Jogging on the towpath in Watford
Route facts
Waterways:
Grand Union Canal »
Distance: 3.75 miles / 6.33km
Duration: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Circular route from: Essex Arms public house
Cassiobury Park is Watford’s secret gem – not too far from the town centre, the park is a tranquil and relaxing place, and also a great location to get fit!
Winding paths take you past the paddling pool, through interesting woodland and by the River Gade. The Grand Union Canal also makes its way through the park, so you can jog along the towpath. Plenty of parking spaces in and around Cassiobury Park mean that even if you don’t live too close, you can still enjoy the facilities it has to offer.
This route begins out of the park, but you could start in the park if you would prefer.
You will need to be careful when the weather has been wet as some of the paths can be slippy. Also be careful on the towpath as it can be bumpy in places. If running’s not really your thing, why not cycle or walk the route, stopping for a picnic when the weather’s nice.
The park and towpath isn't very well lit, so this route is better being done in the summer, if you finish work early or on a weekend when it is lighter.
Getting there
Parking: There is parking in and around Cassiobury Park.
Public transport: The Metropolitan tube line is nearby.
Waypoints
1. Devereux Drive
Start from the Essex Arms on Langley Way and jog up towards Hempstead Road (the post office will be on your right). Turn left into Devereux Drive and make your way to the end and down the pedestrian path, turning left through the alley (don’t go straight on as this is a private road). Once out of the short alley, follow the path to your right, which gets a bit steeper for a short distance (a great fat burner!). This path will bring you out onto Glen Way. Follow the road along before turning left into Stanburn Avenue before turning left into Beechpark Way. This first section of the route is interesting as it takes you up hills, down hills and along flat surfaces – a varied way to warm up.
This section is 0.91 miles; 1.47km
2. Grand Union Canal
At the end of Beechpark Way, you will arrive at Grove Mill Lane – this road can get quite busy at times, so make sure you check for traffic before crossing over and running on the other side of the road (facing the on-coming traffic). If you are not keen on running on the road, you may prefer to do this route at quieter times of the day as, although you are only on it for a very short time, there is no path on Grove Mill Lane. On your right hand side, you will come to a slope and some steps – both lead on to the towpath of the Grand Union Canal.
At the bottom of the slope/steps, turn left to run under the bridge and continue the route along the canal. It is likely that you will pass anglers and swans on this section of the route. After about 300 meters, you will cross a bridge and continue on the other side of the canal. The towpath is quite steep as you come off the bridge, so take care that you don’t slip. You will pass a couple of locks (and no doubt more anglers) on this stretch. You’ll arrive at bridge 167 and Iron Bridge Lock where you’ll need to cross over the canal again.
This section is 0.98 miles; 1.58km
3. Cassiobury Park
Follow the path into the park, crossing the bridge over the River Gade and then passing the children’s paddling pool on your right. The path will get steeper for a short while and resisting the urge to stop and walk will be worth the satisfaction of making it to the top. You will come to a crossroads on the path, but continue forward, passing a few benches along the way, before following the path to the left and coming out onto Stratford Way.
When you come to the junction with Cassiobury Drive, turn left and make your way back to the Essex Arms – and a well earned drink!
This section is 1.3 miles; 2.09km
4. Extension
To make the route a bit longer, follow the paths around the park a bit more, or continue along the towpath to bridge 168 and follow the path through the park and eventually along the River Gade. You will arrive at bridge 167 where you can continue the route. This will add a further 1.3 miles and 2.14 km to your route.
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