Walking the Nickey Line

After a six mile run first thing on a lovely sunny but cold morning, I had a relaxing bath singing along to the radio before Juliet and I drove across to Harpenden for a stroll along the Nickey Line, the seven mile walking and cycling route that used to be the branch line linking the Midland Railway between Harpenden and Boxmoor, near Hemel Hempstead. Passenger services on the line ceased in 1947, but freight continued to be carried on the route until 1979. We walked as far as Redbourn, and enjoyed a superb cheese and pickle sandwich in the Hub café for lunch before heading back to Harpenden. It was lovely walk of around six and a half miles, with beautiful views across the countryside.