Cycling is an increasingly popular way to exercise, both the mind and the body, with a steep rise in cyclists over the last 12 months - by up to 300% on some days! If you’re considering getting on a bicycle and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, or maybe you’re already an enthusiast but are looking for new cycle routes in and around London, look no further.
I have rounded up the greatest cycle escapes the city and surrounding areas have to offer zone 1 postal codes that’ll allow you to take in the main tourist attractions to the cities nature-packed edges.
Here is my pick of the fun, challenging, and adrenalin pumping routes in and around the Capital.
Battersea Park to Greenwich
Difficulty rating - Medium
Distance - 9.6 miles
Packed full of Capital City highlights, such as; Tate Modern, the Globe, and the London Eye, this is a medium agility route along the river Thames. The journey consists of pedestrian-shared pavements, quieter roads.
The Wandle Trail
Difficulty rating - Easy
Distance - 9 miles
Ideal for beginners or family groups, this is a flat, scenic trail that includes South-West London's many parks, and green spaces. With plenty of nature spots - until Croydon - it is a mostly traffic-free route. The ground coverage isn’t challenging - 84.3% Asphalt and 15.2% Unsealed firm - and you can expect the route to take around 45 minutes.
The Olympic Park to Epping Forest
Difficulty rating - Medium
Distance - 16.1 miles
If you want to avoid road cycling, then this is the route for you. Begin on the towpath, heading north from Hackney Wick up the River Lea, past reservoirs, canal locks, and an abundance of British wildlife. A brief crossing onto the A110 will bring you straight into the Capital’s biggest open public space. Here you will find over 40 miles of bridleways and natural woodlands. This leafy cycle trail is a world away from the traffic build-ups and mayhem of the city.
Regents Park to St Alban’s
Difficulty rating - Hard
Distance - 23 miles
This is not a route for beginners, with steep climbs (totalling 281 feet) as you make your way out of North London, it’s a challenging ride. But, a worthwhile one ending with blissful, open countryside, quiet country roads, and a stunning canopy of trees leading you to the magnificent St Alban’s Cathedral.
Westminster Bridge to Box Hill
Difficulty rating - Hard
Distance - 26 miles
Escape London, past Hampton Court Palace and towards the lush greens of Surrey. This route includes the ‘Zig Zag Road’, which was part of the 2012 Olympic cycling route and has climbs of 120m. Although likened to cycling up the Alps, the ascend is made much easier with a smooth tarmac ground. The views offered on this route are well worth the thigh burn!
Regent’s Park Outer Circle
Difficulty rating - Easy
Distance - 2.4 miles (per lap)
As opposed to a route, a loop is one for all the family or for cyclists wanting to build up endurance and stamina. With the majority of the loop being entirely traffic-free and lots of idyllic scenes such as wide-open space and immaculately-kept flower beds, this is indeed one of London’s prettiest parks. You may even get lucky and spot a giraffe popping its head out of the ZSL London Zoo!
If you enjoyed this article and you would like to be notified when my next article or blog is out, feel free to put your name and email below. Thanks 😃
