This walk along the picturesque Grand Union Canal indulges in everything that makes a ramble special, it will embrace a rural feel escaping into the heart of the English countryside experiencing traditional English Hamlets, Inns and of course the Chiltern Hills.. The canal links the two largest cities in the United Kingdom, London and Birmingham. Before the introduction of the railways this canal was the major transport link between these two great cities, serving Britain upto and during the industrial revolution. Even today glimpses of this great past can be seen along the route of this historic waterway.
Meet 8am at Berkhamsted train station where the leader for the trip will meet and greet you before giving their trip talk on various matters from health and safety to walking pace and breaks. It is essential you have packed sufficient food and drink for each leg as there will be few opportunities to go shopping en-route.
It is important that each day is begun as early as possible to ensure a sensible arrival time at the destination point of the day. Plus, the earlier the start the more time there is to enjoy the walk and any stops along the way. The leader will keep a check on the walking pace throughout the day.
The final day’s destination is Lower Shuckburgh where there will be a transfer to Royal Leamington Spa train station.
Itinerary
Day One - Saturday - 21 miles
08:00 - Meet and greet at Berkhamsted Train Station. Head count and Day Brief from The Leader.
08:15 - Depart
13:00 - Arrive at lunch point—The Grove Lock Pub (13.5m)
14:30 - Depart for second leg
17:30 - Arrive at Old Dairy Fm Campsite, Great Brickhill (7.5m)
Day Two - Sunday - 22 miles
08:00 - Head count and Day Brief from leader.
08:15 - Depart
12:30 - Arrive at lunch point - The Barley Mow pub (11m)
14:00 - Depart for second leg
17:00 Arrive at The Royal Oak Campsite, Blisworth? (11m)
Day Three - Monday – 22 miles
08:00 - Head count and Day Brief from leader.
08:15 - Depart
13:00 - Arrive at the The New Inn, Long Buckby for lunch ?(12m)
14:30 - Depart fro second leg
16:30 - Arrive at Lower Shuckburgh. Transfer to Royal Leamington Spa (approx 25min drive)
Accommodation
You will be camping in tents provided by Adventure Cafe for the duration of the trip, however, if you wish to stay at a B+B or Pub it is at your own cost. Please inform the leader and ensure you are at the next morning departure point on time.
Medical Issues
Please inform us of any medical issues when booking on this event.
Included In Trip
Experienced Guide
Support Vehicle
Vehicle Transfer
Tents and cooking equipment will be provided
Breakfast
Excluded From Trip
Transport to start and from end of event.
Lunches and evening meals
Equipment Required
Medikit
Suncream
Blister Repair Kit
Plasters
Vaseline
Painkillers
Sunbloc
Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended)
Soap (small bar)
Shampoo (not a full size bottle!)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste (small size)
Hill Walking Items
Sleeping Bag or Sleeping Bag Liner - please check whether you require a sleeping bag
Day Sack (25-35 litre)
Rucksack Liner(s) / Plastic Liner(s) for Rucksack
Bladder System (highly recommended - or other water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle)
Walking Poles (highly recommended)
Sun Hat (wide brimmed)
Neck Scarf
Lunches - you may wish to pre-pack lunches, but please check this with us
Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.
Warm Clothing
Lightweight Fleece
Medium Weight Fleece
Lightweight Gloves
Heavy Gloves (mitten type recommended)
Fleece Hat
Balaclava
Trek Clothing
Long Cotton Trekking Trousers
1 Pair Tracksuit Bottoms
Comfortable Trekking Shirts (long/short sleeved)
Walking Boots (broken in with ankle protection)
Gaiters (appropriate to moor wilderness / moorland treks - please ask!)
Walking Socks
Liner Socks
Underwear
1 Change of Casual Evening Wear
Waterproofs
Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (Gore-tex, E-vent)
Outer Waterproof Bottoms
Other
Toilet Roll / Pack of Travel Tissues
Spare Lace
Camera
Film / Memory Card / Spare Battery
Wallet
Credit Cards
Cash
Sunglasses
Spare Comfortable Shoes
Penknife
Mobile Phone (packed in a plastic bag deep inside your day pack!)
Emergency Rations (energy foods - for the tough days on trek)
Head Torch with spare batteries and bulb
Transport / Transfer
Transport will be provided where a transfer is required to and from the campsite and on final day to Royal Leamington Spa train station.
Safety Information
First Aid will be provided by the leader, however, a degree of caution and responsibility is important while walking alongside the canal.
01460 249191 E 
