The best MTB trails around St Albans

There are over 140 mountain bike routes around St Albans, offering a diverse range of experiences. You'll find a good mix of easy trails, with 62 options, and more challenging moderate routes, with 78 available.

Yes, St Albans offers several family-friendly options. The Alban Way, a disused railway line, provides a flat, traffic-free route between St Albans and Hatfield, which is ideal for families. Additionally, many of the 62 easy trails in the area are suitable for riders of all ages and skill levels.

The terrain around St Albans is quite varied, featuring extensive woodlands like Symondshyde Wood and Heartwood Forest, river valleys, and former railway lines. You'll encounter a mix of gravel paths, dirt tracks, and some singletrack sections, with elevation gains varying from gentle slopes on routes like the Alban Way to more significant climbs in the Chilterns.

Many of the trails around St Albans are suitable for riding with dogs, especially those through woodlands and open spaces like Heartwood Forest and along the Alban Way. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved, under control, and that you follow local regulations regarding pets on trails.

You can explore a variety of landmarks and natural features. The Alban Way itself is a historical route. You might also pass by the Verulamium Roman City Walls, or enjoy the tranquil Verulamium Lake. Heartwood Forest offers beautiful Bluebell Woods in spring, and the River Ver, a rare chalk stream, flows through the area.

Many routes in the St Albans area are designed as loops. For example, the Chilterns Cycleway and Chiltern Way Loop from Harpenden is a popular moderate option. Another is the Nast Hyde Halt – Dawson Way loop from Harpenden, which offers a mix of open and wooded sections.

Spring and autumn are often considered ideal for mountain biking in St Albans, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the bluebells are out in Heartwood Forest. Summer is also great, though trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but some trails, particularly in wooded areas, can become muddy after rain, so checking local conditions is advisable.

Yes, beginners have plenty of options with 62 easy trails available. The Bridleway Trail – Symondshyde Great Wood loop from St Albans is an easy route that takes you through pleasant woodlands. The Alban Way is also an excellent choice for those new to mountain biking due to its flat, traffic-free nature.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 160 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the mix of woodlands and open countryside, and the accessibility of trails for various skill levels. The presence of historical sites and natural beauty spots like Verulamium Park also adds to the appeal.

Many routes in the St Albans area pass close to villages and towns with pubs and cafes. For instance, routes that go through or near Harpenden or St Albans City will offer opportunities for refreshments. While specific pubs aren't listed for each trail, planning your route to include a stop in one of the local communities is often feasible.

For those seeking longer rides, the View from the Dunstable Downs – Alban Way Railway Bridge loop from St Albans City is a substantial moderate route covering over 67 km. Another option is the Old Gorhambury House – Bridge Over the River Colne loop from Harpenden, which is over 57 km and offers significant elevation changes.

Yes, St Albans is well-connected by public transport. The Alban Way is easily accessible from St Albans City station. For other trails, such as those near Heartwood Forest or Symondshyde Wood, you might need to combine train travel to St Albans or Harpenden with a short ride or bus connection to reach the trailheads.