13 Mar 2022: St Albans to Dunstable Downs

We set off from the Waterend Barn on a bright sunny morning heading north along the Redbourn Road, which was closed to motor-traffic for resurfacing from the Batchwood roundabout up to Hogg End Lane. We were pleased to find that the notorious pot-holes a few yards north of the Prae Hotel had at last been filled, and entered Redbourn without any cars overtaking us. We then took Lybury Lane to Flamstead, passing the usual fly-tips near the motorway bridge. We then took the curiously named Friendless Lane to Cheverell’s Green, skimmed the outskirts of Markyate and headed into Kensworth. 

Isle of Wight Lane

Taking the back road to Dunstable Downs along the equally curiously named Isle of Wight Lane, we sped down the hill to Dunstable and then to Tottenhoe so we could approach the gliding club without going along the busy B489. After climbing the steep hill that is the club’s driveway we noticed with apprehension several road-bike parked outside the café; we had clashed with a large group from the Verulam. However although the café was busy there was room for us and we were quickly served. On leaving we were approached by a club member who offered to show us round one of the glider hangars. This was very interesting, especially as to how to fit all the awkward shapes into a confined space. There was what was I had assumed to be a modern-art picture on the wall which was in fact showing the position of each glider shown in a different colour. 

Glider hangar

It was also confirmed to us that a cyclist that rode with us about 20 years ago, a plumber from  North London,  John M, was still a member. On departure, we cycled along a short stretch of the B489 to Dunstable to pick up the cycle path by the side of the bus-way to Luton and entered the town centre only to have to dismount due to what we assumed to be a carnival procession taking place accompanied by drumbeats and bagpipe “music”. We detected an Irish theme to the event and later confirmed that it was due to the proximity of St Patrick’s Day. We eventually got through and picked up the cycle-path parallel to the Lower Luton Road, emerging at Harpenden and then heading back along the cycle-path alongside the A5183 and getting home at 2 pm.

Steve B