17 Jun 2024
Get on your bike and ride! As part of National Bike Week, we’ve come up with a selection of cycle routes around St Albans for riders of all abilities.
Jackie Jayawardena, experienced cyclist and founder of JJ Fitness Personal Training in St Albans said: “Cycling is excellent to boost fitness and well-being plus it’s a low impact sport so suitable for all ages. I go out on my bike as often as possible to explore the pretty villages and stunning countryside I would otherwise miss. It’s a climate-friendly way to get fit and have a great day out, whether on your own or with friends and family.”
The Alban Way: 6.3 miles linking Cottonmill Lane in St Albans to Wrestlers Bridge in Hatfield. The route is flat and traffic-free with pretty views, play areas and recreation grounds making it perfect for families and leisure cyclists. Look for signs to The Plough in Sleapshyde, which has a large garden and serves high-end cuisine, and Smallford Farm Shop, selling homegrown produce and lunches, cakes and coffee.
St Albans Green Ring: A 6.5-mile circular route connecting the city’s green spaces and heritage attractions via pathways and roads, including a section of the Alban Way. Attractions include St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park, the Roman Theatre and Watercress Beds Nature Reserve with its butterfly woodland, wetlands and orchard.
Enjoy tea and cake at Inn on the Park or a pint at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in Verulamium Park. The Waffle House is a popular stop in St Michael’s Village for Belgian waffles or take a short detour along Hatfield Road to Room for Dessert for sweet treats and ice cream.
Wheathampstead Loop: A 14 mile route which takes you out of St Albans towards Porters Wood and Sandridgebury Farm then on to the village of Sandridge. Skirt the edge of Heartwood Forest to Wheathampstead and then cut across to Harpenden before heading back to St Albans past Harpenden Common and through Childwickbury. The 18th century Elephant and Castle pub is packed with character and picturesque views while Brewhouse in Wheathampstead is a family-run coffee shop offering eat-in and takeaway.
The Ayots: Take a tour of the Ayots on a 25-mile ride from St Albans. Head out to Sandridge and Coleman Green before reaching Ayot Green with its village green and Ayot St Peter famous for its Victorian church. Head north through Ayot St Lawrence to Codicote and across to Kimpton before heading to Brocket Hall and then south to Wheathampstead. The final stretch leads back through Sandridge before reaching St Albans. Spoke Cycles offers coffee and cake, and lunch can be enjoyed at a variety of venues including Brocket Hall, The Queen’s Head, Rose & Crown and The Green Man in Sandridge. Heartwood Café and Tearooms serve cakes and refreshments.
