Alban Way to Hatfield House

Sky Ride Local in St. Albans

If you’re fairly confident on your bike and ready to broaden your cycling horizons, our Steady rides are ideal. At a comfortable pace, and possibly with some modest hills along the way, rides take place on mainly quiet roads with plenty of sights along the way. Rides are between 6 and 20 miles long, at a moderate pace of between 7 and 10 miles an hour.This lovely route takes us from St Albans to Hatfield House, one of the Treasured Houses of England; included in the ten most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in the country.  We start at Morrisons  where there is ample free parking, toilets and a cafe. From there we have direct access on to the traffic-free Alban Way. Our route is mostly flat, taking us on journey through a "re-purposed" old railway line that used to run between St Albans and Hatfield. The new tarmac surface is great to ride on and suitable for all bikes. As a bonus it is also fairly mud free in bad weather! After a short section on very quiet roads we reach our destination - the Stable Yard at beautiful Hatfield House. The Coach House cafe has indoor and outside seating and is surrounded by interesting independent shops. Entrance to this area is free. After a short break for refreshments and browsing we return along the same route, a round trip of 11.5 miles. You may wish to bring a lock for your bike and money for the cafe stop. There is also a farmers' market on the third Sunday of the month selling fine ales, meat, savoury condiments, jams & chutneys, artisan cheese, rustic bread, homemade cakes and biscuits, local honey/honey products from Hatfield Park and seasonal vegetables.
* Please note that there is a 3 hour limit on parking at the Morrison's car park. Our Ride Leaders will do their best to ensure you are back within this time but they cannot guarantee this and accept no responsibility if you do not return within the time.

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. 

Children under the age of 5 do not need to register and must be in a BSI approved child seat, trailer or tag-a-long.

Meet the Ride Leaders

• John Metcalf Hello.
  I’ve lived in, and cycled around, St Albans for the last 40 years.
  
  Before retiring from full-time work I was a regular commuter cyclist taking my folding bike on the train into London. More recently, as a committed utility cyclist I have taken my grandchildren to and from nursery, school and activities on a variety of cycles including a tricycle, covered trailer, kiddieback tandem and now on their own bicycles. I am happy to share information on these.
  
  My aim is to encourage more people to cycle and cycle more often. It’s enjoyable, healthy and a convenient way to travel. Skyrrides are an opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy cycling, meet other people and develop their confidence.
  
  I campaign for better provision for cyclists, as an active member of St Albans and Hertfordshire Cycle Campaigns, and am a Bikeability instructor in local schools. Just ask if you want further details of any of these or information on local routes or maps.
  
• Colin Bigg
• Joanne Horwood