Does anyone know the Grand Union Canal tow-path well?

[NeilEB]

Particularly the bit near Watford?

I was at Cassiobury Park, but the path that seemed to lead to Whippendell Forest indicated that cyclists had to dismount.

Is there another way to cycle into the forest then?

 

[Twigman]

All I know about Whippendell woods is that it is a prime dogging spot isn't it? - the car park on The Grove side of the woods on the road to the Clarendon Arms....

 

[NeilEB]

All I know about Whippendell woods is that it is a prime dogging spot isn't it? - the car park on The Grove side of the woods on the road to the Clarendon Arms....

Is it indeed? I'd never even heard from it but saw it on a council cycle path brochure.

Which made it confusing that they had a 'cyclists dismount' sign. Mind you, maybe everyone ignores it like they do to the ones in Cassiobury Park.

Or maybe there's another route further down the towpath?

 

[Twigman]

I lived in Watford for over 20 years and never realised that Whippendell woods were actually anywhere near the canal!! The only way into the woods I know of is from the car park on Grove Mill Lane. The canal goes through West Herts golf course and The Grove rather than the woods doesn't it?

 

[_aD]

IIRC blue Cyclists Dismount signs are advisory. If cycling is prohibited you'll be presented with the red circle and bicycle logo inside it, or a sign stating so. You could check OS Maps (bikehike may help) or the canal may have a web site which can advise.

 

[apollo179]

Hi Neil do you mean rousebarn lane - this is like a single lane road with barriers to stop cars. Its used by pedestrians and cyclists. Ive seen other cyclists on it. I havnt ever accessed it from gade park - i always go via link road off the rickmansworth road. I will try it from gade park next time im headed out that way.

 

[NeilEB]

No this is from the tow path. Or coming from Casisobury Park, you cross the large bridge over the canal, and can head right or left along the towpath. Well, there there's a sign to Whippendell Woods, but there's a white sign saying Cyclists Dismount. The lane itself is a little dirt track through some woods. I'll try and find it on Google Maps.

Edit:
Can't find it, which is understandable as they couldn't get their little streetcar up there.
Ahh well, maybe I'll take the track next time anyway and see what happens.

 

[funnymummy]

I used to cycle around there daily - about 20yrs ago, so any info I could give is probably out of date by now