May 2011
Page 1 of 1
The back roads of England are awash with pretty villages, proper country pubs and other hidden treasures, and there’s no better way to see it all than by bike, says Matt Carroll
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Distance: 15 MILES
Two idyllic pubs, scenic parkland and a quiet towpath along the canal... This pleasing cycle ride just a stone's throw from London has a bit of everything, including a small vineyard tucked away in a valley. Setting off from the Greyhound Inn, in Aldbury, you gently climb out of the village and cruise through the rather pretty Ashridge Estate, before gliding downhill to arrive at the Alford Arms (alfordarmsfrithsden.co.uk). Its sumptuous plate of slow-roasted garlic and rosemary lamb will have you refuelled and raring to go. The post-lunch route takes you through Berkhamsted and onto the canal, where you pedal past brightly coloured narrowboats for a couple of miles before peeling off and looping back to the Greyhound.
By that point you'll be ready for another delicious meal...
Stop and see: The Bridgewater Monument in the Ashridge Estate (nationaltrust.org.uk). Climb to the top for a cracking view out over the Chilterns.
Eat, drink, sleep: The cosy Greyhound Inn (greyhoundaldbury.co.uk) has eight rooms to choose from and a delicious menu especially the pea and mint risotto.
Bike hire: Mountain Mania Cycles (mountainmaniacycles.co.uk).
