Grand Union Canal
The canal runs through the Dacorum area, passing through Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring. Francis Egerton, The Duke of Bridgewater, known as The 'Father of Inland Navigation', who inspired the canal system had his home at Ashridge. The monument to him still stands on the hill overlooking the valley.
Until the Second World War, the canal was a principal artery of the industrial revolution linking London with the West Midlands. Running parallel to the canal is the River Bulbourne, which intermittently flows in and out of the canal.
Apart from the brightly painted boats on the canal, there are many ducks, geese and swans and an occasional heron standing guard on its territory. Often swooping daringly into the water will be the black and white terns, feeding off the small fish which live in this part of the canal.
The Grand Union Canal is for all, for fishing, boating and general recreation. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the Grand Union today and take in the ‘roses and castles’ narrowboats and original mileposts. The canal boasts heritage and working examples of canal life such as pump houses, keeper's cottages and ancient locks.
Must see and do
- Ashridge Estate, Ringshall
- Family Deer Walk, Ashridge Estate, Ringshall (October)
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