9k Run Welwyn Hatfield: Scenic Journey through History

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.6km out-and-back route offers an exceptionally flat and fast experience on a fully paved surface, making it an ideal choice for runners looking to maintain a steady tempo or clear their heads away from traffic. Starting in Hatfield and following the former railway corridor toward St Albans, you'll find a tree-lined path that provides excellent shelter from the wind and a sense of "green lung" tranquility. With only 11 meters of total ascent, this is arguably one of the flattest routes in Hertfordshire, perfect for beginners tackling their first long runs or experienced athletes performing interval training on a predictable, uninterrupted surface.

Local runners often refer to this stretch as the "Alban Way," a vital piece of the National Cycle Network that reimagines the storied history of the Great Northern Railway. Originally opened in the 1860s, this branch line once bustled with steam engines connecting these two historic towns before closing to passengers in the mid-20th century. As you run, look out for the subtle remnants of its industrial past, including old station platforms and bridge architecture, which serve as a reminder of the area’s Victorian-era heritage. Today, it has been transformed into a peaceful wildlife corridor that links the modern aviation history of Hatfield with the ancient Roman roots of St Albans.