Cover image

The Rural Escape


A gravel cycling route starting from Roydon

Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the rural charm of Hertfordshire on this 82km gravel cycling route near Roydon.

Map

Experience a true rural escape with the Rural Escape, a gravel cycling route that takes you through the idyllic countryside of Hertfordshire. This challenging yet rewarding route offers a mix of scenic landscapes, quaint villages, and picturesque highlights. Highlights along the way include the busy town of Ware with its historic sites and bustling market, Westmill where you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of its nature reserve, the charming village of Nuthampstead known for its picturesque cottages, Chrishall Common offering expansive views of the surrounding countryside, Manuden with its traditional English pubs, Bishop's Stortford with its rich history and lively arts scene, Sawbridgeworth boasting scenic riverside paths, and Little Parndon, a hidden gem worth exploring. The Rural Escape provides an escape from city life, immersing you in the natural beauty of Hertfordshire's rural landscapes.

gravel
82 km
408 m
Tough
Route profile

Highlights on the route

Start: Roydon Village center
Roydon: Experience the tranquility of Roydon, UK, as you cycle along the idyllic River Stort Navigation.
Roydon, located in Essex, United Kingdom, is a cyclist's delight offering picturesque landscapes and tranquil cycling routes. With its well-maintained roads and scenic countryside views, Roydon provides a charming cycling experience. Cyclists can explore the nearby River Stort Navigation, a popular route showcasing the area's natural beauty. The locality is also host to various cycling events, fostering a vibrant cycling community. With its serene ambiance and cycling-friendly environment, Roydon obtains a rank of 3 on the cyclist's perspective scale.
WareTown
Explore the historic town of Ware and wander through its vibrant market filled with local produce and creations.
WestmillVillage
Relax and connect with nature while visiting Westmill and its beautiful nature reserve.
NuthampsteadHamlet
In the charming village of Nuthampstead, you can explore its picturesque cottages and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Chrishall Common147 mPeak
Marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the vantage point of Chrishall Common.
ManudenVillage
Stop in the quaint village of Manuden and enjoy a well-deserved pint at one of its traditional English pubs.
Bishop's StortfordTown
Discover the rich history and vibrant arts scene of Bishop's Stortford, a town known for its lively culture.
SawbridgeworthTown
Cycle along the banks of the River Stort in Sawbridgeworth and experience the beauty of this riverside town.
Little ParndonSub-urb
Uncover the hidden gem of Little Parndon, a picturesque village with an abundance of historic charm.
Finish: Roydon Village center
Roydon: Experience the tranquility of Roydon, UK, as you cycle along the idyllic River Stort Navigation.

Cycling routes nearby:

Image of Hoddesdon
Hoddesdon

Limited cycling infrastructure.

Image of Broxbourne
Broxbourne

Enjoy the scenic countryside and challenging climbs in Broxbourne.

Image of Harlow
Harlow

Discover the beauty of Harlow and its cycling-friendly infrastructure.

Image of Little Amwell
Little Amwell

Relaxing rides through picturesque countryside near Amwell Nature Reserve.

Image of Ware
Ware

Cycle through the idyllic landscapes of Ware and its charming villages.

Image of Old Harlow
Old Harlow

Cycling through history and nature in Essex.

Image of Hertford
Hertford

Cycle through the charming streets and paths of Hertford

Image of Sawbridgeworth
Sawbridgeworth

Cycling-friendly locality in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

Image of Cheshunt
Cheshunt

Discover the natural beauty of Cheshunt while cycling in Lee Valley Park.