Cycling from London offers the perfect chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, explore picturesque countryside, and enjoy scenic riverside paths. Whether you’re new to cycling or a regular rider, there are routes to suit all levels. These cycling routes offer the ideal way to explore the surrounding areas while getting some fresh air and exercise.
Here are 10 cycling routes from London that promise to take you on an unforgettable journey – all of them are either easy or moderate in difficulty, ensuring everyone can join in the fun.
This short and family-friendly ride covers 5 km, ideal for those looking to enjoy a quick escape into nature. The route takes you through Ingrebourne Hill and Hornchurch Country Park, with plenty of green space, play areas, and wildlife. The terrain is flat and easy, making it accessible to riders of all ages and abilities. For a bit of extra adventure, there are also mountain biking trails in the area. The peaceful, traffic-free paths make this route perfect for a short and relaxing ride.
Starting from Uxbridge Station, this route takes you through the tranquil Colne Valley, along scenic canal towpaths and through nature reserves. The ride is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines. It passes through open spaces and wooded areas, offering a peaceful experience in the countryside.
The journey through Stocker’s Lake and Frays Farm Meadows provides picturesque views of wildlife and greenery. This is an easy and enjoyable route that gives cyclists a taste of rural tranquility without straying too far from London.
A short and straightforward route that provides a break from the busy city life. Starting at the iconic Windsor Castle, you’ll head through the peaceful countryside, passing open fields, nature reserves, and quiet lanes as you make your way to Feltham. The route is relatively flat, making it an easy and quick ride for beginners or those looking to enjoy a relaxed cycle.
Along the way, you’ll experience a nice mix of rural landscapes and quaint villages, perfect for a quiet and peaceful ride. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, this route is enjoyable and not too demanding.
This route starts in Stratford, weaving through East London before heading towards Waltham Abbey. The ride takes advantage of the area’s cycle paths and quieter roads, allowing for a smooth and relatively easy journey. Along the way, you’ll pass parks and nature reserves, providing an opportunity to enjoy some greenery.
Once you reach Waltham Abbey, you can take a moment to explore the historic town before cycling back. It’s a perfect route for a half-day ride with some nice spots to rest and recharge.
A simple yet scenic route starting from Little Venice in Paddington, following the Grand Union Canal west towards Hayes. The ride starts off lively, passing busy areas and canal boats, but quickly moves into quieter paths and green spaces. The route is flat and easy, making it ideal for a leisurely day out.
As you follow the canal, you’ll pass reservoirs, nature reserves, and lush meadows, providing a lovely escape from the city. Hayes marks the end of the ride, where you can either cycle back or take a train back to Paddington.
Starting from Croydon, this ride takes you through the beautiful Surrey countryside, with some notable climbs, especially as you approach Westerham. The route features rolling hills, but the stunning countryside views make the challenge worth it.
The Kent Downs offers breathtaking views, making this ride a perfect blend of nature and exercise. Once you reach Westerham, you can take a well-deserved rest before cycling back.
Starting from the iconic Olympic Park, this route takes you along the River Lea and past Hackney Marshes, eventually leading you into the dense, sprawling wilderness of Epping Forest. The first section of the ride follows cycle paths, making for an easy ride through urban areas, but the terrain begins to change as you head into the forest.
Once in Epping Forest, you’ll have over 150 miles of trails to explore. The route offers a perfect combination of urban cycling with a dash of adventure, allowing you to escape into nature without venturing too far from the city.
This route takes you from the heart of London to the picturesque town of Windsor, passing through a mix of city streets, parks, and scenic countryside. Starting from Putney Bridge, you will cycle along the Thames, passing iconic landmarks like the Putney Embankment and Richmond Park, which is a great spot for a break and a chance to see some wildlife.
As you head further out, you'll pass through Kingston and Hampton Court, where the ride becomes more rural. The final stretch to Windsor offers stunning views of Windsor Castle, making this ride one of the more rewarding ones for cyclists looking to blend nature and historical landmarks.
This route offers a relaxing yet moderately challenging circular ride between two of England’s most famous royal landmarks. Starting at Hampton Court Palace, you will follow National Cycle Route 4 towards Windsor Great Park, where you can enjoy expansive views of fields and woodlands.
While there are a few hills along the way, the route is largely flat and accessible, passing through small villages and countryside. The ride is a great way to explore the beauty of the Thames Valley and see a variety of landscapes, from historic landmarks to peaceful countryside. Once you’ve circled back to Hampton Court, the ride ends with the perfect opportunity to rest at a café.
This loop from Canary Wharf takes you through a mixture of urban areas and dense forest trails. The route passes through Victoria Park and the Walthamstow Wetlands, before entering the expansive Epping Forest, which offers miles of gravel paths and woodland trails.
Once you’re deep into the forest, there are plenty of off-road paths to explore. The route loops back to London, offering a great blend of natural beauty and city exploration.
Cycling from London offers a variety of routes that cater to all levels of cyclists. Whether you’re after a relaxed ride through peaceful areas or a moderate route that gets your heart pumping, there's something for everyone. These routes allow you to explore new places, enjoy the fresh air and get away from the hustle of the city. So, pick your route, grab your bike, and get on your bike and Do.More.
Check our our cycling backpacks that work for bike rides and cycling commutes!
For beginners, we recommend easy, scenic routes such as the Greenwich to Gravesend and Paddington to Hayes. These offer flat, smooth surfaces and lovely countryside views, making them perfect for those just starting out.
Yes, the routes featured are designed to cater to a wide range of fitness levels. With options from easy, relaxing rides to moderately challenging routes, you’ll find something to suit your needs and abilities.
Yes, you can rent bikes from local shops including road bikes or hybrids for added comfort and performance.
Many of the routes are family-friendly, such as the Uxbridge to Rickmansworth and Paddington to Hayes. These rides have flat terrain, scenic views, and a relaxed pace, making them ideal for a leisurely family outing.
It’s important to bring essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen for your ride. A waterproof backpack from Stubble & Co is a great way to keep your belongings dry and secure, ensuring a comfortable ride from start to finish.
The routes range in time, with most taking between 1 and 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace. For a more relaxed ride, it’s advisable to take breaks and enjoy the scenic views along the way.
