The best traffic-free bike rides around the London Borough Of Ealing

There are 14 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the London Borough of Ealing. These routes range in difficulty, with 10 easy, 3 moderate, and 1 difficult option, ensuring there's a suitable ride for various skill levels.

Ealing, known as the 'Queen of the Suburbs,' offers an abundance of green spaces and dedicated paths perfect for traffic-free cycling. Key features include the extensive parks and open spaces like Walpole Park and Pitshanger Park, the scenic Grand Union Canal Towpath, and green corridors such as the Brent River Park. The borough is actively expanding its network of Quietways and traffic-calmed paths, making it increasingly bike-friendly.

Yes, Ealing offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners and families. Many of these utilize the borough's numerous parks and the flat Grand Union Canal Towpath. An example is the route Richmond Lock and Weir – View of Richmond Bridge loop from Northfields, which is rated as easy and covers 16.4 km.

Cyclists can discover a variety of natural and historical attractions. Along the routes, you might encounter the historic Wharncliffe Viaduct, the tranquil Brent River Park, and the picturesque Bull's Bridge Junction (Grand Union Canal). The Paddington Arm Towpath itself offers a scenic journey through green areas.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Ealing are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Lock 91, Grand Union Canal – Paddington Arm Towpath loop from Castle Bar Park offers a substantial 35 km circular ride, and the Hanwell Locks – Lock 91, Grand Union Canal loop from South Ealing is another excellent circular option.

Many of Ealing's parks and the Grand Union Canal Towpath are dog-friendly, making them suitable for cycling with a well-behaved dog on a lead or in a trailer. Always check specific park regulations, but generally, the extensive green spaces and quiet paths are welcoming for cyclists with dogs.

Parking availability varies by starting point. For routes accessing the Grand Union Canal Towpath or larger parks, street parking may be available in residential areas nearby, or dedicated car parks might be present at major park entrances. For example, areas around Walpole Park or near the Brent River Park may offer parking options. Always check local signage for restrictions and fees.

For panoramic views, Horsenden Hill is a notable spot where cyclists can ascend for vistas across London, potentially even spotting Windsor Castle and Canary Wharf on clear days. Northala Fields, with its unique artificial hills, also provides stunning 360-degree views of the city and features smooth paths enjoyable for cycling.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Ealing, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 107 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the canal towpaths, the abundance of green spaces, and the feeling of escaping the city traffic while still being within London.

Yes, many of Ealing's parks feature cafes or kiosks, and the Grand Union Canal Towpath passes through areas with pubs and eateries, particularly near locks or urban sections. You'll find opportunities for refreshments and facilities along or near most routes, especially in more populated areas like Hanwell or Southall.

Ealing is well-served by public transport, including the Central, District, and Piccadilly lines, as well as Overground and National Rail services. Many routes, especially those along the Grand Union Canal or through major parks, are easily accessible from various stations. For example, routes starting near Southall or Castle Bar Park are convenient to reach by train, allowing you to connect to the traffic-free paths directly.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for touring cycling in Ealing, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, Ealing's green spaces and canal paths are enjoyable year-round. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and even in winter, many routes remain accessible, though conditions can be wetter and colder.