The 7 best cycle routes in London
London’s busy, built-up landscape means it might not be the first place you think of when it comes to cycling—especially central London.
However, do a bit of digging (or pedalling), and you’ll soon learn that England’s historic capital is actually a cyclist’s paradise. In fact, transport data suggests that cyclists even outnumber motorists in the City, with bikes the single largest ‘vehicular mode’ counted during London’s peak times.
Whether it be commuting or purely for leisure, London cycle routes offer an immensely broad range of scenery, terrain and challenges—and travelling by bike is a fantastic way to see the capital.
From the hustle and bustle of the City to the royal parks, canals and outer suburbs, here are the best cycle routes in London.
Battersea Park to Greenwich
Distance: 16km
Cycling from Battersea Park to Greenwich is a lovely way to explore the southern banks of the River Thames and some of the city’s most famous sights.
As you head west to east, take in beautiful views of the London Eye, Tate Modern, and the world-renowned Shakespeare’s Globe.
From the park, hug the river towards Lambeth, and from there, weave through the streets, past the Imperial War Museum, before heading back towards the Thames near Tower Bridge.
Follow the river as it meanders around the Isle of Dogs before ending up in Greenwich on the other side. The views across central London from Greenwich Park are nothing short of spectacular, so don’t forget your camera.
The Mall
The Mall is a short ceremonial, tree-lined route in Westminster, connecting Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. If you’ve never been, you’ll have more than likely seen it on TV.
Though the Mall itself is nowhere near long enough for a fulfilling cycle in its own right (although, side note: you should still check out St James’s Park)—some of the best cycle routes in London are centred around this royal stretch of road.
The Mall – different loops
The Tower of London
Distance: 30km
The Tower of London loop from Tower Gateway DLR station is one of the several London cycle routes encompassing The Mall.
The route consists of mostly paved surfaces and is a great way of exploring some of London’s parks, too, including Hyde Park and Battersea Park.
Wandsworth Common
Distance: 33km
The Mall loop from Wandsworth Common is a slightly longer route starting in southwest London, through Clapham and back towards central London.
Cross Tower Bridge, then head west towards The Mall before crossing back over south of the river via Chelsea Bridge and heading back down to where you started to complete the full loop.
Westminster Abbey
Distance: 19km
The Westminster Abbey loop from Victoria Station is one of the easiest cycle routes in London, suitable for any level of cyclist. It’s a great way to explore the city of Westminster and take in The Mall without exerting yourself too much.
London Bridge
Distance: 28km
Starting at London Bridge (on the south side), this route crosses the river and directs you west towards The Mall.
From here, you’ll head toward Lambeth Bridge, where you’ll cross back into south London, cut through Elephant and Castle, Walworth, and towards Bermondsey before ending back at London Bridge. You’ll also enjoy great views of the London Eye on this loop.
Richmond Park
Distance: 11km
Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London and is unlike any of the rest—not least for its size (almost 2,500 acres of land!)
The Tamsin Trail, in particular, is the perfect cycle route for seeing the park and the free-roaming deer that live there.
Also popular with runners, the Tamsin Trail follows the park’s outer perimeter along leafy paths, past gentle ponds and ancient trees, treating you to views of the London skyline in the distance, too.
If you prefer sticking solely to parks and avoiding those busy London streets, this is the route for you. The park offers a window of calm amid the metropolis backdrop.
Hyde Park
Distance: 4km
Another of London’s famous royal parks is, of course, Hyde Park. Though nowhere near the size of Richmond Park, Hyde Park is steeped in history and is still a great one to explore on wheels.
A basic circular loop of Hyde Park is around 4km long, so it doesn’t pose too much of a test to experienced cyclists, but you can take in the park any way you wish—its royal status means there are several designated cycle routes within the park.
There’s plenty to see and do in Hyde Park and the adjoining Kensington Gardens, too.
From Speakers’ Corner—a historic location for public speeches dating back to the mid-1800s, to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain beside the Serpentine—a 40-acre lake smack bang in the middle of the park and the neighbouring Gardens—there’s something for all tastes and interests.
Olympic Park to Waltham Abbey
Distance: 21km
This route from east London up to Waltham Abbey (technically in Essex) starts in Olympic Park— where better for some pre-route inspiration than a site of true British cycling history?
British cyclists dominated the medal charts at the London 2012 games, clinching 12 medals between them. Our very own Cycleplan ambassador Lizzie Deignan (then Lizzie Armitstead), being one of them—winning silver in the women’s road race.
Fear not, though—you needn’t be a pro to enjoy this route. The leisurely jaunt along the River Lea is a gorgeous ride that takes you away from the hustle and bustle. You’ll also pass the Walthamstow Wetlands—part of the London Wildlife Trust—on your journey north.
And that’s not all. Plenty of cosy pubs await your arrival into Waltham Abbey for a well-deserved post-ride refreshment.
Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace
Distance: 6km
This relatively easy ride across north London, connecting another two of the city’s most popular parks, provides a further snapshot of London’s natural beauty.
Starting in Finsbury Park, follow the Parkland Walk for several kilometres—an old disused railway line now lined with trees, popular with cyclists and runners.
Once back on the main roads, you’ll cut through Highgate Woods and towards Muswell Hill before heading up to Alexandra Palace (or Ally Pally, as locals call it). The view back down across London from the top of Ally Pally Hill is simply not to be missed, especially on a clear day.
Regent’s Canal
Distance: 14km
At a fairly modest length of just under 14km, cyclists can enjoy the beauty of the Regent’s Canal in its entirety without using up everything in the tank.
The canal runs just north of central London, linking the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal to Limehouse Basin, situated on the Thames over in east London.
Travelling from west to east, you’ll follow the canal past Kings Cross, through London’s famous East End, and towards Canary Wharf. Or, take it in the opposite direction, travelling west from just south of Islington.
You’ll spot London Zoo and pass through Little Venice and Regent’s Park going this way.
If you’re looking for inspiration, these London cycle routes offer plenty. The capital is home to countless routes—old and new—for you to scratch your cycling itch. However, you may want to consider protecting yourself and your bike with cycling insurance before heading out on the road.
Through Cycleplan, you can get cover for theft, loss, and accidental damage up to £30,000. You can also choose to add Personal Accident and Public Liability cover to protect you if you’re deemed liable for injury to someone else or damage to property while out on your bike.
Click here to learn more about specialist cycling insurance and get an online quote today.
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