T

wo idyllic pubs, scenic parkland and a quiet towpath along the canal… This scenic 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 scenic Ashridge Estate, before gliding downhill to arrive at the Alford Arms (+44 1442 864480).

A sumptuous plate of slow-roasted garlic and rosemary lamb will have you refueled 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…

Distance
15 miles approx.

Stop and see
The Bridgewater Monument in the Ashridge Estate. Climb to the top for a cracking view out over the Chilterns.

Eat, drink, sleep
The cosy Greyhound Inn has eight rooms to choose from and a fab menu including pea and mint risotto (+44 1442 851228).

Rent a bicycle
Mountain Mania Cycles (+44 1442 822 458).

This route and over 50 others feature in a book entitled Matt Carroll’s Escape Routes , a hand-picked selection of stunning cycle rides around England. Published by Punk, priced £16.95.