Oh to feel the wind in your hair and the breeze on your face! With everything happening in the world right now, a trip out in your local area for a bike ride is one of the best ways to get out the house. It might be warm, but summer means the long days are ideal for a ride and the Herts landscape looks wondrous regardless. A little cycle outside in nature can boost your mood as well as helping your mental and physical health, so we'd thought we'd tell you all about the best routes and ideas to get you cycling in Hertfordshire right now...
As Hertfordshire residents, we absolutely love the scenic walks and stunning countryside views that our county provides. But did you know that Ashridge Estate’s special area of woodland and unique habitats is currently at risk? Together with Natural England, the National Trust, and other local authorities, Dacorum Borough Council are working on a new programme designed to protect this Special Area of Conservation's wildlife, habitats and woodland from damage caused by walkers. So, in an effort to help us all respect and protect this beautiful landscape, we're sharing some of the many other glorious spots where you can stretch your legs, head out on a bike ride, and enjoy the Hertfordshire countryside.
If you’d like to find out more about the programme, visit the webpage here.
Letchworth's Greenway
The green and spacious town of Letchworth is home to The Garden City Greenway, a balanced 13.6 mile route around Letchworth that can be easily tackled on a Sunday afternoon on two wheels! The route handily takes in a number of local nature spots, playgrounds and even a farm. If you're into your cycling, do like the pros do and stop off at Standalone Farm which is located along the Greenway, and is the perfect stop off for a picnic or a bite to eat in the Greenway Café. As well as the café, there is a shop to browse, benches to relax on and toilets to stop at if you are just passing by. For those looking to return and make a day by exploring the farm itself - tickets available on their website.
The Chilterns
Nothing's more gorgeous than The Chilterns countryside! Why not check out a section of The Chilterns Cycleway? It's a 170 mile circular cycle route (perfect for the lockdown exercise as its near lots of you!) through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, taking in the best of the Chilterns scenery. The route is mainly on-road and is signposted throughout, so perfect for newbies too!
The Nickey Line
Insiders know the Nickey Line as the local nickname for the the railway that used to link the towns of Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden, but today that course has been redeveloped into a lovely cycle and walking path! It's an easy and fun one to try out for yourself at just 8 miles, although the route does connect to Route 57 of the cycle network if you can go further.
Routes for everyone
On Hertfordshire Council's website there are routes for all expertise, and all areas of the county. Whether you are in Stevenage or St Albans, take a ride that'll challenge your legs like Le Tour de France or a circular route with the young ones in tow - these passages are sure to help your health and mind no matter the distance: Hertfordshire's cycle ways