The Further Faster quartet set off first, heading east along the Alban Way. We cycled over to Stanborough Lakes and then up through Welwyn Garden City to Ayot St Peter, then onto the Ayot Greenway. We enjoyed the newly laid surfacing, much easier cycling than it used to be.
After a coffee stop in Wheathampstead one of the group peeled off to go and recce a route for a forthcoming 40+ CC ride. The others returned to Sandridge and split for home from there. Nineteen miles in good weather, not too hot.
The Fabulous quartet did a bit of fettling before getting going, this time we adjusted a rubbing mudguard. We also headed east along the Alban Way, here is an action shot at the Blackberry Arch.
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This link tells you a bit more about the Blackberry Arch and why it is where it is: The Blackberry Arch – A Little Alban Way ‘Mystery’ Explained | Smallford
More Alban Way history here: Former railway is now Alban Way (stalbansowneastend.org.uk) If you download the brochure there are some great old photos, including the level crossing at Ellenbrook. The crossing keeper's cottage is still there.
This old railway sign is a recent addition, and apologies for not being better at taking photos in awkward light conditions. It was a lovely place to stop for a little breather and agricultural discussion.
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From Ellenbrook we looped around through Wilkins Green, pausing to admire 'Torilla', a Grade II* listed building designed by FRS Yorke in the 1930s. It was saved from demolition in the 1990s and restored. It is a private house, so we just peeped in at the driveway and did not take a photo. Pictures and information at 11. Torilla, Hatfield, Hertfordshire – The Twentieth Century Society (c20society.org.uk) and TORILLA, Hatfield - 1348145 | Historic England
Further along at Nast Hyde we paused to admire the alpaca sign. It was quite hard to spot the alpacas, which is why there is a photo of us spotting them through a small gap in the hedge and no actual picture of actual alpacas.
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Having regained the Alban Way at Smallford, we headed west with only the occasional breather to admire more railway history - here is an old lineside telegraph pole.
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By now coffee was calling (tea also) and we continued west to the Cottonmill Community and Cycling Centre (Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre - Everyone Active) for beverages and ice creams.
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We took long enough discussing local history that the clock turned twelve and the cycle hub opened. (Home | St Albans Cycle Hub | Sales | Service | Repair | Training | Rides |
So we popped in to say hello to the friendly hub team before we peeled off for home.
