Get ready to explore the best cycle routes London boasts with this handy guide. From loops around Hyde Park to afternoon tours across North London, these London bike routes are sure to make you break a sweat.
We often say that London is a city best explored on foot. Though there’s one exception – exploring the city on two wheels. The capital is abundant in beauty, and there’s no better way to view it than whilst on a bicycle.
Whether you’re looking for a short route to keep fit, or a longer route where you get to spot some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, these London cycle routes are the very best.
The Best London Cycle Routes
Cycle Routes in Central London
Hyde Park Loop
Closest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Lancaster Gate
Distance: 3 miles
The Hyde Park Loop is perfect for a warm summer’s day, boasting flat terrain and plenty of options for modifications if you would like to cycle for a longer – or shorter – distance.
Whilst you have free reign to start anywhere (that’s the beauty of a loop route), we recommend starting from Hyde Park Corner and cycling down South Carriage Drive towards the centre of the park and Serpentine Lake, before looping your way around back to the beginning.
The best bit? You’ll find Boris Bikes dotted around the outskirts of Hyde Park, so there’s no need to lug your own through tube stations. Pack a picnic and stop off for the ultimate mid-cycle pit stop in the sun.
TFL’s Quirky London Route
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge
Distance: Approx 3-4 miles
If you’re a local, embarking on a cycle route past the landmarks you see on your commute every day might not scream inspiring. So why not take on this route that allows you to admire some of the capital’s quirkier spots?
You have the option to start on Southwark Street or Neal’s Yard, and the route takes you past the likes of the Golden Boy Statue, the Church of St. Barts, and Cross Bones Graveyard, amongst plenty other cool spots.
Not only that, but TFL has produced a handy map to show you each of the docking stations along the route, so you can stop off and grab a coffee while you explore without having to worry about your bike getting pinched.
Central London cycle routes can often be a bit hectic, but this one dodges the main sights and offers a slice of serenity instead.
Thames Cultural Cycle Route
Closest Tube Station:
Distance: 16.8 miles
Prepare your body because this one’s a biggie. But it’s worth it for the amount of London you get to cover in just one day.
The Thames Cultural Bike Ride begins at South Bank, before winding its way along the Thames towards Greenwich before passing Canary Wharf and back again.
Along the way, you’ll get to discover the maritime history of London, as well as the more modern side of the capital found in Canary Wharf.
We recommend heading out early and stopping off in Greenwich Park for a midday snack break.
Cycle Routes in East London
Olympic Park Loop to Limehouse
Closest Tube Station: Hackney Wick Overground
Distance: 8.5 miles
Looking for the best East London cycle routes? This medium-length route is one of our favourites.
Starting in Victoria Park, you’ll get to explore the leafy area before heading towards Limehouse Basin via the canal path. Afterwards, the route takes you towards Three Mills before leading you to the Olympic Park.
This route is perfect for all levels of ability, and a great family ride as the paths are mainly flat – just be careful with little ones near the water.
Hackney Marshes to Walthamstow Wetlands
Closest Tube Station: Leyton
Distance: 5 miles
For anyone who wants to avoid cycling on busy London roads, this is the cycle route for you. Not only is it a very gentle 5 miles, but it’s completely rural, so there’s really nothing too challenging about this ride.
Starting in Hackney Marshes, this bike ride takes you along the River Lea towards the Walthamstow Wetlands. These Wetlands are historic nature reserve, so it’s a great spot for anyone looking to do a bit of bird-spotting or fishing nearby (with a permit).
You can either choose to end your ride here, or loop back around to the eastern side of the Wetlands and head back towards Hackney Marshes.
No Suggested Map – The Route is Clearly Signposted.
Shoreditch to Stratford
Closest Tube Station: Shoreditch High Street Overground
Distance: 4 miles
Another fairly simple cycle route in East London is the one that spans Shoreditch to Stratford – and it’s also a great option for the foodies out there who want to stop off on Brick Lane for a bite to eat. Yes, it may only be ten minutes into the ride, but hunger strikes in the most unexpected of times.
Start near Boxpark Shoreditch and it’s a straightforward cycle down Bethnal Green Road (we urge you to stop off at Beigel Bake for a bagel or two) – from there, it’s a short detour around the Young V&A before passing through two parks: Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Either would be a great spot to wack out a bagel and chow down al fresco.
Now, you can choose to treat yourself to a shopping spree in the nearby Westfield Shopping Centre – you deserve it – or you can make the boring responsible decision to hop back on your bike and re-cycle your steps towards Shoreditch.
Cycle Routes in South London
Dulwich Park to Brockwell Park
Closest Tube Station: Herne Hill Train Station
Distance: 2 miles
When it comes to South London cycle routes, none are more suited to beginners looking to get back on the saddle than the short trail between Dulwich Park and Brockwell Park.
