Ride Details

Sky Ride Local in Hemel Hempstead

You don’t have to be the next Bradley Wiggins, but you’ll need to know your way around a bike and be fairly fit to take part in our Challenging rides. If you’re comfortable riding with other people and fancy a fresh challenge, these rides are perfect for you. They start at around twenty miles long, and are paced at between 11 and 12 miles an hour.

This ride will take you out of Hemel and into the Chilterns to explore the wonderful countryside and some of the lovely villages. It will take you high enough for some stunning views over the downs. The ride is a challenging, hilly route but the views repay the effort. You'll leave Hemel, heading for Potten End before cycling past Martin's Pond on the green. After losing some height, the route will take you through the lovely National Trust Ashridge Estate and past Ashridge House. The route then climbs to its summit, just before the Ivinghoe Beacon, where you'll have wonderful views across the downs and across to Whipsnade and the carved white lion. After cycling past the Pitstone Windmill, you'll arrive at the village of Aldbury which has been used as a shooting location in many films. You then gain height to re-enter Ashridge Estate before a gradual descent to Northchurch and Berkhamsted. The route then climbs back to Potten End where you retrace some of the outgoing route to return to Hemel.

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
Please make sure your bike is in good working order and bring equipment with you to repair punctures, Ride Leaders are there to help but are not responsible for your bike.
All rides leave at the time stated you must arrive early Ride Leaders will not wait. 

Car Parking

Yes, at Gadebridge Park car park off Leighton Buzzard Road. Charges apply.

Nearest Train Station

Hemel Hempstead Station approximately 2 miles away. 

• Sarah Whitehead Having previously been a tow path to pub leisure cyclist, last summer my partner Michael and I cycled to Paris with six friends over 4 days. It was an amazing experience - there is nothing quite like being outside, travelling under your own power with a group of like minded people supporting and encouraging each other. We have both become Sky Ride Leaders and I hope we can instil the same enjoyment in you when you ride with us.
• Michael Swietochowski Hi All, I am keen cyclist and generally lead sky rides with my partner Sarah. I teach cycling for a living and really enjoy the social side of cycling on skyrides. I hope you have fun on my led rides.

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   Easygoing, Sunday 12th July 2015 at 2.00pm

2. St. Albans - Local pride - 19 miler

   Steady (8+), Sunday 12th July 2015 at 10.00am

3. Watford - Olympiads Ride - 9 miler

   Steady, Sunday 12th July 2015 at 10.00am