Hogtrough Lane and Grand Union Canal
By Rudi Kalveks
Many thanks to Iain and Pat Scotter for discovering this route, which features the towpath along the disused Wendover spur of the Grand Union Canal. Though signed as a footpath, it appears that cycling is permitted on the towpath, from the several notice boards placed by the Waterways Authority advising cyclists to “take due care” (for all the obvious reasons). The return route via Dancers End is on-road, making for an easy climb back to The Lee in muddy weather.
Route Finding:
- Start at the Cock and Rabbit PH. Take the road past Pipers.
- Turn right into Kings Lane at Hunts Green.
- On reaching Kings Ash, turn left into Chesham Lane and then after 100 yards right onto the track to Concord. Keep left past Concord for a muddy, rutted and tricky descent down a bridleway past Boswells and along Hogtrough Lane towards Wendover.
- Upon reaching the edges of the Wendover road system, veer right and continue straight for ½ mile towards the centre of town.
- Descend to a T-junction opposite a parade of shops, turn left and then turn right at the mini roundabout towards Aylesbury. After 200 yards turn right into Wharf road. You should find the entrance to the towpath 100 yards along on your left.
- The route along the towpath is obvious. Watch out for other users since the path can be narrow with blind spots and has an adverse camber in places.
- Turn right into the old A41 up Tring Hill, then after 200 yards turn right into the Upper Icknield Way and immediately left into Dancers End Lane.
- After a gentle climb, continue right at the T-junction past Dancers End House for some dips followed by a long climb to the radio mast.
- On reaching the junction between Bottom Road and Gilberts Hill, turn uphill towards St Leonards.
- At St Leonards turn right into Jenkins Lane, then immediately left past the chapel.
- At the triangle of grass take the left fork signed to The Lee.
- Continue straight across the cross roads in Swan Bottom and follow the lane back to the village green.
Don’t forget: Helmet, puncture repair kit, water, go slow for horses.
Recommended: 1:25,000 O/S Map: Chiltern Hills North - Explorer 181.
Good cycling!