10/05/25 - London Spiral - Stage 19 - Hadley Wood to Carpenders Park

A Day-Saving Bushey Backstreet Boozer

Not sure what occupation the designers of the London Spiral have, but it's surely not route creation. This is a walk that I have to double-check to make sure I haven't plotted it incorrectly. But no, they really did want me to walk up Wagon Lane at the day's start. A country lane, with no pavements and the worst of Hertfordshire boy racers. I would say that at least 40% of the walk is similar.

If it wasn't for Bushey's Swan pub, I would be questioning what I am doing with my life.

Absolutely nothing of interest until reaching Elstree and Borehamwood, where I walk the high street expecting to find refreshment. I am not exaggerating when I say that barber shops outnumber pubs by more than a ten to one. The two pubs, Pick and Shovel and the Alfred Arms, both look too dull for even me. And my head was too sweaty to get a haircut. Instead, I get to learn about the British Film Industry though the many information boards dotted along.

A frankly terrible picture of Elstree Studios

Haircut, not pints - and Elizabeth Taylor

Aldenham Country Park offers some relief. In an attempt to lure families, they have re-created it as 100 Aker Wood and setup a number of Winnie the Pooh artifacts to hunt for. Of course, someone has set up an Adventure Lab Cache, so I try my best not to look suspicious among the families and gathering the clues. I dread to think what I would react if I were out with grandchildren and I saw myself loitering around.

100 Aker Wood

If there is one place that the solo man of advancing years is welcome, it's the pub. I checked the opening hours on Google Maps. To be honest, I expected little from a back street pub emblazoned with "Sky Sports" banners. But there was nothing else in the Good Beer Guide anywhere near.

Of course, it was a gem. Along a terraced street, with some outdoor patio seating, I was unable to take an external photo. The beauty is inside.

Proper

The ubiquitous Timothy Taylor Landlord was in fine condition. Taken outside with an elderly gent who called me brother and moaned about the price of a pint. He could spot a target audience who was prepared to not only listen but to join in. 

£5.40.

Not long before I was whisked back to Euston, where I could have given him something to really moan about.

Walk Information

Distance - 13 Miles

Start - Hadley Wood Station

Finish - Carpenders Park Station

Areas Walked - Elstree, Borehamwood and Bushey

Geocaches - 10

Pubs - 1

Previous Walks - Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5, Stage 6, Stage 7, Stage 8, Stage 9, Stage 10, Stage 11, Stage 12, Stage 13, Stage 14, Stage 15, Stage 16, Stage 17, Stage 18