With spring approaching and our boys now old enough to manage longer walks, I’m looking forward to outings broken up by a tasty pub lunch. Below are three rewarding walks that combine beautiful landscapes with charming pubs: The Trooper or The Greyhound Inn in Aldbury, The Alford Arms in Frithsden, and The Artisan at Cow Roast.
One of the best things about living in Berkhamsted is the network of paths and tracks surrounding the town. There are many ways to get from one place to another. For each route described here, I offer loose rather than exact directions, allowing for alternative variations you may wish to explore.
1. Berkhamsted to Aldbury – The Trooper & The Greyhound Inn
Approx. 4.5 miles each way
For a scenic route to Aldbury, head towards the Visitors Centre in the Ashridge Estate. A path runs from Bridgewater School to Hill Farm Barn. From here, cross Northchurch Common, then Tom’s Hill Road, and continue toward the main Visitor Centre. At the monument, take the path left of the accessible route and descend into the quintessential English village of Aldbury. Two excellent pubs await: The Trooper, a traditional country inn with classic British fare and a great selection of local ales, and The Greyhound Inn, a cosy, historic pub serving excellent seasonal dishes.
For an alternative return route, follow footpaths near Newground Road until you reach the canal for a flat journey home. A shorter option involves taking a hillside path towards Cow Roast. Cross the train tracks via the footbridge near Wharf Road, then follow the canal back to Berkhamsted.
2. Berkhamsted to Frithsden – The Alford Arms
Approx. 2 miles each way
This shorter walk is perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon out. From Berkhamsted, take the footpath behind the cricket club toward Frithsden. The route gently ascends through rolling countryside, offering stunning views over fields and woodlands. My preferred path continues straight until reaching two closely spaced bridleways. Turn right onto the second one, bear left where the bridleway splits, and cross the road leading to Ashridge House. The bridleway continues parallel to Frithsden Copse. Ignore the first left turn but follow the second down into the village.
Your destination is The Alford Arms, a fantastic gastropub renowned for locally sourced food and an excellent wine list.
To return, follow the same footpath or take a longer route via the Ashridge Estate Visitors Centre before descending back into town, allowing more time to enjoy the scenery.
3. Berkhamsted to Cow Roast – The Artisan
Approx. 2.5 miles each way
For a direct route, The Artisan is an easy walk or off-road cycle from Berkhamsted. The quickest way is along the canal path toward Tring, passing picturesque locks and narrowboats. Follow the towpath until reaching a set of steps under a bridge. Here, the canal crosses Wharf Lane. Leave the towpath, walk along Wharf Lane for about 100m, and carefully cross the main road between Berkhamsted and Tring to reach The Artisan.
The Artisan at Cow Roast is a modern pub serving high-quality food. When the weather is good, there’s a great garden with a children’s play area and a separate outdoor dining menu. It’s a wonderful place to relax before the return journey.
For a longer and more adventurous route home, head back onto Wharf Lane but avoid the canal. Instead, follow the lane around the corner and take the public footpath crossing the train line via a bridge. My favourite route continues around a house, into a field where alpacas often graze, and then climbs the hill away from Berkhamsted. Follow the path across several fields, then, where multiple paths meet, ascend through the woods toward Tom’s Hill Road. Take a right at the top of the hill, head back towards Northchurch Common, and eventually return to Berkhamsted.
More Walks
There are several other pubs and cafes I love to walk to, including Ashridge House and Church Farm in Aldbury. I’d love to hear about your favourite routes and pubs. Let me know your recommendations!