Best Cycling Routes in London: A Complete Guide

1. Thames Path: London's Iconic Riverside Route

The Thames Path offers one of London's most spectacular cycling experiences, following the historic River Thames through the heart of the capital. This route provides unparalleled views of London's most famous landmarks whilst offering a relatively traffic-free cycling environment.

Route Overview

Distance: 25 miles (central section: 8 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Surface: Mixed - tarmac, gravel, and some cobbled sections
Best for: Sightseeing, photography, leisurely rides

Key Highlights

• Tower Bridge to Westminster: Classic London skyline views including the Tower of London, HMS Belfast, City Hall, and the London Eye
• South Bank Cultural Quarter: Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and Borough Market
• Westminster to Putney: Houses of Parliament, Tate Britain, and Chelsea Embankment
• Greenwich Section: Maritime history, Cutty Sark, and the Royal Observatory

Practical Information

Start your journey at Tower Bridge and head west towards Westminster for the most iconic section. The route is well-signposted with the distinctive Thames Path waymarkers. Note that some sections require dismounting, particularly around Westminster Bridge and certain riverside pubs. The eastern section towards Greenwich offers quieter cycling with excellent views back towards Canary Wharf.

Best Times: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon (5-7 PM) for optimal lighting and fewer pedestrians. Weekends can be busy, especially around major attractions.

2. Regent's Canal: A Hidden Waterway Gem

Regent's Canal provides a unique perspective of London, winding through diverse neighbourhoods from Little Venice to Limehouse. This towpath route offers an escape from traffic whilst connecting some of London's most vibrant areas.

Route Overview

Distance: 8.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Tarmac and compacted gravel
Best for: Urban exploration, canal-side cafés, wildlife spotting

Key Highlights

• Little Venice: Charming canal basin with narrowboat cafés and waterside dining
• Regent's Park: Opportunity to detour through one of London's most beautiful royal parks
• Camden Market: Vibrant market area with diverse food options and unique shopping
• King's Cross: Modern regeneration area with Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square
• Victoria Park: East London's premier green space with excellent cycling facilities

Practical Information

The towpath has specific cycling etiquette - always give way to pedestrians and ring your bell gently when approaching from behind. Some sections near locks require careful navigation. The route can be muddy after rain, particularly the eastern sections.

Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers, and the famous canal cats. The waterway supports surprising biodiversity for such an urban environment.

3. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens Circuit

London's royal parks offer some of the capital's finest cycling, with Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens providing a perfect circuit that combines history, natural beauty, and excellent cycling infrastructure.

Route Overview

Distance: 4.3 miles (full circuit)
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Tarmac cycle lanes and paths
Best for: Family cycling, exercise, royal landmark spotting

Key Highlights

• Hyde Park Corner: Wellington Arch and Apsley House
• Serpentine Lake: Beautiful lake with boating and the famous Serpentine Bridge
• Speaker's Corner: Historic site of public speaking and debate
• Kensington Palace: Royal residence and Diana Memorial
• Albert Memorial: Ornate Victorian monument to Prince Albert
• Royal Albert Hall: Iconic circular concert venue

Practical Information

The park has designated cycle routes clearly marked in blue. Cycling is permitted from dawn until dusk. The circuit can be combined with adjacent parks - continue to Regent's Park via the Outer Circle for an extended royal parks tour.

Family-Friendly Features: Excellent facilities including bike hire stations, cafés, playgrounds, and the Diana Memorial Playground. The route is suitable for children and includes several safe stopping points.

4. Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill

For those seeking more challenging terrain and spectacular views, Hampstead Heath offers London's best hill climbing with rewarding vistas across the capital from Parliament Hill.

Route Overview

Distance: 6 miles (various route options)
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Surface: Mixed - tarmac roads and gravel paths
Best for: Hill training, panoramic views, nature lovers

Key Highlights

• Parliament Hill: Panoramic views across London's skyline
• Kenwood House: Elegant Georgian mansion with art collection and grounds
• Hampstead Village: Charming historic village with independent shops and cafés
• Heath Ponds: Series of natural swimming ponds and wildlife habitats
• Jack Straw's Castle: Historic pub and landmark viewpoint

Practical Information

The heath has both on-road and off-road cycling options. The main roads through the heath are suitable for road bikes, whilst the bridleways offer mountain bike opportunities. Note that cycling is restricted to designated paths and bridleways only.

Training Benefits: Parliament Hill provides one of London's most challenging climbs, making it popular with serious cyclists for hill training. The varied terrain offers excellent fitness benefits.

5. Richmond Park: London's Wild Cycling Paradise

Richmond Park offers a unique cycling experience within London - a 2,500-acre royal park that feels like countryside whilst remaining within the M25. The park is famous for its deer herds and provides challenging hills with stunning views.

