Cycling is hands down one of the best ways to soak up London’s diverse sights, historic landmarks, and the majestic River Thames. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, London is brimming with scenic routes. Plus, the capital boasts excellent infrastructure to make getting around on a bike a breeze.
London’s cycling paths wind through a variety of settings, from the bustling heart of the city to tranquil side streets and leafy parks. Thankfully, the city offers high-quality cycle paths, providing a speedy and safe way to navigate. More on ilondon.info.
London’s Hidden Gems
Exploring London by bike gives you a unique perspective, allowing you to dive into the vibrant street art of Shoreditch in the East End. History buffs can delve into the rich past of various boroughs, enjoy the riverside views, and take in icons like the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Cycling is also a fantastic, eco-friendly way to get to know the metropolis. With rental options available, it’s a brilliant choice for people of all ages and fitness levels—a truly special way to discover new places. If you’re new to cycling, it’s best to stick to gentler routes with smooth inclines.
Experienced riders, on the other hand, often opt for longer journeys with more challenging terrain. When cycling in London, everyone is expected to follow the rules of the road:
- Helmets are highly recommended.
- Wear reflective clothing during the day and use lights on your bike.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars, except when signalling.
- Obey all road signs and traffic lights.
- Stick to cycle lanes and designated areas.
- Only carry passengers on bicycles specifically designed for that purpose.
The ‘Hyde Park Loop’
This route is a superb ride for beginners. Start at the Hyde Park Corner tube station and cycle around the perimeter. Then, you can head along South Carriage Drive towards the centre of the park and the Serpentine lake, before looping back to your starting point.
The wide, level paths and stunning views make this a favourite for both tourists and locals. Spotting squirrels and birds adds a lovely touch to the ride. The loop is about 7 miles long and is perfect for a leisurely spin. It’s best to set off early in the morning to enjoy the park’s beauty with minimal crowds. Remember to pack a picnic and perhaps stop for a coffee and snack halfway through your cycle.
The ‘Thames Path’
If you want to enjoy views of the Thames and tick off some popular landmarks, the ‘Thames Path’ is the route for you. This journey primarily uses the National Cycle Network to travel through the Thames Valley all the way to Oxford. A particularly popular stretch runs from the source in the Cotswolds to Woolwich in London.
It’s the ideal blend of urban riding and sightseeing. Here are a few popular shorter sections tourists enjoy:
- Reading Bridge to Sonning – 4 kilometres
- Godstow Bridge to the Oxford Ring Road A4142 – 8 kilometres
- Staines Railway Bridge to Laleham – 3.8 kilometres
- Hampton Court Station to Weybridge Lawn – 9.8 kilometres
If you’re up for a longer challenge, there’s a 159-kilometre cycle route from Woolwich to Oxford, passing through Windsor and Reading. This route features a mix of gravel and grassy riverbanks alongside paved sections, so you’ll need a bike suited to varied terrain. Along the way, you can see Windsor Castle and grab a delicious pastry at the famous Cinnamon Cafe. It’s worth noting that many railway lines run close to the Thames Path, making it easy to hop on a train with your bike if you need a break. Cyclists on this route can enjoy London’s rich maritime history and its modern areas. It’s best to start early to allow plenty of time for sightseeing and a snack stop.
Shoreditch to Stratford
Another easy cycling route in East London is the ride from Shoreditch to Stratford. This is a great choice for foodies: you can easily pause for a snack on Brick Lane. The ride itself might only take 10 minutes, but it’s always nice to enjoy a coffee break along your cycle path.
You can start at Boxpark Shoreditch, then take a slight detour around the Young V&A, before cycling through Victoria Park and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Any of the parks make a great spot to rest and refuel.
The Wandle Trail
If you’re keen to explore a more rural landscape without leaving London, the ‘Wandle Trail’ is a perfect option. This route, about 21 kilometres long, runs from Wandsworth (West London) to Croydon (South London) and passes through the capital’s greener, more secluded areas. You’ll be treated to views of parks, ponds, green riverbanks, lovely cafes, and you might even spot some local wildlife.
This trail is particularly popular in the summer when everything is lush and blooming. However, you need to pay close attention to the path, as the cycle route occasionally diverges from the pedestrian walk.
The Box Hill Challenge
For those who enjoy a more challenging ride, Box Hill is ideal. Located in the Surrey Hills, it’s a firm favourite among serious cyclists. The climb to the summit of Box Hill is steep but rewards you with a picturesque view of the countryside. The descent features sharp turns and fast straight sections.
Before attempting this route, make sure you have the physical stamina for it. However, the stunning, sweeping vistas from the top are absolutely worth the effort.
The Two Castles Ride (Hampton Court and Windsor Castle)
There’s nothing quite as special as cycling through the grounds of a magnificent stately home. If you’re a fan of the Regency era, this cycle route is for you. The journey begins at Hampton Court, the famous residence of Henry VIII, which is home to some of the most spectacular chimney stacks in London.
Using National Cycle Route 4, you can cycle along the Thames and past reservoirs until you reach Windsor Great Park. You might want to take a slight detour to explore the park itself.
In Eton, you can cycle to the banks of the reservoir. The loop can be completed by riding along the northern side of Heathrow Airport, with field tracks leading you back to the main gates of Hampton Court Palace.
The ‘Capital Ring’
The ‘Capital Ring’ route threads through London’s greenest suburbs. The entire loop covers 130 kilometres and is divided into eight sections, circumnavigating London from Highgate Wood to Richmond Park. This is a route for cycling enthusiasts, featuring woods, hills, and urban panoramas. For instance, Section 5 (Hampstead to Willesden – 16 km) has some fairly steep climbs. The route can be completed over 2–3 days, or you can choose to tackle just a section. Experts recommend starting in Richmond.
All in all, cycling in London offers a unique way to experience the city. It’s a mix of convenience and adventure, providing an eco-friendly option for exploring the metropolis. Bike hire is a great solution for novices, pros, and people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a wonderful way to take in London’s diverse landmarks. This two-wheeled adventure will enhance your time in the city and help you quickly discover its most interesting spots.
Beginners can stick to park paths, greenways, and safe cycle channels. Experienced cyclists will enjoy the challenge of steep climbs, longer distances, and faster urban tracks. The main goal is to savour the moments and discover London on two wheels.
Sources used:
- https://www.muchbetteradventures.com/magazine/best-cycle-routes-london/?utm_source
- https://www.londonxlondon.com/cycle-routes-london/
- https://www.londonfans.com/how-to-get-around-london-without-tube-discovering-london-on-two-wheels-cycling-routes-without-tubes/
- https://toxigon.com/london-best-cycling-routes