Cycling

Off-road cycling

10 Traffic-Free Cycling Routes from London

By Emma Frampton

Published on July 10, 2018 4 min read

Traffic-Free Cycling in London

London isn’t always the first place that springs to mind when it comes to group cycling. But with canals, towpaths and green spaces galore, there are a surprising number of traffic-free cycling routes that are perfect for families and groups.

From young families to regular lycra lovers, here are my top 8 group-friendly cycling routes from London, plus two great parks to explore on two wheels. So grab your bike and family/friends, and enjoy!

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1. Olympic Park to Epping Forest

Either complete this route on its own or join up with the 2nd route below.

Start: Jump on the towpath, heading north from Hackney Wick.
Distance: 25km
Level: Easy
Cycling route: Follow the towpath up the River Lea, past canal locks and reservoirs, to Epping Forest. Either cycle back or jump on a train from Chingford to London Liverpool Street.
OS mapping: OS Explorer 162 (Map of Greenwich & Gravesend) and OS Explorer 174 (Epping Forest & Lee Valley)

Don’t miss

Queen Elizabeth I’s fancy Hunting Lodge, built by her father, Henry VIII.

2. Epping Forest

Either complete this route on its own or join up with the 1st route above.

Start: Jump on a train from London Liverpool Street to Chingford station and cycle approx. ½ mile to the start of the bridleway cycle paths.
Distance: c.13km
Level: Easy
Cycling route: Follow the bridleway paths, with a leisurely 8-mile route taking you through Epping Forest, up gentle hills and past tea rooms.
OS mapping: OS Explorer 174 (Epping Forest & Lee Valley)

Don’t miss

The forest!

3. Greenwich Park to Gravesend

Start: Join the NCR1 from Greenwich.
Distance: 43km
Level: Easy-medium
Cycling route: Cycle from Greenwich along the NCR1 down the Darent Valley Path, all the way along to Gravesend. Either cycle back or jump on a train from Gravesend to London Charing Cross or London St Pancras International.
OS mapping: OS Explorer 162 (Greenwich and Gravesend)

Don’t miss

The landmarks of the south-east – Cutty Sark, O2 and the Thames Barrier.

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4. Paddington to Hayes

Start: Little Venice
Distance: 24km
Level: Easy
Cycling route: Follow the Grand Union Canal all the way to Hayes. The route can be busy at the beginning with tourists and boat owners but quickly becomes quieter, and is a gentle/flat route. Either cycle back or jump on a train from Hayes & Harlington to London Paddington
OS mapping: OS Explorer 172 (Chiltern Hills East) and OS Explorer 173 (London North)

Don’t miss

The different house-boats as you leave Little Venice.

5. The Wandle Trail

Start: Crodyon (can cycle it the other way and/or just do a section of it such as Earlsfield to Hackbridge where there are stations at both ends0
Distance: 24km
Level: Easy-medium
Cycling route: Follow the River Wandle from Croydon to the Thames at Wandsworth, taking in over 10 parks, wetlands and a nature reserve.
OS mapping: OS Explorer 161 (London South)

Don’t miss

The blue plaques and local history facts of the cute ‘Wandle Art Trail’

6. Windsor Castle to Putney Bridge

Start: Windsor Castle
Distance: 49km
Level: Medium
Cycling route: Follow the NCR4 from Windsor Castle to Putney Bridge, along the River Thames. The route passes two castles – Windsor and Hampton Court Palace – before cutting into Richmond Park.
OS mapping: OS Explorer 161 (London South) and OS Explorer 172 (Chiltern Hills East)

Don’t miss

Deer spotting in Richmond Park.

7. Uxbridge to Rickmansworth

Start: Uxbridge station
Distance: 13km
Level: Easy
Cycling route: Follow NR61 through the Colne Valley, mainly via canal paths and some road sections
OS mapping: OS Explorer 172 (Chiltern Hills East)

Don’t miss

The nature reserves adjacent to the route and jump off the route for some water sports

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We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
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Picnic and cycling spots

8. Richmond Park

Start: Any Richmond Park entrance
Distance: 11km (main loop)
Level: Easy
Cycling route: Follow the main loop, of if curious about off-road, follow the outer path
OS mapping: OS Explorer 161 (London South)

9. Regent’s Park

Start: Any Regent’s Park entrance
Distance: 4.5km (outer loop)
Level: Easy
Cycling route: Do as many laps as you’d like before the well-earned picnic feast
OS mapping: OS Explorer 173 (London North)

10. Parks Combo

There are green spaces a plenty in London, so you could combine cycling through some of the central parks, with some royal spotting along the way – St James’ Park, Green Park and Hyde Park. Just be careful of pedestrians, as they have right of way.

Use this guide as a tick box of traffic-free routes you must try from London. Don’t forget to let us know which one is your favourite!

If you’ve enjoyed this selection of family-friendly and traffic-free cycling routes from London, take a look at Cycling London: Family Adventures for Urban Explorers. This guidebook contains 10 exciting, family-orientated routes across scenic London. You can find more information from the guidebook’s author about the guide..

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By Emma Frampton