8 of us met at ASDA on Sunday for a trip into the Essex countryside. We welcomed a Saturday rider to the group and her husband. We set off on a slightly familiar route going to Cucumber Lane via Welham Green and Wild Hill. We don’t traverse the length of Cucumber Lane very often and once at the end we took ourselves off-road and followed the bridle path that leads to The Coach and Horses at Newgate Street. Whilst getting there we were treated to a great view over the trees and woodland in the area. It's quite a view.
After slogging up Darnicle Hill we zipped into Goff’s Oak looking for Halstead Hill which we proceeded to fly down, noting all the new-build housing on the lane. When we emerged near Cheshunt we headed for the bike path that takes us over the A10.
The café is a nice affordable affair in the square in Waltham Abbey.
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| Outside Abbey Café |
Afterwards two of our number left to go home and the rest of us continued. We took the crooked mile out of Waltham Abbey and made our way into the Lee Valley Park and followed the off-road track, then re-joined the road to get to Lower Nazeing and a wait at the longest traffic lights ever. From Nazeing we took a lovely quiet winding road up to Broadley Common then we joined a familiar route to Harlow Common and Essex beyond. In Essex I found a great network of small country lanes that really suited the peacefulness of the ride until after 20 miles we arrived at the Gate pub in Sawbridgeworth.
After filling ourselves up with sandwiches, we headed for Hertford. The route I chose was very uncomplicated (Allen’s Green, Green Tye, Much Hadham, Baker’s End, Babbs Green and Ware were all visited) on our journey to Hertford, all the way facing a head wind. We chose to stop at the Wetherspoon pub only to find they didn’t do cake. So I won’t be making a Wetherspoon last stop again.
Getting back to Hatfield was a straightforward affair and after 59 miles we finished the days ride.
And it was very pleasant.
Neil 08/09/2019
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