Alban Way is a six mile long traffic-free cycle route along a disused railway line, linking St Albans with Hatfield. As is usually the case with routes along old railway lines, it’s very flat.
The Alban Way cycle route overall rating:
(Colour explanation: blue = good, yellow indicates some warning, and red indicates issues to be aware of)
With limited on-road cycling, it is possible to combine this route with the Cole Green Way, and the Escape The City route, to cycle into the heart of London.
Surface on the Alban Way
The surface is tarred throughout, and is very smooth. In some places, it is a bit narrow.
Bikes
Any kind of bike can use the route, including trikes, tandems and cargo bikes.
Toilets
Toilets are limited to the St Albans City train station, and the Hatfield train station.
Refreshments
Besides the train stations, there are no refreshment stops on this route.
Hilliness
The route is very flat.
Safety from traffic
Points of Interest
Lovers of old buildings will enjoy the St Albans Cathedral, as well as Hatfield House.
On the site of the old Hill End Station there’s a memorial garden for people who used to be housed in a former mental hospital, adjacent. The memorial garden is on what used to be the hospital’s graveyard.
Routes in Hertfordshire
Barriers
There are no barriers along the route, though there are bollards in places. Trikes and cargo bikes should be able to easily get through.
Child friendliness
The route is suitable for children, but be aware that it includes some segments along shared pavements, next to busy roads.
Social safety
There are some quite isolated sections on this route.
Ratings
Forecast for the Alban Way
What the Alban Way looks like
Getting to the Alban Way
The route on the map below starts at at the St Albans City train station, and ends at the Hatfield train station. Don’t be fooled though: to get a train between the two stations involves changing trains in London. However, it makes for a great, family-friendly day out for Londoners. As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train.
More Routes
To find more routes, click this link.
DayCycle
DayCycle routes are routes can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle.
Interactive map for the Alban Way
And finally…
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Toilets also available in the Galleria (Hatfield) about 10 mins from the station and in Morrision’s supermarket, just off the route at Fleetville, so 10 mins from St Albans City station.
You can also start the route at St Albans Abbey station and cycle off road from their via Sainsbury’s (loos) and the foot level crossing.
If younger children are in the group there is a playground at Nast Hyde on the outskirts of Hatfield next to the restored station.
If you carry on north from Hatfield you can use off road cycle paths through Welwyn Garden City (indirect) or quieter roads to join up to the Cole Green Way. Mill Green Museum by the A414 junction is well worth going to see.
Thanks Adam,
That’s much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Will