During WWI, Berkhamsted was used by troops to train for trench life on the continent. They would live in a nearby tented camp, stand parade on Kitchener’s Field, and trained on Berkhamsted and Northchurch Commons. These were officers from the Inns of Court Officers Training Corp., otherwise known as The Devil’s Own. These officers dug 13 miles of trenches here in training for the real thing that they would shortly face opposite enemy lines. These days there is an information board here, a memorial, and of course the trenches.

Chris

July 9, 2025

Hiking

Located within a quiet area of the golf course, lovely bit of history and located honoured to those fallen

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Best Hikes to Berkhamsted WWI Training Trenches

4.7

(16)

130

hikers

1. Ivinghoe Beacon – Red Cedar Woods Path loop from Potten End

28.1km

07:38

390m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

4.7

(10)

hikers

2. Northchurch Common Grasslands – Berkhamsted Castle Ruins loop from Aldbury

15.0km

03:56

120m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.7

(10)

hikers

3. Berkhamsted Castle Ruins – Northchurch Common Grasslands loop from Berkhamsted

15.0km

03:56

130m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 200 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 25 January

8°C

4°C

50 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h

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Location: Northchurch, Dacorum, Hertfordshire, East Of England, England, United Kingdom

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Berkhamsted WWI Training Trenches

1. Ivinghoe Beacon – Red Cedar Woods Path loop from Potten End

2. Northchurch Common Grasslands – Berkhamsted Castle Ruins loop from Aldbury

3. Berkhamsted Castle Ruins – Northchurch Common Grasslands loop from Berkhamsted

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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