The best traffic-free bike rides around Colney Heath

There are 6 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Colney Heath featured in this guide. These routes offer a variety of distances and experiences, with 4 rated as easy, 1 as moderate, and 1 as difficult, ensuring options for different skill levels.

Yes, Colney Heath offers several family-friendly options. The Alban Way is particularly suitable, being a traffic-free, multi-user route with a smooth surface. Many of the easy routes listed, such as the Alban Way – Nast Hyde Halt loop from University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, are ideal for families looking for a safe and enjoyable ride.

Colney Heath is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to cycle alongside the River Colne, explore the unique acid grassland of the Colney Heath Local Nature Reserve, and discover extensive woodlands like Sherrardspark Wood Local Nature Reserve and Gobions Wood Nature Reserve. Routes like the Heartwood Forest – Nashes Farm Lane loop from Wick Local Nature Reserve will take you through the vast Heartwood Forest.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in Colney Heath are designed as loops. For example, the St Albans Abbey Station loop from Wick Local Nature Reserve and the Bike loop from Wick Local Nature Reserve are excellent circular options, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Beyond natural beauty, you can encounter historical elements like the historic London coal-tax posts within the Colney Heath Local Nature Reserve. Some routes also offer access to areas near Verulamium Lake and Verulamium Park Lake, which are part of the historic Roman city of St Albans. The Smallford Lane Bridge – Heartwood Forest loop from Beaumont School passes near Heartwood Forest, a significant new native forest.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful natural surroundings, and the well-maintained paths, especially the Alban Way, which provides a serene cycling experience.

Colney Heath's strategic location between St Albans and Hatfield means it's relatively accessible. The Alban Way, a key traffic-free route, links St Albans to Hatfield, both of which have train stations. Cyclists can often take their bikes on trains during off-peak hours, making it feasible to reach starting points near these towns and connect to the no-traffic routes.

Parking is generally available near the starting points of many routes. For routes originating near Wick Local Nature Reserve, there are usually local parking options. For routes connecting to the Alban Way, parking can often be found in St Albans or Hatfield, or at various accessible entry points along the path. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and availability.

While the routes themselves prioritize natural and traffic-free environments, you'll find cafes and pubs in the villages and towns that these routes connect to or pass near. St Albans and Hatfield, linked by the Alban Way, offer numerous options for refreshments. It's advisable to plan your stops in advance, especially for longer rides.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for cycling in Colney Heath. The paths are typically dry, and the weather is mild, allowing for comfortable rides through the scenic landscapes. While some routes, like the Alban Way, are well-maintained year-round, certain gravel sections or less-paved paths might become muddy during wet winter months.

While Colney Heath is known for the River Colne, a major watercourse, and several lakes, a notable feature nearby is Batford Springs Stepping Stones and Waterfall. While not directly on every no-traffic touring route, it's an accessible highlight for those willing to make a slight detour, offering a picturesque natural monument.