Hemel Hempstead to Southend & back route advice

[jayonabike]

I'm planning a route to Southend and just wanted some local knowledge.
I've plotted a route trying to stear clear of major routes and built up areas as much as possible. I'm ok with the route up till Cheshunt and then I'm relying on streetview.
At mile 22 (over Hooksmarsh) where Cadmore lane ends and there is a cycle path which joins with Fishers Green Lane, is that path tarmac and suitable for road bikes?
As it starts to get built up going through Brentwood towards Basildon, is what I've plotted the best option (avoiding the A1321) or between mile 45 & 46 should I turn left and head towards Wickford & pick up the A129 Southend road?
I'll be riding this on a Sunday so traffic shouldn't be to much of a problem. I had planned to follow the same route back, but a loop would be an option
B.T.W, I've no date set but when I do I'll post it up & if anyone wants to join or meet on route your more than welcome. The plan is cycle there, a big fry-up at the Rose Cafe on the sea front then cycle home
Route Here
Cheers
Jay

Edit: Updated Route

 

[ianrauk]

hmmm tempted to meet you in Brentwood. What time you think you would reach Brentwood?

The Rose is now closed, but there are plenty of other cafes on the sea front

Edit: thought you meant this coming Sunday.
But let us know when you will run it.

 

[jayonabike]

Brentwood is 42 miles in, so about 2hr 45min into the ride. If we headed off about 8ish, to get to Brentwood for 10.45-11.00. Bugger the Rose is closed, I had a lovely fry up there last summer.
Edit: Just seen your edit.

 

[Cycleops]

Wot, no trip to visit the cockle sheds at Leigh - on -Sea!? Might be out of season.

 

[ianrauk]

Brentwood is 42 miles in, so about 2hr 45min into the ride. If we headed off about 8ish, to get to Brentwood for 10.45-11.00. Bugger the Rose is closed, I had a lovely fry up there last summer.
Edit: Just seen your edit.

Re Mile 45-46 option, think what you have plotted is fine. I have done the B1464 more times then I can remember into and out of Southend, it will be fine.

 

[topcat1]

Take the scenic route Jay head towards Stock and join @dellzeqq night route

it's a much better ride that way taking out 3 climbs (Brentwood Laindon Bread n cheese)

 

[ianrauk]

Take the scenic route Jay head towards Stock and join @dellzeqq night route

it's a much better ride that way taking out 3 climbs (Brentwood Laindon Bread n cheese)

FNR to Southend always has Bread and Cheese Hill

 

[topcat1]

Not via Stock

 

[ianrauk]

Not via Stock

Yes via stock, then north of Hanningfield Reservoir, then south through Rettenden, Battlesbridge to Rayleigh.

 

[jayonabike]

What something more like THIS @topcat1 @ianrauk.

@toptom What do ya think?

 

[rb58]

I'm up for this when the date I set. I also suggest heading for Old Leigh rather than Southend. Several pubs, and The Peterboat has plenty of space for bikes etc. will look at route tomorrow when a proper PC.

 

[ianrauk]

What something more like THIS @topcat1 @ianrauk.

@toptom What do ya think?

So nearly, you must do Lower Stock road and round the reservoir Middlemead, absolutely wonderful roads for cycling

 

[simgsxr]

"At mile 22 (over Hooksmarsh) where Cadmore lane ends and there is a cycle path which joins with Fishers Green Lane, is that path tarmac and suitable for road bikes?"

Been a couple of years since I was last here but there is a Bailey Bridge after crossing the railway track, a tarmac track up to the River Lea bridge, a mix of hard track / mud up to the bridge over 'Seventy Acre & Hooks Marsh Lakes & down to Fishers Green car park. The road form the car park up to the junction to the Crooked Mile is full of pot holes & is not good. The Crooked Mile would not be my choice to cycle down due to the pot holes & pace of traffic.....although weekend traffic is not as busy.


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[toptom]

What something more like THIS @topcat1 @ianrauk.

@toptom What do ya think?

looks good just need some good weather

 

[jayonabike]

So nearly, you must do Lower Stock road and round the reservoir Middlemead, absolutely wonderful roads for cycling

Ah, more like THIS. I had a look on streetview at lower stock rd, it does look like glorious cycling country

"At mile 22 (over Hooksmarsh) where Cadmore lane ends and there is a cycle path which joins with Fishers Green Lane, is that path tarmac and suitable for road bikes?"

Been a couple of years since I was last here but there is a Bailey Bridge after crossing the railway track, a tarmac track up to the River Lea bridge, a mix of hard track / mud up to the bridge over 'Seventy Acre & Hooks Marsh Lakes & down to Fishers Green car park. The road form the car park up to the junction to the Crooked Mile is full of pot holes & is not good. The Crooked Mile would not be my choice to cycle down due to the pot holes & pace of traffic.....although weekend traffic is not as busy.


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So probably best to go into Broxbourne and then on towards Waltham Abbey, like in the link