chestnuts in flower.
The walk takes footpaths out of Tring, goes around the reservoirs, and then canalside paths.
Some paths were narrow and there was a short nettley area at one point, nothing serious, but will get you if in skirts/shorts.

The half-way point is at Marsworth, refreshments if needed.

Some steps and gates but generally easy underfoot. Plenty of benches.

Tring has everything a small town needs - and regular buses to Aylesbury/Berkhamsted/Hemel Hempstead. Tring station is a considerable trek and not well served by buses. For this review I took train to Hemel Hempstead and then bus 500 to Tring.
Tring also has an outpost of the Natural History museum which is well worth a visit.

Pitstone is very small and I didn’t see any sign of refreshments around the meeting point area. Its barely adequately served by buses, just enough to be viable. I recommend planning how you are moving on, and double check bus times if you are relying on a bus. As well as Tring/Aylesbury, buses from Pitstone serve Dunstable.

I walked this from Pitstone to Tring, on a warm Saturday autumn afternoon. It was a delightful walk, and easy going.

The first section is along the Grand Union Canal's main branch. The path was a little in places, but nothing some sturdy hiking boots couldn't handle. After a few locks, the route goes away from the canal, to reach a short section of the Aylesbury Arm. It isn't *strictly* needed, but probably easier than crossing a very narrow lock walkway.

After another short section of canal, the route goes around the Startop's End and Tring reservoirs, with their many birds. At Little Tring the route joins the Wendover Arm of the GUC, which it follows on the south bank. It's a little harder than the north bank, but easy enough, and it is IMO the best route. In Tring you don't really follow any major route, but instead a meadow. The colours were amazing still. The end at Tring had a lovely "Victoria" postbox.

Would definitely walk this again!.

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