The Tring Reservoir walk encompasses a collection of four
different bodies of water with the Grand Union Canal sauntering on nearby,
commanding the reservoirs’ reason for being.
Comprised of Marsworth, Startop’s End, Tringford and Wilstone reservoirs, the latter being the
largest, these man-made wildlife havens were constructed two hundred years ago
to provide the millions of gallons of water required to support the Grand
Union’s ascent through the six Marsworth locks.
Tring Summit at nearby Bulborne is the canal’s highest
point, having risen almost 400 feet from its origin at Brentford.
This walk can lay claim to being within the Chilterns Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which heralds a great irony as there is nothing
natural about the main attractions of this walk. However its artificial
creation does not detract from the area’s inherent beauty.
Strolling along one of the three designated routes it would
seem nineteenth century man’s need for fast transportation in an industrialised
world, has today left us with a tranquil backdrop with which to free ourselves
from the strains of the modern working equivalent.
This area is very popular with walkers and wildlife watchers
alike and to escape the crowds I would recommend the longer five and three
quarter mile walk which allows you to include the vast Wilstone reservoir. Covering one hundred and
nineteen acres it spans a greater area than the other three together.
This route also gives you the chance to navigate by foot the
abandoned Wendover Arm stretch of the
Grand Union, which if campaigners get their wish, will soon be reopened to
boats once more.
There is an eerie fascination to be had strolling along a
route once very much out of bounds to the walker.
All three waymarked routes can begin from the Startop’s End
car park in the village of Marsworth, but there is a charge and it can be
oversubscribed at weekends. There is a pub and teashop here, providing toilets
for patrons.
There are some parking places along the Tringford Road, but
starting at the car park allows the walker to take in the sights and sounds of
the bustling Grand Union canal.
Walking Threads
The canal towpath and the shorter waymarked routes are
fairly sturdy under foot, but walking boots are certainly to be recommended.
The longer route can be quite muddy in places during winter especially across
fields. A bitter wind can stir up across the open stretches of water so a good
fleece-lined coat would be my recommendation.
The Essentials
Location: Marsworth, Hertfordshire (nr Tring)
Transport: Startop’s End Car Park Pay and Display or free
layby parking near to Tringford Reservoir
Busses pass by from Hemel Hempstead,
Aylesbury and Tring
Boat- visitor moorings are available on
the canal here
The Route: A choice of three- 2.5 miles, 3 miles and 5.75
miles
Mostly level with a few steep climbs
for the long route.
Care should be taken crossing roads as
the walks often cross at blind bends
Facilities: Toilets available for patrons at the pub and
tearoom in Marsworth
What to see: Many species of bird descend on the reservoirs
and hides are available at Wilstone and Tringford Reservoirs.
PDF of the walks available from this site
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