Walk 33: West End Double Loop

4.6 miles (7.3 km) with 112m total ascent

 

This walk combines parts of two existing shorter walks on this site to make a new figure of eight with the option of refreshments at The Candlestick at the start and finish.

Directions

Map for Walk 33: West End Double Loop
Created on Map Hub by Hertfordshire Walker
Elements © Thunderforest © OpenStreetMap contributors
There is an interactive map embedded at the end of these directions

Those with GPS devices can download GPX or KML files for this walk. We've added What3Words location references for those who use that system. If you print these walks you might want to use the green PrintFriendly icon at the bottom of these directions to delete elements such as photographs.

1: If you intend to stop for refreshments at The Candlestick before or after this walk they will be happy for you to park in the car park (location - https://w3w.co/boil.lakes.unable). If not park in the lane. Take the lane almost directly opposite the pub and head W and uphill.

2: At the top of the hill you will see Essendon footpath 11 on your right (location - https://w3w.co/shrimp.spaces.hoping). Turn right here and follow the path as it heads NW for 980 m downhill to Hillend Cottages (location - https://w3w.co/woke.descended.form).

3: Join the lane here, which is still Essendon footpath 11, and continue N downhill, heading for the river. Continue until the lane turns left (location - https://w3w.co/tame.sober.trail).

4: Here you turn right and head E along Essendon bridleway 6 keeping the river on your left for 850m. The path bends slightly left, then right, but continues mainly straight until you reach Essendon bridleway 10 on the right (location - https://w3w.co/holds.sugars.ranges). 

5: Take this path and begin a steady climb S out of the valley for 1.5km and back up to West End Lane (location - https://w3w.co/grew.flag.milky).

6: When you reach West End Lane, turn left and follow the lane NE for 220m looking out for a byway sign on your right just past a large house (location - https://w3w.co/feels.after.punch). This is Essendon BOAT 14 (byway open to all traffic).

7: Take this byway and follow it as it heads SE, S, and SW for 1.5km passing a footpath on the left, another on the right, and a third on the left. Ignore them all and continue until you reach West End Lane (location - https://w3w.co/crowd.punchy.camp).

8: Turn right and follow the lane N for 950m back to The Candlestick.

Interactive map

---