The benefits of the great outdoors have been brought to the forefront over the last two years.

While lockdowns prevented us from going to restaurants, shops and gyms, going for walks was a safe way to socialise.

As the long weekend begins, why not go on a walk near Watford that offers beautiful scenery, perfect for those Instagram pictures, and some pub stops on the way.

The Chipperfield and Chess Valley circular walk is nearly 8.5 miles long and is perfect for people looking to go on a moderate walk.

Watford Observer: Chipperfield and Chess Valley circular walk is nearly 8.5 miles long. Picture: Bing mapsChipperfield and Chess Valley circular walk is nearly 8.5 miles long. Picture: Bing maps

Ramblers has detailed directions, produced by Cathy Casey from the Chilterns 20s and 30s group, available for non-members until June 10. Register for free to see this walk in more detail.

The route starts and finishes at the Chipperfield green car park (WD4 9BQ) and takes three hours.

A war memorial will be your first monument to view before you start the walk. When you are ready to go, have your back to the war memorial and walk southeast toward the end of the car park when you will soon be heading into the woods.

Watford Observer: Chipperfield war memorial. Picture: GoogleChipperfield war memorial. Picture: Google

Early in the walk you will be heading south, passing through the woods, and walking along the edge of fields.

You will soon come to your first country pub, the Cart & Horses. After here, you want to follow the sign for Commonwood where you will be heading towards the village of Sarratt.

If you want to take a break in Sarratt The Cricketers pub is directly across the green.

Watford Observer: The Cricketers pub, Sarratt. Picture: GoogleThe Cricketers pub, Sarratt. Picture: Google

Later in the walk you will walk past the Chess Valley cress farm, the only surviving watercress farm in the whole of the Chilterns.

The last two remaining pubs will be The Green Dragon pub in Flaunden and The Windmill Pub in Chipperfield.

Watford Observer: A field in Flaunden. Picture: GoogleA field in Flaunden. Picture: Google

Along the walk, you will be able to take pictures of ponds, fields and quaint villages.

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