Harpenden to Hitchin

Overview

This is a train-assisted ride in the Hertfordshire countryside, from Harpenden to Hitchin. It is not a long ride, and although there are a couple of sharp hills, it’s not a very tough one. The refreshment stop is at the end of the ride, so you need enough stamina (and snacks) to keep you going until then.

There is approx. 1km on an unsealed track in woodland which might be muddy after wet weather; otherwise, this is a ride on quiet country roads, with a couple of busier sections at the beginning and end. We pass through woodlands and arable countryside, and we can hope to see the beginnings of autumn colours.

We expect to reach Hitchin shortly after 1pm for lunch, and so probably approx. 2.30pm at the station afterwards.

The Ride

From Harpenden Station, we ride through residential roads and onto the traffic-free Harpenden-Luton Greenway, a former railway line which takes us through woodlands along the Lea Valley. Turning north, we ride on through Blackmore End to Kimpton. Once we leave Kimpton, the roads become even quieter, and we tackle a long steady climb followed by a descent into Whitwell. After riding along the valley, another climb brings us to Preston, and then a sharp descent followed by a smooth valley road into Charlton. From here, it is a short distance on residential roads into the centre of Hitchin, where we will have lunch in one of the cafes in this attractive town centre.

After lunch, it is a short ride up to Hitchin Station for train services back to London.
We expect to reach Hitchin shortly after 1pm for lunch, and so probably approx. 2.30pm at the station afterwards.


Travel Arrangements

Outward Journey

We will take the ThamesLink service to Harpenden. The 09.59 train from West Hampstead ThamesLink reaches Harpenden at 10.17. This train leaves St Pancras at 09.51, so you could join it there if you prefer. You might be able to connect with this service via other ThamesLink stations, check timetables carefully.

From West Hampstead, an Off-Peak Day Single is £17.30. Senior Railcard discounts are available. Oyster is valid to Elstree & Borehamwood.

Return Journey

ThamesLink and Great Northern services run frequently from Hitchin. ThamesLink services to St Pancras/Farringdon take approx. 35 mins, the Great Northern service to King’s Cross takes approx. 50 mins.

An Off-Peak Day Single on the ThamesLink to St Pancras £11.30. Senior Railcard discounts are available. Oyster is valid from Finsbury Park.

Train-assisted ride from Harpenden to Hitchin.

Quiet country roads, some short sections on busier roads. Approx 1km on unsealed track which might be muddy after wet weather.

Lunch stop at end of ride in Hitchin.

Lock for your bike. Money/card for cafe. Buy train tickets in advance.

We never leave anyone behind