4.6
(13)
91
riders
27
rides
Gravel biking around Flaunden offers a network of trails through the rolling countryside of Hertfordshire. The region features a mix of woodland paths, riverside routes along the River Colne, and sections of disused railway lines like the Ebury Way. These varied terrains provide a suitable environment for gravel cyclists seeking both gentle rides and more moderate challenges. The landscape is characterized by its green spaces and accessible bridleways, making it ideal for exploring on a gravel bike.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
4
riders
22.1km
01:39
240m
240m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
riders
23.2km
01:43
50m
50m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.3
(3)
15
riders
15.3km
00:58
60m
60m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
53.0km
03:18
370m
360m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
6
riders
74.3km
04:26
340m
340m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
About 1922, the land between the River Colne and the canal was taken over by Rickmansworth Gravel Company. Building in the capital was booming and gravel was in demand. Extraction at the site began and the resulting pit became Stocker's Lake. The original Wembley stadium was built at around this time and many have since speculated on the possibility of a Wembley Connection? Dredging and gravel extraction continued until the 1940s. In 1947 Rickmansworth and Uxbridge Valley Water Company purchased Stocker's Lake (an area of 93.7 acres) for £5000 as the dredging agreement had expired. This was to protect the aquifer and pumping sources at Stocker's and Springwell. The company became Rickmansworth Water Company in 1985 and later part of Three Valleys Water Company, eventually Affinity Water, the present owners. In the 1970s Stocker’s Lake became a nature reserve and day to day management was assigned by the water company to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
1
0
The land on which Stocker's Lake now stands was once part of Stocker's Farm which is still there today. Records from 1427 show that the farm already existed and was owned by John Stockere or Stocker. In 1861, Stocker's House was built for the Corporation of London to house the Collector of Coal Dues on the Grand Union Canal. Stocker's House cost £850 to build and the first tenant was Mr. Charles Browton. The dues he collected were, for example, 4 shillings per ton of wine and 12 pence a ton of coal. However with the railways becoming increasingly popular it was decided to sell the house and in 1869 Lord Ebury offered £300
1
0
Parkrun here every Saturday 9am, get there by 8.30am or the car park gets tricky. All other times the parking is easy 😉
0
0
The Ebury Way is a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) rail trail in Hertfordshire between Watford and Rickmansworth. The route crosses the Grand Union Canal and three rivers: the River Colne, the River Chess and the River Gade. Its origin as the Watford and Rickmansworth Railway means that it is wide and largely flat. It forms part of National Cycle Route 61
0
0
The Ebury Way is a flat, traffic-free cycle path between Rickmansworth and Watford. Shaded for hot days and dotted with scenic bridges, it also features a wooden hut café at Batchworth Lock (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) – ideal for a bacon sandwich by the canal. Keep an eye out for quirky touches like George Michael street art!
1
0
Final part of the route is quite narrow and plants have overgrown further narrowing the path
0
0
Multiple pump tracks and very short xc course with jumps
0
0
Batchworth Lock No 81 is a minor lock on the Grand Union Canal. The Grand Union Canal Walk passes here.
0
0
There are over 30 gravel bike routes to explore around Flaunden, offering a variety of experiences through the Hertfordshire countryside. These range from easy rides suitable for beginners to more moderate challenges.
Yes, Flaunden offers several easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners. One popular option is the Ebury Way – Ebury Way Cycle Path loop from Rickmansworth, which is 9.5 miles (15.3 km) long and follows a disused railway corridor, providing a relatively flat and accessible ride.
Many of the gravel bike trails around Flaunden are suitable for families, especially those looking for gentler rides. The routes often utilize accessible bridleways and former railway lines, which tend to be flatter and safer. The Ebury Way – River Colne loop from Rickmansworth is an easy 13-mile route that could be a good choice for a family outing.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Flaunden are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. A notable circular route is the Flaunden Village – Lane Wood Bridleway loop from Bovingdon, which is 13.7 miles (22.1 km) and takes you through local woodlands and open countryside.
The gravel bike trails near Flaunden offer diverse scenery, characterized by the rolling countryside of Hertfordshire. You'll encounter a mix of woodland paths, tranquil riverside routes along the River Colne, and sections of disused railway lines. The landscape is rich in green spaces, providing a pleasant natural backdrop for your ride.
The gravel bike trails in Flaunden are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 10 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, which includes woodland bridleways, riverside paths, and former railway lines, making for an engaging and enjoyable experience for various ability levels.
Yes, several routes pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. You might encounter highlights such as the Ebury Way Cycle Path itself, or the picturesque Stocker's Lock and Stone Bridge. For nature lovers, the Rickmansworth Aquadrome Local Nature Reserve is also nearby.
Gravel biking in Flaunden is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many of the trails, especially those on former railway lines, remain accessible, though some woodland paths might be muddier.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Flaunden start from towns like Rickmansworth or Bovingdon, where public parking facilities are available. It's advisable to check specific starting points for the most convenient parking options before your ride.
Many of the bridleways and public paths around Flaunden are dog-friendly, making them suitable for gravel biking with your canine companion. However, always ensure your dog is under control, especially when passing livestock or other trail users, and be mindful of local regulations regarding dogs on trails.
The duration of gravel bike trails near Flaunden varies depending on the route length and your pace. For example, the Black Jack's Mill loop from Rickmansworth, an easy 14.4-mile (23.2 km) path, typically takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Longer routes, like the Ebury Way – Belsize Hamlet loop from Amersham (32.8 miles / 52.8 km), can take over 3 hours.
The terrain around Flaunden is ideal for gravel biking, featuring a mix of surfaces. You'll encounter compacted gravel paths, sections of tarmac on quiet country lanes, and natural dirt tracks through woodlands and along riversides. The region's disused railway lines, like the Ebury Way, provide smooth, consistent surfaces.


Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.