Cycle Ride : Former Railway Trails in Herts

This easy cycle ride takes in three Sustrans cycle trails in Hertfordshire, all created on former railway lines. The Nickey Line, Alban Way and Ayot Greenway connect the towns of Hatfield, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden, Wheathampstead and Hemel Hempstead. National cycle routes 6 and 57 utilise these trails with connecting quiet country lanes. The trails have been created by Sustrans, with information boards on route showing the history of the railway and the industry and villages served by it. There are several former stations on route which have been partly restored with artwork displayed, including a statue of GBS at Wheathampstead. Harpenden and Wheathampstead towns have heritage areas with pubs and picnic benches for lunch break. We will cycle through the parklands of Welwyn Garden City, created in 1920 as the second of Ebenezer Howard's garden cities. Plus detour to the Art Deco Shredded Wheat factory, now derelict and location for several recent urban crime films. Visit to the Welwyn velodrome where we may be able to cycle on the steeped banking. We will stop at the historic Comet Hotel created in 1936 to celebrate the pioneering aircraft built at the next door De Haviland Hatfield Aerodrome. Option to cycle back to start point via Bedmond village. Level gradient, suitable for most cycles.
Refreshments
Cafe at start. Lots of venues on route.
Travel
Hemel Hempstead is on mainline from Euston, trains stop at Wembley, Harrow & Wealdstone and Watford Junction. St Albans Abbey is on branch line to Watford Junction. Free parking near start point.
Start
10:30am prompt at tables outside Fishery Wharf Cafe, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1NA. Cafe is on the canal, opposite Hemel Hempstead Station.. £3 meet up fee on the day. A good knowledge of English history is required for event.