Thursday 6th February 2025 9:30am

Starting from - We'll meet at the sundial opposite the main entrance of the Elliott Hall at Harrow Arts Centre. Free parking is available on Milne Feild (sic) and Hatch End Station (Overground) is a one minute ride away.

Please arrive in good time for a briefing and bike check before a prompt 9.30am departure. HA5 4QT

This ride is limited to members of Harrow Cycle Hub group only

  • 26.6 miles
  • Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres)
  • 4 hr 30 mins
  • Challenging
  • Harrow
  • Adults 16+ only

Led by experienced ride leaders, these rides are a great way to explore new places and to meet new people who enjoy cycling. They are suitable for all levels of experience, so whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist, you can find a ride that is right for you.

Starting point




London
HA5 4QT

This is a 27 mile round trip to from Hatch End to the Sunnyside Up Cafe in Hemel Hempstead. The cafe is operated by the Sunnyside Rural Trust (https://www.sunnysideruraltrust.org.uk/).

The terrain is varied: quiet roads, cycle paths, a long stretch of canal towpath and some sections of road with heavier traffic. It is not suitable for beginners or those riding bikes with skinny road tyres. There is 800+ feet of climbing, with a few short, sharp hills but nothing too challenging.

The route heads out through Carpenders Park before joining the Watford Green Loop for a short clockwise arc. It crosses Cassiobury Park and uses quiet roads to reach the canal at Grove Mill. The towpath goes all the way to the cafe. The canal is crossed in several places, sometimes on bridges with steep ramps. These require a dismount and bikes to be pushed. Riders with cleated shoes will have to take extra care. E-bikes are not recommended due to their weight.

The return journey is on the road through Kings Langley and Nascot Wood to Watford Junction. It follows the Green Loop, clockwise, to the start of the Ebury Way before retracing the outward leg back to Hatch End.

Check your bike before the ride, paying particular attention to the brakes and tyres. Use this guide: https://lcc.org.uk/advice/bike-safety-check/. Bring a spare innertube, a pump and tools to fix a puncture. Dress appropriately for the conditions. Bring a drink and snack (or money to purchase).

The time for the ride is a best estimate by the Ride Leader. Sometimes this can be affected by factors such as the weather, mechanical issues, the queue at the cafe, etc. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so, if anyone is struggling, we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary.

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Who else is on this ride?

Ride leaders

Profile photo for Kevin Lynch
  • Ride Leader

    Ride Leader
  • Community Groups Volunteer

    Community Groups Volunteer

Kevin Lynch

Assistants

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