Start on the East Lawns near the bowl club in Dulwich Park and take a gentle cycle towards the War Memorial just off College Road – this is one of the best quiet cycle routes London has to offer, so there’s no pressure if you’re a nervous cyclist.
Next, head over the Dulwich Sports ground and keep going until you reach Brockwell Park. Finish off with a loop around the park.
If you would like to make this route slightly more challenging, start at the Horniman Museum and make your way over to Brockwell Lido – it should take around 30 minutes.
Blackheath to Cutty Sark
Closest Tube Station: Blackheath Train Station
Distance: 3.9 miles
Cycling from Blackheath to Cutty Sark may be a relatively short route, but don’t let the length fool you – this one is on the trickier side due to the elevation (51 metres, FYI) you’ll face towards the end of the ride.
The route begins at All Saints Drive, and from there it’s a very steep hill through Greenwich Park towards the Cutty Sark. You’ll want to make sure your brakes are in tip top condition for this London cycle route.
Elephant Park to Burgess Park (Cycleway 17)
Closest Tube Station: Elephant and Castle
Distance: 2 miles
This may be a very short, flat cycle route, but it’s one of the best in South London. Starting at Elephant Park, this is a National Cycle Route that runs parallel to some main (albeit quiet) roads before it finishes off in Burgess Park.
Feeling brave? Burgess Park has BMX tracks, so feel free to pop a wheelie or two and flex your freestyle skills.
Cycle Routes in North London
The North London Escape Route
Closest Tube Station: East Finchley
Distance: 27.3 miles
This is probably our favourite North London cycle route – if not our top recommendation for cycling in London overall. As the name suggests, this route allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend an afternoon in the pretty countryside.
We love a circular route, and this one consists of tarmac roads all the way – which means no need to hoick yourself through grass or mud. Phew.
Starting in Alexandra Palace Gardens, this cycle route passes through Finchley, Barnet, and Wrotham Park, before heading back to the starting point.
Haringey Loop de Loop
Closest Tube Station: Turnpike Lane
Distance: 4.5 miles
This easy-breezy ride follows a route through Downhills Park and the Lordship Recreation Ground that takes you along a cycle training track, an off-road cycle track, Moselle Brook, and multiple playgrounds along the way.
This is one of the safest cycle routes in London, far away from the traffic-heavy central routes. It’s perfect for families or nervous cyclists who want to get back on their bike in a stress-free environment.
Hampstead Heath
Closest Tube Station: Hampstead, Golders Green
Distance: Various
When it comes to North London cycle routes, the vast green space of Hampstead Heath is a wonderland for cyclists, with so many different routes available.
Whether you fancy a short cycle around the outskirts, bopping from coffee shop to book shop, or want to embark on a more hearty route that follows the fringes of the park, there are plenty to choose from.
We recommend taking the path from Heath House towards the swimming ponds and back up again towards Saxon Ditch, then leaving the park near the Highgate Ponds. The latter part of this route is slightly steeper, but more than manageable for anyone with a decent level of fitness.
Note: Some of the paths on Hampstead Heath will be clearly marked no-cycling allowed, pay attention to this and respect the pedestrians.
Cycle Routes in West London
King’s Cross to Notting Hill
Closest Tube Station: King’s Cross Station
Distance: 6.3 miles
If you’re looking to explore Notting Hill, getting there on bike is one of the most pleasant ways to travel through West London.
Start at King’s Cross and cycle towards Camden (stopping off for a bite to eat at Camden Market, obvs) before cycling along the northern edge of Regent’s Park and along the canal path towards Notting Hill.
This route can get extremely busy, so it’s not for the faint of heart. However, if you’re a capable cyclist this can be one of the most rewarding routes in London.
Richmond Park Loop
Closest Tube Station: Richmond
Distance: 10 miles
This is another of the most popular circular cycle routes in London, and for good reason. Busy enough for it to feel fun, yet not too hectic that you’re worried about running over a small child (or a deer!), the Richmond Park Loop is best for confident riders who want to immerse themselves in nature.
We recommend starting near King Henry’s Mound to the northwest of the park – this is nearest to the tube station so an ideal place to begin and end your circular loop. Head south towards the Isabella Plantation before cycling around to the other side of Richmond Park. Use our guide to discover the best things to see and do in the park, and plot them along your route.
The park has many flat roads throughout, so if you don’t fancy taking on the entire loop you can take a cheeky shortcut. We won’t tell anyone – promise.
No Suggested Map – Simply pick a starting point and cycle along the outskirts of the park until you reach the beginning.
Practical Tips for Exploring London’s Cycle Routes
- We don’t want to sound like your mum, but a helmet like this really is necessary. We know they don’t look very cool, but they can save your life.
- If you’re cycling at night, make sure you’re equipped with lights and reflectors so that cars and/or pedestrians can spot you easily.
London Cycle Route Map
Note: the map is just to show you the areas in which the cycles are located.
