Alban Way
Follow the disused Hatfield to St Albans railway line on this route from St Albans to Hatfield.
It is a shared cycle and walk path and makes for an easy and safe stroll or ride. The route runs for about 6 miles with nice views of the countryside along the way.
If you enjoy this ride then you could also try the Cole Green Way. It's another traffic free rail trail running from Welwyn Garden City to Hertford.
See the St Albans Cycle Routes page for more rides around the area.
Alban Way Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map
Alban Way Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map
Alban Way OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Alban Way Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
On the route you could stop off at the little hamlet of Sleapshyde and visit The Plough. It's a historic pub of some note with the primary alehouse dating back to 1690. There's a cosy interior featuring wooden beams, lime plastered walls, two fireplaces and low ceilings. Outside there's a lovely garden area and terrace where you can enjoy views of the surrounding fields with your meal. The inn is located just south of the route as you approach Nast Hyde Halt and Hatfield. You can find them on Sleapshyde Lane with a postcode of AL4 0SE for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The path is nice for dog walking though on weekends it can get busy with cyclists. As such it's best to bring your dog on quieter days or keep them on leads if there are lots of bikes around. The Plough pub mentioned above is dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To extend your exercise you could explore the extensive grounds of the historic Hatfield House. The grounds include several waymarked walking trails with woodland, parkland and gardens to see. It's also steeped in history having been the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.
On the northern outskirts of St Albans there's miles of good cycling and walking trails to be found around the Heartwood Forest near Sandridge.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Hertfordshire Walks page.