With our typical Great British weather, I am often tempted by the prospect of a last minute beach day or a forest walk. As it’s so changeable, that’s often easier said than done, especially if like me you live on the north side of the Thames.
One of my favourite solutions is a healthy walk through the countryside just a short train ride away. Under half an hour from central London, Elstree & Borehamwood station marks the starting point of a four-mile circuit through Aldenham Country Park, and the greenery marking the border between Hertfordshire and North London. Here’s how to do it:
Aldenham Country Park – how to get there by train
Aldenham Country Park is a 175-acre woodland between the towns of Bushey and Borehamwood in Hertfordshire. It forms part of a wider area known as ‘the Watling Chase community forest,’ where brownfield has been revitalised into verdant forest space through the support of local organisations and the Forestry Commission.
It means that Aldenham Country Park is now popular with walkers, families and campers, notably thanks to its relatively flat topography meaning it’s perfect for those who struggle with hills. There's also a reservoir which has a dedicated camping, picnicking and family area, and a visitor farm.
With up to six trains an hour from Luton, St Albans, central London, and Kent, it's easy and quick to take a Thameslink train to Elstree & Borehamwood. It’s only 21 minutes on the fastest train from London St Pancras International, and as it’s in Zone 6, you can use Contactless or Oyster too, which can make it a cheap and cheerful day out.
When you arrive, you have two options – either exit the station, cross the railway bridge and proceed straight down Allum Lane to the end, and then through the gate just to the left of the T-junction at the end of that road. Or if you want to take a bus, catch routes 107 or 306 to Elstree Village. Bus route 107 accepts TfL fares, including Oyster and daily capping.
If you arrive by bus, head down Watford Road and Aldenham Road. If you take the walking route, carry straight on through the fields and along the footpath. Both lead you to the eastern tip of the reservoir at Reservoir Road.
Exploring Aldenham Reservoir
When you reach the reservoir, you’ll be greeted by a mix of outcomes, which is one of the reasons I enjoy this walk. If it’s a Saturday, you’ll usually be greeted by plenty of families and chancers taking a quick stroll as a car-boot sale takes place in the adjacent field. If it’s a Sunday, it’s a much more serene affair, being a popular location for locals across Hertfordshire to come and relax or take quiet exercise.
Continue along the bank of the reservoir to the western edge, where - if you’re accompanied by children - it’s a great opportunity to go for a wander through the affectionately named “100 Aker Wood,” a Disney-themed green space inspired by popular character, ‘Winnie the Pooh.’
Head through the picnicking area, and you’ll reach the visitor centre, with a café for a mid-walk refreshment, a ‘glamping’ area, and a wonderful family farm full of rare animal breeds furry friend lovers definitely don’t want to miss. The farm shop also sells a range of local products, and souvenirs.
Proceed along the footpath hugging the reservoir to the left, which will take you through the farm’s lamb enclosure. Don’t worry if you’re not an animal lover, the animals are behind a gate and in my experience have always been friendly with passers-by. Even if you haven’t visited the farm directly, this is a free opportunity to count sheep and say hello to some cute creatures.
Through the woods and Elstree Village
As you enter the southern edge of the reservoir, the woods get thick quickly, as the canopy forms a barrier with the few buildings along the nearby road. This section is popular with angling/fishing enthusiasts, who you’ll often find enjoying their pastime in the shade on one of the small jetties which sticks out from the footpath into the water. You can get some great views looking back over the reservoir and see the progress you’ve made, especially if you’re early in the day with the sun still cresting.
When you reach the south eastern corner of the reservoir, the path you’ve been following diverges. Take a right and head to the Watford Road. Up the gentle hill you’ll reach Elstree Village, where you can catch a 107 or 306 bus back to Borehamwood station.
However, I’d implore you to stay on foot and enjoy the valley which awaits. At the village centre, head north along the High Street and turn right into the footpath at the end, just before the road drops downhill. You’ll be greeted by a hidden meadow overlooking Borehamwood in the distance, making for one last serene scene on this circuit.
Go dead straight across the valley, where you’ll rejoin Allum Lane and arrive back at Elstree & Borehamwood station a few minutes later, with a new easy green space under your belt, and if you’re anything like me, a charming realisation that you can certainly get a fresh slice of countryside without having to trek to the other side of the country!