Approximately 7 miles long, the Nickey Line footpath and cycle way in Hertfordshire is a former railway line (the Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead Railway). The Nickey Line still links Harpenden, Redbourn and Hemel Hempstead but now it is used by railway history enthusiasts, walkers, joggers and cyclists from many parts of the country. It was opened as a footpath and cycleway in 1985 and is maintained by local residents and volunteers. These small oil sketches vary in size (A4 and A3) and are preparatory work before I engage in larger canvas paintings featuring The famous 'Nickey Line'.