Scenic loops, rural backroads, and traffic-free paths for every type of rider. Check out the best roads to cycle in Hertfordshire here.
Hertfordshire, nestled just north of London, is a fantastic county for road cyclists. It’s home to gently rolling countryside, quiet country lanes, riverside paths, and long traffic-free greenways that are perfect for both training rides and social weekend adventures. Whether you’re after a challenging road loop, a family-friendly path, or a new mid-distance favourite, this guide highlights the very best rides to explore.
Cheshunt to Emmie Murphy’s Village Store Loop (47 km)
Type: Moderate road ride
Why it’s great: This rolling hills loop takes in classic Hertfordshire scenery — leafy lanes, quiet villages, and gently undulating climbs ideal for tempo riding or long weekend efforts. You’ll pass through peaceful farmland, enjoy open views, and ride roads that are popular with locals looking for quality training routes.
📍 Highlights:
- Calm country roads
- Great for spring and autumn rides
- Rewarding distance with moderate climbing
Harpenden to Hitchin Loop (62 km)
Type: Moderate road ride
Why it’s great: Starting near Harpenden, this loop heads northwest through quiet lanes and farmland before circling back via scenic Hertfordshire countryside. With rolling terrain and plenty of variety, this is a favourite for club rides and riders building endurance.
📍 Highlights:
- Variety of terrain and views
- Great mix of climbing, flats, and flowing roads
- Good for bikes with 28–32 mm tyres
Easy & Traffic-Free – Rail Trails and Greenways
Cole Green Way (Welwyn Garden City to Hertford)
This flat, scenic former railway path is a firm favourite for cycle commuters, family rides, and easy leisure outings. The surface is smooth, mostly flat, and ideal for relaxed riding or training rides that don’t involve heavy traffic.
📍 Highlights:
- Part of National Cycle Network Route 61
- Great for mixed-ability rides
- Perfect for a relaxed coffee stop halfway
Alban Way (St Albans to Hatfield)
The Alban Way is another disused railway line that has been turned into a traffic-free cycle route. It follows an old rail corridor through green countryside and woodland — excellent for a peaceful spin without cars.
📍 Highlights:
- Fully-tarmacked and easy to navigate
- Ideal for training sessions or social rides
- Linked to broader cycling network in Hertfordshire
Ebury Way (Watford to Rickmansworth)
A shorter but lovely traffic-free ride along a converted railway path with canal views and easy gradients. It’s great as a warm-up leg for a longer tour or a standalone spin when you just want a relaxing ride.
📍 Highlights:
- Canal crossings and riverside spots
- Popular with commuters and leisure riders
- Part of National Cycle Network routes 6 and 61
Local Road Gems & Hidden Lanes
While Hertfordshire isn’t mountainous like the Lake District, it has lots of charming lanes and quiet backroads that local riders cherish. Many of these roads weave through quintessential English villages and gently rolling landscapes. Popular ones include lanes around St Albans, Harpenden, Wheathampstead and the backroads west of Hertford.
🏡 Hidden gems to discover:
- Quiet county roads between Buntingford and Knebworth
- Villages like Codicote, Pirton, and Kimpton
- Quiet B-roads around Sawbridgeworth
These roads often reward riders with peaceful scenery, light traffic, and unexpected climbs that are ideal for interval training or smooth, rhythmic pacing.
Tips for Cycling in Hertfordshire
Road Conditions
Most recommended routes use well-paved surfaces and quiet lanes, but some backroads can be narrow with occasional potholes, especially after winter weather. A tyre width of 28–32 mm gives the best blend of speed and comfort.
Mix Routes for Variety
Combine rail trails like Cole Green Way or Alban Way with rural loop rides to create longer tours without too much traffic. National Cycle Network routes (like Route 61) make it easy to link these together.
Stops & Cafés
Hertfordshire’s villages are dotted with great pubs and cafés, perfect for a mid-ride break. Ride through towns like Harpenden, St Albans, Hertford, or Wheathampstead for classic refreshment stops.
Final Thoughts
Hertfordshire may be modest in size, but it packs a huge variety of great cycling terrain: traffic-free greenways, rolling rural roads, quiet villages and routes that suit beginners right through to seasoned club riders. From the gentle paths of the Cole Green Way to the satisfying moderate loops around Cheshunt and Harpenden, there’s a route for every type of cyclist.
Whether you’re planning your next group training ride or a scenic adventure with friends, Hertfordshire has something to offer and plenty of hidden lanes waiting to be discovered. You can check out the best cycling routes in Kent here.
