Nickey Line Route
The Nickey Line route runs around Redbourn to the South and East.
Access - The route can be joined / left at many points along this section, although the easiest points for cyclists are:
- at the junction of Hemel Hempstead Road / B487
- at the Chequer Lane ramp
- off the High Street by the Redbourn Millennium Park, and
- at the Harpenden Lane / Redbourn roundabout.
Surface – The surface is mainly crushed stone and can be muddy in wet periods.
Ramps - There are ramps by the High street and Chequer Lane.
Notes
Eating / Cycle Shop - Redbourn High Street has a number of eateries, cafes and pubs as well as a cycle shop.
Picnic Site – The Millenium Site built on the old Railway marshalling yard just east of the bridge over the High Street is a picnic site and provides access to the High Street. You can also see the original 1985 plaque marking the opening of the Nickey Line as a footpath & cycleway. This plaque was originally in Harpenden but a similar one has been found below the River Ver bridge in Redbourn.
Orchard - On the Hemel Hempstead side of the Chequer Lane crossing point in Redbourn there is a small community orchard that is well worth a visit.
Other Routes - Redbourn offers a number of road-based routes:
- To the West and North-west into the Chilterns, towards the Ashridge estate and to Dunstable Downs (where NCN 574 commences and goes on to join NCN 6 west of Dunstable).
- A variety of circular cross-country rides can be started from Redbourn towards Gaddesden, Flamstead or St Albans.
Safety Points
The Nickey Line has a number of points where cyclists cross major or potentially busy roads and extra care is advised:
- Hemel Hempstead: the A4147 Redbourn Road
- Hemel Hempstead: Maylands industrial estate, a short on-road section between the recycling centre and the resumption of the off-road route
- Redbourn: B487 Hemel Hempstead Road near the M1 underpass
- Redbourn: Chequer Lane
- Redbourn: access road to the travellers’ site off the A5183
- Redbourn: Harpenden Lane/Redbourn Lane roundabout.
The M1 underpass for the Nickey Line near Redbourn is poorly lit and lights are recommended.
There are also a number of farm and business access routes crossing the Nickey Line. The Line also goes under a quite low bridge at Fletcher Way, Hemel Hempstead.
Useful Sites
Sustrans National Cycle Network Route Map – Scroll down to 'Open the National Cycle Network map’
Hertfordshire County Council Walking and cycling routes