Green lanes, medieval trails

Distance covered: about 15 miles
Time taken: 90 mins (with frequent stops/detours)
Elevation: approx. 500 ft
Bike: Specialized Turbo Levo HT

I went on a twisty-turny ride into the hills south of Hitchin at the weekend

taking Tatmorehills Lane (marked as a Public Highway)

the same trails I used to ride on a pony when I was in my teens

it gets pretty narrow at times, but the mature hedges on either side mark it out as an established route

The hedges enclose the trail completely, so it feels like you're in a green tunnel

looking out at the sunny countryside passing by outside

up past Wayley (which may have been the site of a medieval village abandoned during the Black Death).

to Deadwoman's Lane, probably named because of the Black Death

the trail would probably eventually wind up in Kimpton, Wheathampstead and St Albans, suggesting a regular route for taking livestock to market

I made a little detour to look at the tiny country pub where I, Hive account@steevc and I think Hive account@steve-o2023 ? used to go to music sessions. I thought it had gone, but it is so small, it was just hidden in a turn in the lane...

I followed the green lane as far as Austage End where the tarmac road resumes, then turned back for home.

This part of the countryside is so quiet, considering how stunning it is, but I did see a few hikers and a couple of guys on mountain-bikes

My descent took me across farmland that didn't seem to have changed in centuries

through copses and spinneys

hidden woods

and a secret valley (nobody knows about this place except me, right!?)

This section of the trail was part of the Hertfordshire Bridleway - never heard of that before

Happy trails!