We got up early this morning and drove to Marsworth for a walk along the Grand Union Canal and round Tring Reservoirs. This is one of our favourite walks and we last walked this way in November. As usual we parked at Startop's End Car Park and headed along the path that runs between the canal and the reservoir.
It was -3c when we left home but the sun soon came out and it warmed up.
When we reached Lock 45 we usual turn down the Wendover Arom of the canal but today we decided to continue towards Bulbourne.
At Bulbourne we past Bulbourne Yard a very nice development of premium homes created in former canal lock workshops.
We then turned back and continued on our usual route down the Wendover Arm of the canal.
The water in the canal was so clear and still and with the sun shining the reflections in the water were as clear as the actual trees being reflected.
We stopped for a short time to explore the Whitehouse's Pocket Park. The site of the former Whitehouses Pumping Station can be viewed form the park but whenever we have passed the area before it has always been overgrown and the viewing point not accessible. Today the grass was relatively short so we went in search of the advertised landmark.
The site of the former pumping station was rather underwhelming but it was good to read about the history of the place. The pumping station operated until about 1835 and included a building that housed canal maintenance workers. The building was converted after 1938 into a refuge for German and Austrian Refugees and was used during the WW2 London Blitz for Londoners as a respite from the bombing. After the war ended, Whitehouses were flattened by the Canal Authority.
At the entrance to the pocket park we spotted some snowdrops.
Continuing on our way we arrived at PE Meads Farm Shop and enjoyed a drink and a snack in the café.
We then walked through the village of Wilstone to the canal and back to the car.
