Trains and private jets, the Harpenden to Luton cycleway

The cycle route to Luton had to be tried at some point, and that point arrived this week.

Decided I needed some time on feet having not run since Sunday and checking out sustrains newest addition seemed like just the job. Been watching the construction phase of the bridge over the busy lower luton road (confusingly called Harpenden Road on google maps) and figured enough of the bridge was there to cross it, miles 3 and 5 shown below.



First section is fine all the way out to just before the second mile point where you get to Cooters End Lane. Do not try and follow the final route of the cycle way, turn left onto Cooters End Lane under the railway and sharp right into the field and follow the tree line. The official footpath is Nettle ridden right now so on the way back I was field side - take care here I as nearly went over on a nasty tuft of grass. Hugging the sewage works fence is not great, try and stay in the trees watching out for low branches and fallen trees on the path. I managed a 7min mile here so not too bad.

Cross West Hyde Road and this takes you to the new green bridge over the B653. Wonderful. then a nice stretch of avenue to three miles and then Copt Hall Road. Over the field here there is not a lot between the railway and you, a fast Midland main line train tooted at me and made me jump. At this point you are also very close to the runway of Luton Airport and a Lear jet took off in front of me. Not too sure where you are meant to go from the next tree clump and farmers path, but just in front the diggers and workmen were busy and I'd run out of time so I turned around and headed home.

Decided to pick it up from a mile out and clock a 7minute mile then ratchet back along the tarmac section lapping out some points with the Garmin to get some measured distances. Last to ratchets of 0.1 miles each were at 6:32 and 5:36.