The best cycling routes around North Hertfordshire

North Hertfordshire offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 340 options recorded on komoot. These routes cater to different abilities, including around 95 easy routes and 200 moderate routes, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The region is characterized by its undulating hills and significant agricultural activity, providing a scenic backdrop. You'll find a mix of quiet lanes, traffic-free sections, and some gravel tracks. Routes often traverse ancient woodlands, globally rare chalk stream valleys, and parts of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Yes, North Hertfordshire has many routes perfect for beginners and families. The Greenway Picnic Bench – Norton Common Nature Reserve loop from Letchworth Garden City is an easy 10.2-mile path with accessible sections. Additionally, the Great North Way (National Cycle Network Route 12) offers quiet lanes and traffic-free sections suitable for all ages and abilities.

Spring and summer are particularly beautiful. In spring, ancient woodlands like Wain Wood and Pryors Wood are carpeted with vibrant bluebells. Summer brings the fragrant lavender fields at Hitchin Lavender Farm. The weather is generally milder, making for pleasant cycling conditions.

Many of the touring cycling routes in North Hertfordshire are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the Greenway Picnic Bench – Norton Common Nature Reserve loop and the Hambridge Way Gravel Track – Pirton Toot Hill loop.

Absolutely. For expansive views, consider routes that pass by Therfield Heath, which offers vistas north and west into Cambridgeshire. The Chilterns Cycleway also provides scenic views through charming villages and the AONB. You can also explore areas like Oughtonhead Common with its diverse flora and river walk.

Yes, several routes are designed to include refreshment stops. For example, the Red Lion Pub Preston – Emily's Tea Shop loop from Hitchin and the Hambridge Way Gravel Track – Wakelin & Son Café loop from Stondon are popular choices that incorporate local eateries.

North Hertfordshire is rich in wildlife. You might spot various bird species, butterflies like the purple hairstreak and speckled wood in Wain Wood, and even Longhorn Cattle grazing at Ivel Springs. Hill End Chalk Pit is home to a rare three-toothed moss snail colony, and ancient woodlands often feature bat and bird boxes.

Yes, the Great North Way (National Cycle Network Route 12) is a significant asset, offering a 32-40 mile route through Hertsmere and North Herts. It connects towns like Letchworth and Baldock and forms part of a larger countrywide network. The Chilterns Cycleway is also a substantial 27.4-mile touring experience.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can visit places like Emily's Tea Shop, or pass by historical sites such as St Peter's Church, Lilley. Letchworth Garden City itself offers unique heritage and places to explore, including its 'Greenway'. Knebworth House, with its extensive grounds, is also nearby.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 240 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape, the mix of easy and challenging routes, and the opportunity to explore charming villages and natural beauty spots like the ancient woodlands and chalk stream valleys.

Yes, some routes incorporate gravel tracks and unpaved sections, appealing to those who enjoy a more varied surface. An example is the Hambridge Way Gravel Track – Pirton Toot Hill loop from Hitchin, which leads through agricultural land with gravel sections.

Many towns in North Hertfordshire, such as Letchworth Garden City and Hitchin, are well-connected by public transport, including train services, making it possible to reach starting points for various routes. For specific public transport information, it's best to check local bus and train schedules.