Alban Way cycle route

The Alban Way cycle route overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alban Way is a six mile long traffic-free cycle route along a disused railway line, linking St Albans with Hatfield. As is usually the case with routes along old railway lines, it’s very flat.

With limited on-road cycling, it is possible to combine this route with the Cole Green Way, and the Escape The City route, to cycle into the heart of London.

Surface on the Alban Way

The surface is tarred throughout, and is very smooth. In some places, it is a bit narrow.

Bikes

Any kind of bike can use the route, including trikes, tandems and cargo bikes.

Toilets

There are toilets at the St Albans City train station, and again at Hatfield train station.

Ratings

Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Flat)
Refreshment stops: ⭐⭐
Barriers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The grading system I use is explained here.

Points of Interest

Lovers of old buildings will enjoy the St Albans Cathedral, as well as Hatfield House.
On the site of the old Hill End Station there’s a memorial garden for people who used to be housed in a former mental hospital, adjacent. The memorial garden is on what used to be the hospital’s graveyard.

Routes in Hertfordshire

Barriers

There are no barriers along the route, though there are bollards in places. Trikes and cargo bikes should be able to easily get through.

Forecast for the Alban Way

What the Alban Way looks like

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Getting to the Alban Way

The route on the map below starts at at the St Albans City train station, and ends at the Hatfield train station. Don’t be fooled though: to get a train between the two stations involves changing trains in London. However, it makes for a great, family-friendly day out for Londoners. As ever, read my Bikes On Trains guide for useful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train.

READ Lanchester Valley Railway Path

More Routes

To find more routes, click this link.

DayCycle

DayCycle routes are routes can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. Many contain detailed route guides, as well as embedded maps (like the one below).