Commuting from Hertford/Ware to Kings Cross

greenamex2
greenamex2 Posts: 272
edited January 2019 in Commuting chat
Hi

Anybody done/do the commute from Hertford/Ware to Kings Cross?

Currently favouring the "cycle/tow path" option as I expect there are no relatively safe road routes...but happy to be contradicted.

Thanks

Comments

  • jds_1981
    jds_1981 Posts: 1,858
    Canal should work. I think in London at least a lot of the A10 has a segregated cycle path. Outside London I'm not sure of the state.
    It'll take you a long time along the canal! What bike will you be using? Cyclo-cross/gravel probably your best option(although I know at least one person who avoids the tow path due to the vibrations on his hands which may then require a suspension fork?). Some sort of suspension seat post would be advisable. Takes an lot of the rumbles from your bum.
    FCN 9 || FCN 5
  • Thigh_burn
    Thigh_burn Posts: 489
    Having once (by accident) ridden the tow path from Hertford back into London, I'd strongly advise against it. It's a total nightmare and slow going. In lots of places the path is pretty narrow and you're going slow battling with dog-walkers and others.

    I haven't commuted it, but regularly ride from North London to Hertford. In reverse, the route I would suggest is:
    Hertford > Essendon > Kentish Lane > Potters Bar > Barnet > Barnet Hill > Whetstone > East Finchley > Highgate > Archway > Holloway Road > Right at the A5203 towards Kings X > Barnsbury > Kings X.

    I should add, that does depend on the time you're commuting. I appreciate those are busy roads, but there are lots of bus lanes and cycle paths.
  • jds_1981
    jds_1981 Posts: 1,858
    Thigh_burn wrote:
    Having once (by accident) ridden the tow path from Hertford back into London, I'd strongly advise against it. It's a total nightmare and slow going. In lots of places the path is pretty narrow and you're going slow battling with dog-walkers and others.

    .
    I don't think this is a problem at commute times though. Barely anyone outside North circular, inside the M25 the path is plenty wide enough.
    FCN 9 || FCN 5
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    Very similar to Thigh Burn:

    https://goo.gl/maps/stpp3KRwd8E2
    Ben

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  • timothyw
    timothyw Posts: 2,482
    Quite similar to my commute, but a bit further (I only go as far in as East finchley, come from Hatfield).

    I'd suggest something more like this - https://goo.gl/maps/PRKeu2Trxdn

    No point coming off the A1000 around the M25 IMHO - although there is usually heavy traffic through High Barnet filtering through is not a problem, making the turns would be more of a faff and adds distance.

    Would also suggest Robins Nest/Essendon hill on the first stretch out of Hertford, give you more time to warm the legs up before you start climbing - traffic wise I'm not sure which option is best/safest - Essendon hill likely busier but drivers more aware, so six of one, half a dozen of the other really.

    Certainly I wouldn't take the tow path unless you have hours in which to make the journey, enjoy fixing punctures, and enjoy fighting off people who will mug you for your bike.

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