Watling Chase Timberland Trail (part one)
An 11 mile walk from Borehamwood towards St Albans
(Photos © urban75, October 2008)

The Watling Chase Timberland Trail is around 10.5m/17kms long and takes you through a mix of suburban and landscapes.

Starting at the railway station at Borehamwood, the walk ends up at the small village at Smallford.


We were happy to get out of the horrible faceless town of Borehamwood where the walk started, and after turning off


We passed this apple tree in Parkfields open space and grabbed an apple snack. And very tasty it was too.




Crossing Theobald Street, a medieval road, which used to link Elstree to the village of Aldenham. It's not much to look at now.


The route took us through a small council estate where the signage for the route seemed to vanish or point the wrong way (perhaps some cheeky chappies on the estate had been mucking about).

We eventually worked out our way out after a few aimless circuits.




Walking through a field full of cows towards Woodhall Lane.


Open countryside by Shenley.


The stretch leading up to Woodhall Lane was very overgrown in places.




View to the west of Shenley. The land is really flat for miles around.




The weather was fantastic, with the blue sky contrasting against the autumnal hues.


The signposting was generally good, if a little overwhelming at times.


View to the west of Potters Park Drive.




Rosehips.




Walled Garden at Shenley Park, a 45 acre park around Shenley. It was closed.


Shenley church.


Countryside view.


Cool bench.


The path took us across an open field.

We got a little bit lost here as all signs had disappeared and - doh! - I'd forgotten to pack my compass (well, actually, I had the cheap one that was permanently affixed to my backpack, but that was showing everywhere as being north!).




Incongruous security notice.




The rather unexpected CCTV camera notice in a field warned that the property belonged to Arsenal FC.


More security cameras. I was beginning to feel right at home.


Saturday footballers giving it large.




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