4.7
(127)
1,196
riders
181
rides
Touring cycling around Hatfield Broad Oak features a landscape of well-paved country lanes, open farmland, and tranquil valleys. The region offers diverse terrain, including routes through hedgerows and areas shaped by brooks like Pincey Brook. Hatfield Forest, a preserved medieval hunting forest, provides a historical backdrop with ancient trees and a lake area. The area includes options for various fitness levels, from easy road rides to more challenging routes.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
11
riders
29.2km
01:43
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
11
riders
38.4km
02:49
200m
200m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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6
riders
24.8km
01:25
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
7
riders
36.4km
02:11
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
22.7km
01:20
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Large outdoor seating area with plenty of room for bikes through the archway. Open from 12pm, Wed-Sun.
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Ride westbound for the downhill. Deceptively tiring eastbound, especially the first half, followed by a slight uphill grade which doesn't let your legs recover.
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A more peaceful way of getting into/out of the west of Old Harlow. It is a bit up and down and in winter, the ruts in the surface can be hidden by mashed-up detritus from the trees.
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Whichever direction you take this, you have one gut-busting climb to do, but overall I think southbound is the best way. You get the climb immediately out of the way and are downhill or level for the rest of the ride. Heading northbound is fine until after the S-bend, then bring the pain up to Little Hallingbury FP 18.
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Typical information board and view along the Filtch Way.
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Sign and view on the Filtch Way, next to the entrance into Hatfield Forest.
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started tarmac n miss tuned into track, just nit my personal idea of bliss
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There are over 190 touring cycling routes around Hatfield Broad Oak. This includes 80 easy routes, 97 moderate routes, and 14 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.
The terrain around Hatfield Broad Oak is characterized by well-paved country lanes, open farmland, and tranquil valleys. You'll find routes traversing through hedgerows and areas shaped by brooks like Pincey Brook. While most surfaces are smooth, some segments on more challenging routes might be unpaved, offering a varied experience.
Yes, many of the 80 easy routes are suitable for families. The area's well-paved country lanes and gentle gradients make for pleasant rides. For a traffic-free option, the nearby Flitch Way, a 15-mile country park on a former railway line, is excellent for families, offering a flat and well-surfaced path.
Cyclists can explore the ancient Hatfield Forest Lake within Hatfield Forest, a preserved medieval hunting forest with ancient trees. The region also features charming rural landscapes, hedgerows, and tranquil valleys formed by brooks. You might also encounter historical elements like original Victorian bridges along the Flitch Way.
Yes, many routes in the area are circular. For example, the Best traversed southbound β Downhill westbound loop from Hatfield Broad Oak is an easy 22.5 km loop that starts and ends in the village, offering a convenient option for exploring the local scenery.
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Hatfield Broad Oak, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 100 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from quiet country lanes to the historical backdrop of Hatfield Forest, and the variety of routes catering to different fitness levels.
Yes, the region offers opportunities for refreshment. The The Snug at High Easter is a highlight for cyclists. Additionally, Rayne Station along the nearby Flitch Way has been converted into a cafΓ© and visitor center, providing a convenient stop. Many routes also pass through villages where local pubs and cafes can be found.
While specific public transport links directly to trailheads are not detailed, Hatfield Broad Oak is a village in Essex, England. Cyclists often use a combination of local bus services or train connections to nearby towns like Bishop's Stortford, from which they can cycle to the starting points of routes. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for bike carriage policies.
Parking options typically include designated village car parks or on-street parking where permitted. For routes that start from specific points like Hatfield Forest, there may be dedicated parking facilities. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Hatfield Forest Cafe β Hatfield Forest Lake loop from Hatfield Heath is a difficult 38.4 km path with over 200 meters of elevation gain. This route explores the ancient Hatfield Forest, offering a more demanding ride through its unique landscape.
A great moderate option is the Matching Green Common β Harlow Museum loop from Hatfield Broad Oak. This 36.4 km route features over 180 meters of elevation gain and takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete, offering a balanced challenge and scenic views.
Absolutely. Hatfield Forest, recognized as the best-preserved medieval hunting forest in Europe, is a central feature of many routes. The Hatfield Forest Cafe β Hatfield Forest Lake loop from Hatfield Heath, for instance, takes you directly through this ancient woodland, allowing you to experience its 2,000-year history and unique wood pasture environment.


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