The best cycling routes in Greater London

Greater London offers a vast network of touring cycling routes, with over 3,400 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, from leisurely rides through parks to more challenging long-distance tours.

The routes in Greater London vary in difficulty. You'll find over 1,800 easy routes, which are generally flat and suitable for beginners or casual rides. There are also more than 1,000 moderate routes, often featuring gentle hills or longer distances. For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, over 440 difficult routes are available, some of which include significant elevation changes, particularly in areas like the Surrey Hills accessible from London.

Yes, Greater London has many excellent family-friendly options. Routes along the River Thames and London's canals, such as the Grand Union Canal, often provide flat, traffic-free paths. Many of the Royal Parks, like Richmond Park or Hyde Park, also offer safe and scenic environments for cycling with children. Consider routes that stick to dedicated cycle paths or quiet park roads.

Greater London's touring cycling routes offer diverse scenic viewpoints. You can enjoy panoramic city skylines from places like Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath or King Henry's Mound in Richmond Park. Riverside routes along the Thames provide views of iconic landmarks and changing urban landscapes. For natural beauty, Epping Forest offers ancient woodlands, while Greenwich Park provides stunning vistas over the River Thames and the historic Royal Observatory. For a specific highlight, consider visiting St. James's Park Lake for picturesque views.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Greater London are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the popular Thames Path and Richmond Park Loop, which combines riverside cycling with expansive parkland, or the Thames Path and Lesnes Abbey Loop for a mix of history and nature. These circular routes are convenient for day trips.

The komoot community highly rates touring cycling in Greater London, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 4,400 reviews. Cyclists often praise the region's surprising amount of green spaces, the extensive network of traffic-free paths along rivers and canals, and the ability to combine urban sightseeing with serene natural escapes. The variety of routes, from flat park loops to more challenging rides in areas like Epping Forest, is also frequently highlighted.

Many touring cycling routes in Greater London pass by or lead to significant attractions. You can cycle past iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Gardens, or the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. Riverside routes offer views of the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Historic sites like Hampton Court Palace are also accessible by bike. For a unique experience, consider exploring the Severndroog Castle or the Eltham Palace and Gardens.

Yes, Greater London offers several options for longer touring cycling routes. While many routes are day trips, you can link together paths along the Thames, canals, and through large green spaces like Epping Forest to create extended journeys. Routes like the Epping Forest loop from Hackney Wick (45 miles) or the Putney to Wimbledon gravel & Box Hill loop (47 miles) provide significant distances and varied terrain for a full day's ride.

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best seasons for touring cycling in Greater London. The weather is typically milder, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant, with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Summer can also be pleasant, though routes may be busier, especially in popular parks. Winter cycling is possible, but be prepared for colder, wetter conditions and shorter daylight hours.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Greater London are easily accessible via public transport. London's extensive Underground, Overground, and National Rail networks allow you to reach various starting points. Some train lines permit bikes outside of peak hours, and many routes begin near stations. The region's focus on sustainable transport means integrating cycling with public transport is often straightforward, especially for routes within the city or leading to major parks.

To find less busy routes, consider exploring areas slightly further out from central London or focusing on weekdays. Epping Forest, for example, offers vast ancient woodlands with numerous trails where you can find solitude, especially away from the main visitor hubs. Canal towpaths can also be quieter than major park routes. The Shenley Circuit and Dollis Valley Greenwalk Loop in North London provides green spaces that can offer a more tranquil experience.

Absolutely. Greater London's touring cycling routes often pass through or near areas with numerous cafes and refreshment stops. Many Royal Parks have cafes within them, and routes along the Thames Path or through urban areas will frequently have options for a coffee or a meal. Even routes leading into more natural settings like Epping Forest often have villages or visitor centers with amenities. For example, The Castle Climbing Centre is a highlight that includes a cafe.