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A recent and exciting addition to our cycling days, this circuit is a combination of on and off-road and winds its way round picturesque country roads, beautiful rolling hills and villages. At the same time, the course passes some significant historical places in what was the largest Roman settlement after London.
Initially following main roads from St Albans City Station you'll quickly join an off-road path that will take you all the way out of the city and straight into the countryside. Shortly after joining the rural roads you'll come to the John Bunyan named after the Bunyan Chimney close by - all that remains of the building where Bunyan used to stay and where he frequently preached. There should be time for a quick break here before heading towards Ayot Saint Peter a quaint little village with a population of just over one hundred.
You'll then follow some beautiful tree covered country roads passing farms and the odd large Victorian house in the direction of Ayot St Lawrence where George Bernard Shaw used to live and Lord Brocket currently resides. The one pub in the village is in fact the Brocket Arms.
The circuit then takes you towards Wheathampstead, a typical pictue postcard village where Julius Caser defeated the Catuvellauni tribe (the orginal Celtic/Belgian settlers in the region) in 54BC. You'll pass through the village and alongisde Devils Dyke, the alledged ditch where the battle took place.
Our suggested lunch spot is soon after here at The Wicked Lady named after Lady Katherine Ferrers' nickname - the famous highway woman who would commit robberies on roads near here mostly for enjoyment (so be careful!).
After lunch you'll head towards Childwickbury. Childwickbury is an estate set on private land owned by Christiane Kubrick (widow of film director Stanley Kubrick). A private road (perfect for bikes) runs through the whole Estate passing through the village itself and on to the Gorhambury Estate.
Gorhambury Estate is the seat of the Earl of Verulam (a title once held by Francis Bacon). You'll see in the distance the magnificent Gorhambury House a neo-Palladian house built in 1777.
Leaving the Gorhambury Estate you'll head back on-road towards St Albans entering via the Old Town where you'll cycle through the Abbey grounds ending the ride at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is one of several British Pubs laying claim to being the oldest pub in the Kingdom. This one however seems to be the more believable claim and has the Guiness Book of Records recognition. Its foundations date from around 793 and the current building dates from the 16th century which is evident from the moment you walk in. A perfect place to end the ride where you can get refreshments and take a look around at the articles posted around the building as well as the original pit that was actually used for the cock fighting.
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Guided bike ride
