SAT NAV (.gpx) files for some of my favourite local rides in and around Hertsmere

You will be amazed by the extraordinary country side that surrounds you here in beautiful Hertsmere.  I wax lyrical about the environment that surrounds us here and my enthusiasm is infectious (so I'm told).  So I have decided to make it very easy for you to get out there and enjoy the views and the atmosphere of Hertsmere (and some adjacent areas too).  Hertsmere has more to offer than Centre Parks and its all on your doorstep (really it is) - some of our scenery would, for example, put John Constables painting of the Hay Wain at Flatford Mill (Essex) to shame- well at least on a par.  I talk of course about the view from the ford where the rivers Ver and Colne meet at the Munden Estate between Radlett, Bricket Wood and Watford - a true hidden gem (photo to the left).  I think you will agree that you would be hard pressed to find a prettier spot in the summer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munden_House and of course a little further along is Wall Hall - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_Hall

These are not the complete set and I intend to add to the collection as I ride my favourite routes - some off road, some on road and some a mixture.  My preferred app to use on my mobile phone is Komoot and it can be downloaded to PC and Android and Apple mobile phones - the GPX files will work with any sat nav app but I try to grade the rides and give a fair description within Komoot download it here - https://www.komoot.com

Check them out, load them up and get out there every ride is an adventure - enjoy.

2022 ROUTES

1st child specific route - Easy Rider.

CHILDRENS' RIDE - 2.7 miles on relatively flat ground with varying surfaces - soft sand, baked mud, grass, loose gravel and concrete. Through Watford FC training ground and past the mosquito museum at the de Havilland country seat, Salisbury Hall. Just right for building confidence. Arnie is 8.

BBR VRoute (video route) here - https://youtu.be/kb4z-byc9BY

Download the gpx route file here - https://www.komoot.com/tour/741709741?ref=wtd

Verulamium Loop.  Video of route available - no losing your way you can view before you go.  Check out the type of terrain, awkward turns, interesting sights/view points, places to get refreshments.  The video is the first in a series of Vroutes (video routes) to help you plan your day in conjunction with the .GPX/Komoot files.

A 52 km intermediate ride - some technical riding but nothing too challenging. Slight changes to last weeks route, some better some not so good. This is worth the ride out for the sausage rolls at the sandridgebury farm butchers- great coffee too.

BBR VRoute (video route) here -https://youtu.be/ptLfp8ocJ90

Download the gpx route file here - https://www.komoot.com/tour/721965171

THE BIG DIPPER - Intermediate/expert. Some technical and fast sections en-route.  Steep hills at 10 to 14%.  A mix of excellent trails and tough road work.  Really worth the effort = some nice pubs at Newgate Street, Northaw.  Just a shade under 50 km.

BBR Vroute here - https://youtu.be/6HTRdMkhQuc

Download the gpx file here -https://www.komoot.com/tour/727382475

2021 ROUTES

1. Ice Cream and Guinness Loop

Just getting started and want a short but interesting ride?  This is a mix of on and off road best suited to hybrid or mountain bikes. Theres an ice cream farm half way around in galley lane or the Mops and Brooms pub at the finish.  Would'nt recommend this for a novice during or after wet weather as the bridleways do get boggy in places.

It's a pleasant little ride of around 6 miles.  Finishing at the Mops and Brooms pub for a refreshing cold guiness afterward.  Enjoy.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/425241864?ref=aso

2. Munden Estate - short

Medium ride suitable for beginners.  Some mildly technical riding along the bridleways but nothing too challenging.

There is an active stable yard on the estate and some young inexperienced horses and riders. 

Ride slow. 

Stop for horses and check with riders it's OK to proceed.  Always give way to horses and pedestrians.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/339190848?ref=aso

3. Munden Estate – long

 This is a really nice route - about 20 miles without any serious hills. Mostly bridleways with one or two exceptions. Theobald street is safer on the pavement.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/351642981?ref=avs...

4. Dancers with Bikes

There are smooth traffic free sections, gravel paths, mud trails, bridleways, byeways and rough rocky steep downhill and uphill sections that can be technically challenging and very steep and some short country lane sections. The most challenging sections are the bridleways toward St Marys church in North Mymms.

Please remember to always ride slowly along bridleways and always give way to horses and walkers.

Some areas are a little overgrown, perfectly rideable but gloves and joggjng bottoms/leggings would be wise to avoid bramble scratches and stings from nettles.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/341965798?ref=aso

5. Training Route – Head down Bum up Brigade (don’t look at my time – its slow)

On road training ride finishing with Black Lion Hill (up) and the exhilarating Cowley Hill (down) I am in the No.1 position for the downhill section at Cowley hill on Strava – not bad for an old fella.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/439805653?ref=wtd

 6. Loop of Lazarus - blood, sweat and gears 1

Another enjoyable ride for intermediate riders.  Some parts are mildly over grown but perfectly rideable.  Gloves and joggers/leggjngs recommended.

Please walk the short footpath sections.  Always ride bridleways/byeways at low speeds.  Always stop and give way to horses and walkers who have priority on these routes.

Young horses and young riders can be nervous - ride with care and empathy at all times.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/426932370?ref=aso

7. Gone Fishing - blood sweat and gears 2

Another enjoyable ride. Some technical bits so intermediate/advanced ride.

Please walk the short footpath sections. Always ride bridleways/byeways at low speeds. Always stop and give way to horses and walkers who have priority on these routes.

Young horses and young riders can be nervous - ride with care and empathy at all times.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/428073133?ref=aso

8. Simonshyde Woods

95% Road.  1 Hill of any note - up to Ayot St Peter.  Nice country road ride that also takes in the south lake at Stanborough Lakes

https://www.komoot.com/tour/401847095?ref=aso

9. The Golden Virginnia 100

Some challenging climbs - 930 metres total - Priest Hill, Harrow on the Hill, Dennis Lane. Nice road route avoiding busy roads where possible. Start early to beat the traffic. Lovely bacon roll at Virginnia Water Cafe. Shame that most of the cycle paths were closed. Enjoyable ride finishing with a Guiness at the Mops and Brooms (again).

https://www.komoot.com/tour/446571756?ref=aso

10. End to End - Well End to Southend

Intermediate road ride.  Traffic in Enfield and Brentwood but not too bad.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/451091114?ref=aso