St Albans offers history, green space, and scenic routes for all abilities. The city and countryside combine parkland, woodland, and wide rural views.
As a result, visitors can shake off winter blues and enjoy fresh air. Ancient woods and open landscapes also support physical and mental wellbeing.
St Albans sits just 20 minutes from London St Pancras by train. Motorcaravnners can reach the city easily via the A1, M25, and M1.
After exploring, visitors can enjoy renowned food and drink venues. Pubs, cafés, and restaurants provide ideal refuelling stops.
Top 10 St Albans Walks and Cycle Routes
- 1. Heartwood Forest. Heartwood Forest offers one of England’s largest new native woodlands. The Woodland Trust manages nearly 900 acres of forest and meadow. More than half a million trees now grow here. Paths wind through ancient woodland and colourful seasonal landscapes.
- 2. Nomansland Common Nomansland Common provides rugged open space popular with walkers and cyclists. Dog walkers, horse riders, and hikers also use the area. The site once supported grazing as early as 4000BC. Today, visitors enjoy a calmer setting and wide woodland views.
- 3. The Alban Way The Alban Way follows a former Great Northern Railway line. This 6.3-mile trail links St Albans with Hatfield. The flat, traffic-free route suits families and leisure cyclists. Play areas and recreation grounds appear along the way.
- 4. Verulamium Park Verulamium Park sits close to the city centre. It covers more than 100 acres of parkland. Paths circle an ornamental lake filled with waterfowl. Visitors can also see Roman wall remains, play areas, and a café.
- 5. Gorhambury Drive Gorhambury Drive delivers open countryside views across fields and farmland. Walkers and cyclists pass sheep-dotted pastures on the approach. Old Gorhambury House stands nearby as a striking historic ruin. Permissive estate paths offer both long and short countryside routes.
- 6. River Ver Trail The River Ver Trail stretches between Kensworth Lynch and Bricket Wood. This scenic route follows the curves of a rare chalk stream. Fresh air and waterside views make it ideal for active days.
- 7. Redbournbury Mill Redbournbury Mill lies just north of St Albans. Rolling countryside, farmland, and water meadows surround the site. Clearly marked paths guide visitors through peaceful rural scenery.
- 8. Samuel Ryder Walking Trail This self-guided trail explores the life of golf pioneer Samuel Ryder. Walkers visit sites linked to his business, home life, and civic work. Route options cover 9 or 18 locations across the city. The walk lasts between 45 minutes and two hours.
- 9. St Albans Green Ring The Green Ring forms a 6.5-mile circular city route. It connects parks, heritage sites, and green corridors. Cyclists and walkers pass the Cathedral, Roman Theatre, and Verulamium Park. The route also includes the Watercress Beds Nature Reserve.
- 10. Wheathampstead Loop Experienced cyclists can tackle the 14-mile Wheathampstead Loop. The route links St Albans with surrounding villages and countryside. Riders pass Sandridge, Wheathampstead, Harpenden, and Childwickbury. Heartwood Forest and Harpenden Common feature along the way.
