Knebworth and Stevenage Loop

This route starts in the small Hertfordshire town of Knebworth and can best be described as ‘rolling’ with its mixture of slightly testing climbs and glorious downhills. The countryside and views on this ride belie the fact that you’re only a few miles from central London.

Route Description

The ride starts from Knebworth railway station, affording travellers either easy parking or travel by train if required. Whilst most of this route is comprised of quiet roads and lanes there are a small number of places where busier roads are used.

From the start point at the station, the route travels in a straight line along Park Lane over the A1m and on to Old Knebworth, gradually rising all along the way.

From Old Knebworth the route now takes a generally southerly meandering path. Passing through Rabley Heath and Codicote the route crosses the River Mimram. Following the river crossing it’s a sharp climb to Ayot St. Lawrence and then on through Gustard Wood to Peters Green.

From Peters Green the ride skirts around the edge of Luton Airport as it passes through Lawrence End, Breachwood Green and Kings Walden. Next is a ‘rolling’ section that takes you through Preston before a nice downhill run to Little Almshoe.

Unfortunately, the downhill doesn’t last long as back to what seems the constant up and down of this route. Riding through Little Wymondley before re-crossing the A1(m) and on to Graveley and the north part of Stevenage will test any cyclists legs.

After clearing the northern part of Stevenage you will be rewarded with a nice gentle mainly downhill run through Warrens Green, Halls Green and Cromer before turning south to run through Walkern and on to the lowest part of the ride at Watton at Stone.

Upon leaving Watton at Stone it’s short and slightly uphill ride westward through Datchworth Green and Woolmer Green and a return to the start point at Knebworth.

Route Summary

Start Point – Knebworth Railway Station

Distance – 39.5 miles / 63.5 km

Elevation Gain – 2090ft / 637 metres

Places of Interest

• Knebworth House and Garden – just off the route at the 1 mile point.
• National Trust, George Bernard Shaws Edwardian Villa – on the route at the 6.5 mile point.
• Wymondley Castle – just off the route at the 22.1 mile point.
• Ruins of Church of St Etheldreda, Chelsfield – just off the route at the 24.4 mile point.

Refreshment Stops

• There are an assortment of cafes etc in Knebworth – at the start / finish.
• The Bright Star Pub – on the route at the 11.8 mile point.
• The Red Lion – on the route at the 17.7 mile point
• The Country Farm Cafe on the route at the 34.9 mile point.
• The Chequers Inn – on the route at the 38.2 mile point.

Local Bike Shops

• Spoke Bike Shop – Ridge Farm, Rabley Heath Road, Welwyn, Herts AL6 9UA. Tel 01438 488388
• Stevenage Cycles, 26 The Glebe, Stevenage, SG2 0DJ Tel 01438 340004

Closest Railway Stations

• Knebworth – at the start / finish (Network Rail)
• Whatton at Stone – on the route at the 35.3 mile point
• Dawlish – just off the route at the 18.9 mile point

Ride With GPS Link – https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39058410

GPX file direct download – Click Here

If you liked this route please consider supporting us by buying a tea at www.buymeacoffee.com/cyclinglabs

To see more great routes go to our Routes Index page