Harpenden run route

Harpenden Run Route

Whether you live in Harpenden or just visiting, lace up those running shoes and head for the Nickey Line. Approximately 8 miles long it was formerly the Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead Railway Line which opened in 1877.

The platform and former signal is all that remains of the Roundwood Halt from 1927 and can still be seen at the Harpenden end. The Line fell into disuse and was opened as a footpath and cycle route in 1985.

The Line is a wide, gravel path and is well signposted with place names and distance markers. You can stick to the Line or do circular runs leading off and back to the Line.

The trees and bushes along the path are alive with many birds and in summer the agricultural fields alongside are bright yellow with oilseed rape crop. Take one of the trails leading off and run through woods awash with bluebells or detour past Rothamstead Manor to see the impressive sculptures in the garden.

You can access the Nickey Line from Morton End Lane in Harpenden.

For maps and more information follow the link to The Friends of the Nickey Line http://www.nickeyline.org