The best cycling routes in Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire offers a vast network of touring cycling routes, with over 1900 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 689 easy, 952 moderate, and 299 difficult trails, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

Hertfordshire's terrain is quite diverse. You'll find rolling hills, particularly within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering more challenging climbs. However, there are also flatter, rural-feeling paths along the River Lee Valley and Grand Union Canal towpaths. Many routes utilize former railway lines, such as the Alban Way and Nickey Line, which provide relatively flat and traffic-free sections.

Yes, Hertfordshire has several excellent family-friendly options, often utilizing traffic-free former railway lines. The Archway Over the Alban Way – Alban Way loop from Hatfield is an easy 15.7-mile route that connects St Albans and Hatfield, passing historical sites and nature reserves. The Nickey Line, linking Harpenden and Hemel Hempstead, is another easy and fun ride suitable for families. Additionally, the Cole Green Way and Ayot Greenway offer gentle, scenic rides.

Hertfordshire's routes pass through a variety of natural and historical attractions. You can cycle through ancient woodlands like Heartwood Forest and Broxbourne Woods, or along rare chalk streams such as those at Batford Springs. Many routes also feature historical sites like Verulamium Lake, St Albans Cathedral, and Hatfield House. The Alban Way and Nickey Line Railway Path are highlights themselves, offering scenic journeys.

Absolutely. Many of Hertfordshire's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the St Albans escape – Gaddesden Lane to Bison Hill loop, a moderate 33.9-mile ride, and the more challenging Potters Bar to Hertford Castle loop. The Where to Much Hadham loop via The Brewery Tap is another popular moderate option.

Spring and autumn are generally ideal for touring cycling in Hertfordshire. In spring, the woodlands, such as Hitch Wood, are vibrant with bluebells, and the weather is typically mild. Autumn offers beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. While summer is also popular, routes can be busier. Winter cycling is possible, but some paths might be muddy or icy, especially in wooded areas.

Yes, for cyclists seeking a challenge, Hertfordshire offers routes with notable elevation changes, particularly in the western parts of the county that extend into the Chilterns. The Exploring the Chilterns Cycleway – Rickmansworth to Princes Risborough loop is a difficult 52.4-mile route with over 700 meters of ascent. Another demanding option is the Hemel Hempstead to St Leonards loop via Hawridge Windmill, covering 39.8 miles with over 600 meters of climbing.

Many touring cycling routes in Hertfordshire pass through or near charming villages and towns that offer opportunities for refreshments and overnight stays. For example, the Hitchin to Harpenden loop via Emily's Tea Shop explicitly mentions a tea shop, and the Where to Much Hadham loop via The Brewery Tap suggests a pub stop. The Cole Green Way also offers pub stops. You'll often find bike-friendly establishments in places like St Albans, Hertford, and Harpenden.

The touring cycling routes in Hertfordshire are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1700 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's surprisingly rural character, the variety of landscapes from rolling hills to tranquil river valleys, and the extensive network of traffic-free paths. The accessibility from London and the abundance of historical sites and natural beauty spots are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, several routes feature interesting landmarks. The Great Chishill Windmill loop from Bishop Stortford specifically includes a windmill. Other routes might pass by historical structures like Bridgewater Monument or the Roman Theatre near St Albans, offering unique points of interest during your ride.

Many of Hertfordshire's towns and starting points for cycling routes are well-connected by public transport, particularly by train from London. Towns like St Albans, Hatfield, Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, and Rickmansworth have train stations, making it convenient to access routes like the Alban Way or sections of the Chilterns Cycleway. It's advisable to check specific train operator policies regarding bikes during peak hours.

Yes, Hertfordshire offers pleasant cycling along canal towpaths. The Grand Union Canal towpath, particularly the section from Rickmansworth to Watford, provides a traffic-free route that crosses three rivers and passes through wetland areas, moorlands, and woodlands. The River Lee Valley also features towpaths, offering enjoyable routes with views of locks and narrowboats, such as the Tottenham Marshes – Bridge Over the River Lee loop from Theobalds Grove.