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Great North Way
Route facts
Waterways:
River Lee »
Distance: 32.00 miles / 51.5 km
Difficulty: Difficult
Starts at: Hadley Wood Railway Station
Ends at: Baldock
The Great North Way begins from the edge of London at Hadley Wood, and continues north through Hertfordshire to Letchworth and Baldock.
The Great North Way is also known as Route 12 and forms part of the National Cycle Network. Once complete, Route 12 will link London with Grimsby and Peterborough. Although long this route can be completed in parts at your own pace, and the abundance of beautiful countryside, attractions, pubs and restaurants along the way makes this route perfect for a family day out.
Waypoints
2. Hadley Wood Railway Station
Starting from here gives you the option to get the train one way and cycle the whole route back. If you choose to cycle from here your route will be lined with leafy countryside only minutes into your journey. After leaving the station head towards Waggon Road and continue all the way along until you reach Dancers Hill Road. Passing through Wrotham Park and along the River Lee you will find it hard to believe you are so close to London! Carry on along this road, following it under the M25 and head in the direction of signs for Mymmshall Woods.
Easting: 526350, Northing: 198240
If you decide to take a detour through this beautiful wooded area, you can gain access back onto the main route via a cycle bridge across the A1(M). As you carry on along Route 12 you will eventually reach the University of Hertfordshire on the outskirts of Hatfield.
Easting: 522300, Northing: 202550
Hatfield is perfect if you need to stop off for a bite to eat and a rest, as it has plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes. Local attractions include Hatfield House, former residence of Henry VIII, and the Mill Green Museum, which is a local history museum housed in a restored watermill. Stanborough Park is also situated nearby; a 126 acre oasis next to the River Lea.
Easting: 526593, Northing: 209171
As you head away from Hatfield toward Welwyn Garden City you can take an historical diversion and continue towards Old Welwyn, a former Roman settlement. Old Welwyn was a prime strategic location for the Romans because it sat alongside the River Mimram and remnants of that era still remain, such as the Welwyn Roman Baths. To gain access back onto the route follow the course of the river as it winds its way towards Codicote, another historical village dating back to the 13th century.
Easting: 522961, Northing: 216536
As you continue through Codicote along Rabley Heath Road the route goes slightly uphill, but thankfully there is a pub further along at Rabley Heath where you can stop off for a rest. From here the route carries on up hill towards the historic town of Stevenage, an early Saxon settlement and now a bustling place full of shops and restaurants. Fairlands Valley Park nearby is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are out with young children, as there is a paddling pool and play area onsite as well as plenty of watersports.
Easting: 522735, Northing: 225765
As you near the end of your journey, passing along the outskirts of Letchworth, you will reach Baldock an old market town that is also thought to date back to the Roman era.
Easting: 524818, Northing: 233271
