アイビングホーでののおすすめライド

decent surface

Fabulous morning weekday ride.

Great Incline to the top

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Aston Hill, on which you are here, was part of Lord Rothschild's Estate, and was a motoring venue between 1904 and 1925. Lionel Martin made the first ascent of this hill in a Singer car on the 4th April 1914. Shortly afterwards, in May the same year, at the Herts County Automobile and Aero Club Meeting he was so successful that the first light sporting car registered in his name in March 1915 was called "Aston-Martin". This plaque here was put by the Aston Martin Owners Club and Aston Martin Lagonda Limited. Aston Hill is also a viewpoint, but the panoramic view is obscured somewhat by the tall trees.

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.

The tool station is a useful addition

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.