Four Valleys and Four Climbs

This route will take you out of Hemel and into the Chilterns to explore the wonderful countryside and some of the lovely villages. There are hills but height is gained through steady climbs rather than steeps hills. You quickly leave the centre of Hemel, climbing out of the first valley, and join the Nicky Line for a pleasant ride and easy descent towards Redbourn and the second valley. Here you leave the Nicky Line and start the climb into the Chilterns, initially through rolling fields and then as you get higher, through more wooded scenery. The high point of the route is just after Clements End and from here you descend into the third valley from which you climb towards Little Gaddesden and the Ashridge Estate. The descent into the fourth valley takes you through the pretty village of Nettleton before starting the final climb to Potten End, cycling past Martin’s Pond, and the final descent into Hemel and back to the starting point.

Please note that a 2 mile section at the start of this route is on the Nicky Line, which is woodland track and may not be suitable for all road bikes.