Berkhamsted circular via Aldbury

Circular walk from Berkhamsted via Aldbury.  A hilly rural walk in the Chilterns mainly on country footpaths with some tracks and lanes.  Heading uphill from Berkhamsted we enter the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate, crossing Northchurch Common to reach Norcott Hill.  Continuing through woodland and then descending steeply on a narrow path to Aldbury our lunch stop (picnic in the churchyard, Church Farm Café – drinks, snacks and hot food, also pub available).  We then take an undulating path through fields that leads us to the Grand Union Canal, where we follow the towpath back to Berkhamsted Station.  Some mud is to be expected so walking boots are recommended and poles if you use them.