18 Nov 2018: St Albans to Woodside, near Luton

Middle of November -   good forecast - fine, sunny but a bit colder than of late. So there were five of us at the start in St Albans about to head west to our first stop in Berkhamstead. First minor problem was St Albans council had decided (somewhat prematurely in my opinion) to close the High St for an all day festival prior to switching on the Xmas lights that evening. Note my opening sentence that it was the middle of November! However a quick diversion down side streets took us via the Cathedral and Verulamium Park onto the quiet lanes leading to Bedmond. From there down to Kings Langley and then more lanes until we reached the Bovingdon road. Around Bovingdon to Whelpley Hill and the countryside was improving all the time as we dived down a narrow steep and twisting hill before climbing up the other side to cross the A41 and enter Berkhamstead through its western suburbs. Then, great joy, as we came to “The Crown”, a fine old inn in the High St now part of the Weatherspoon empire with all that that promises in terms of bargain prices for value food and drink.

At “The Crown” we were met by Mark who had cycled there direct from St Albans. Now it was onwards to the east to get to Woodside just south of Luton for lunch. As anticipated this was to involve a lot of climbing. First it was out of Berkhamstead past the ruins of its castle. (History note: this was one of the first Norman castles built in England and was where the English formally submitted to the conquering Normans after the battle of Hastings.) 

Berkhamsted castle ruins

Then  ever upwards through the wooded Ashridge estate, beautiful in the sunshine. Followed by a long fast downhill to Hudnall followed by an inevitable long climb back up again. Through Studham to Markyate and another climb, before looping around near Caddington to end at “The Plough” near Slip End. This is a non-pretentious pub which serves excellent grub at realistic prices. 

Leaving “The Plough” we used back lanes to Harpenden, then a slight diversion through the common there before taking the cycle path alongside the main road back to St. Albans. 

East Common, Harpenden

All told the total distance had been about 42 miles, and all agreed it had been an excellent cycling day for the time of year.

peteR.