ノースチャーチでののおすすめライド

Berkhamsted Castle is a formidable Norman motte-and-bailey fortress in Hertfordshire. It is historically famous as the site where the Anglo-Saxons surrendered to William the Conqueror in 1066. For over 400 years, it served as a high-status royal residence, home to figures such as Thomas Becket, the Black Prince, and even Geoffrey Chaucer, who managed its upkeep. Architecturally, it is distinguished by its massive 12-metre motte and a rare, well-preserved system of double moats. Though largely in ruins today, the earthworks remain among the most impressive in England. Now managed by English Heritage, the site is free to explore and offers a direct link to the events that followed the Battle of Hastings.

Fabulous morning weekday ride.

Great Incline to the top

Enjoyed my visit to Berkhampstead Castle. Another example of fortifications erected following the invasion of England by William The Conquerer in 1066. The aim, a symbol of power over the conquered Anglo-Saxons and the Normans wanted to make sure it stayed that way!!

Fantastic history here and appreciate what is left standing. A very peaceful lawn and area to take some quiet time out

Some of the single roads on this route are Bit narrow and to be watched In few sections, there is a gravel in the middle, which is a bit slippery for narrow tires

Beautiful forrest vibe lane. Makes you feel close to nature. Watch out for the potholes, especially if you don't have a photochromic lenses as it gets darks with tall trees around.

This was on my route unexpectedly. Left my mouth open for a bit. Very beautiful.

Spacious, calm road. Majority of the car drivers are respectful to cyclists and overtaking cautiously.

Very picturesque. Majority of the car drivers are respectful to cyclists and overtaking cautiously.

This stretch of road is called Park Gate. From the top of Park Gate you have extensive southerly views to Mentmore ridge, Mentmore Towers (1850s) and beyond to the Chiltern escarpment are spectacular. Park Gate is set within former parkland of Wing Park which also housed extensive gardens of a lost mid-16th century manor house.

Lovely ruins to look at!

The history of the village of St Leonard's is tightly connected with the chapel of Leonard's - and this dates back to the 12th century. The present church, however, was built in the 15th century. As many such places, it has had a tumultuous history. For instance, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the chapel continued being used and Queen Elizabeth inquired in 1586 into why the chapel and the lands had not reverted to the Crown. The church feel into disrepair in the 17th century. What can be seen today is in the simple Queen Anne style, and was rebuilt around 1700s. The whitewashed walls are striking and give the church a unique look. In the winter, it can look brilliant after snow, and in the spring, when the snowdrops come up (plenty of them in the church grounds), it also looks terrific.

As English villages in the Chiltern Hills go, this one is one of the most attractive. This is the kind of place I tend to think of when I read Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. The village name is Anglo-Saxon and means "a woodland clearing". Another little fun fact: Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty (1843–1917), proprietor of the famous Regent Street (London) store, Liberty & Co., lived here and built a Manor house here in 1900. He was associated with the Art Nouveau style.

Short and steep.

Ashridge house and the surrounding woods are a great spot for a ride or a run. Elizabeth 1 spent parts of her childhood at the house.

Gaddesden Row was a roman road and would have led to the centre of St Albans (Verulamium).

The foundation for the original building was laid in 1280, where it was a Gatehouse for the northern approach to Ashridge and was used by Henry VIII as part of the hunting grounds. But following heavy damage by Cromwells armies, the lodge was rebuilt by the eminent architect Sir Jeffrey Wyattville in 1823. Little Gaddesden Lodge now functions extremely well as a private home.

Stunning, appears out of nowhere!

Here you will get views of Ashridge House once a royal residence to Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I. A Grade I neo-gothic country estate set in 190 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. Today Ashridge House is an meeting, events and wedding venue.. For the weary cyclist or walker you will find a cafe set in a courtyard.