The Nicky Line was the former Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead railway and is about 7 miles long. Originally opened in 1877 there were financial problems and much deliberating, the route it should go, with the Midland railway eventually agreeing to finance it and operate it once it was built. Transporting goods and coal was it's first priority rather than for passengers. It was never a profitable passenger railway and by 1946 there were only six school children being carried on the Harpenden service. Only the coal demand for the Duckhall gas works kept the Nicky line operational. Closure happened in stages. The Hemel Hempstead Station closed in 1963 followed by a gradual winding down of the rest of the railway and removal of the rails in 1982. The Nicky line is tree lined, reasonably flat, and traffic free with some open spaces. We have not observed any barriers to restrict horse riding, and it looks to be a pleasant ride. There is a bridleway near Knott Wood between Harpenden and Redbourn which would allow you to travel more northerly or southerly direction. Grid Ref: TL 0596 0744 at Hemel Hempstead – Parking nearby at Woodhall Lane Grid Ref: TL 1322 1531 End of the Nicky Line at Harpenden – **Parking difficulty