Route Overview

Distance: 7-mile circuit
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Surface: Tarmac roads throughout
Best for: Wildlife watching, serious training, photography

Key Highlights

• Deer Herds: Over 600 red and fallow deer roam freely throughout the park
• Pembroke Lodge: Georgian mansion with café and stunning Thames valley views
• Isabella Plantation: Woodland garden spectacular during azalea season (April-May)
• King Henry's Mound: Historic viewpoint with protected view of St Paul's Cathedral
• Roehampton Gate to Richmond Gate: Challenging climb known as "Sawyer's Hill"

Practical Information

The park operates specific cycling times - generally 6:30 AM in summer (8:00 AM in winter) until half an hour before sunset. Traffic can be busy during rush hours as the park roads are also used by commuter traffic. During deer rutting season (September-October) and calving season (May-July), extra caution is required.

Training Paradise: The park's hills, particularly Sawyer's Hill and the climb to Pembroke Lodge, make it a favourite training ground for serious cyclists. The 7-mile circuit provides an excellent measured route for interval training.

6. Lee Valley VeloPark and Olympic Legacy

The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area, including the Lee Valley VeloPark, offers world-class cycling facilities built for the 2012 Olympics, now accessible to the public.

Route Overview

Distance: Various circuit options (1-10 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to Expert
Surface: Purpose-built tarmac cycling facilities
Best for: Skills development, BMX, road cycling training

Key Highlights

• Lee Valley VeloPark: Olympic-standard velodrome, BMX track, and road circuit
• Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Beautifully landscaped parkland with dedicated cycle routes
• ArcelorMittal Orbit: Iconic sculpture and observation tower
• London Aquatics Centre: Zaha Hadid-designed Olympic swimming venue
• Westfield Stratford City: Major shopping and entertainment complex

Practical Information

The VeloPark offers paid sessions for track cycling, BMX, and use of the road circuit. The wider Olympic Park has free cycling routes suitable for all abilities. Bike hire is available on-site, and the facility offers coaching sessions for various cycling disciplines.

7. Putney to Barnes: Riverside Serenity

This shorter route along the Thames between Putney and Barnes offers a peaceful escape from central London's bustle whilst providing beautiful riverside scenery and excellent pub stops.

Route Overview

Distance: 8 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Surface: Tarmac path and quiet roads
Best for: Relaxed rides, pub visits, bird watching

Key Highlights

• Putney Bridge: Historic Thames crossing and rowing start point
• Bishop's Park: Victorian park with excellent river frontage
• Fulham Palace: Historic episcopal residence with gardens
• Hammersmith Bridge: Ornate Victorian suspension bridge
• Barnes Common: Large open space with natural heathland

Practical Information

This route can be extended by crossing Barnes Bridge and following the towpath to Mortlake and Kew. The area is famous for rowing, and you'll often see crews training, especially early morning and evening. Several excellent riverside pubs provide perfect stopping points.

Planning Your London Cycling Adventure

Essential Preparation

Before embarking on any London cycling route, ensure you have:

• A well-maintained bicycle appropriate for your chosen route
• Proper safety equipment including helmet and lights
• Weather-appropriate clothing and spare layers
• Basic repair kit including spare tube and pump
• Route map or GPS device with backup power
• Water and snacks for longer routes

Best Times to Cycle

London cycling conditions vary significantly throughout the day and seasons:

• Early Morning (6-8 AM): Quietest roads, best light for photography, cooler temperatures
• Mid-Morning (9-11 AM): Good conditions, attractions open, moderate traffic
• Afternoon (2-4 PM): Busy tourist areas, good for park routes
• Evening (5-7 PM): Beautiful lighting, but busier roads and paths

Weather Considerations

London's changeable weather requires flexible planning. Check forecasts and have backup indoor options. Many route sections have good shelter and nearby attractions for weather delays. Winter cycling can be excellent with proper clothing, and many routes are beautiful in all seasons.

Bike Hire and Transport

London offers excellent bike hire options for visitors and occasional cyclists:

Santander Cycles (Boris Bikes)

London's public bike-sharing scheme has stations throughout central London. Perfect for short trips and one-way journeys. £2 for 30 minutes, with longer periods available.

Specialist Bike Hire

For longer rides or specific bike types, companies like Snake Pro Cycles offer quality bikes with proper fitting and safety equipment. Ideal for full-day explorations or when you want a bike suited to your specific route requirements.

Transport Integration

London's transport system accommodates cyclists with:

• Bikes allowed on most trains outside peak hours
• Some London Underground lines permit folding bikes
• Bus routes with bike racks in some areas
• Secure bike parking at many stations

Safety and Etiquette

Cycling safely in London requires awareness of local conditions and courtesy to other road users:

Road Safety

• Always wear a helmet and use lights in low visibility
• Follow traffic rules and signals consistently
• Be visible - wear bright colours and use reflective materials
• Maintain your bike regularly, especially brakes and tyres
• Plan your route in advance and have alternatives ready

Path Etiquette

• Ring your bell gently when approaching pedestrians
• Slow down in busy areas and around children
• Give way to pedestrians on shared paths
• Respect wildlife and natural environments
• Clean up after yourself and follow Leave No Trace principles

Conclusion

London's cycling routes offer something for every rider, from gentle park circuits perfect for families to challenging hill climbs that test experienced cyclists. The capital's blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and modern infrastructure creates unique cycling experiences unavailable anywhere else in the world.

Each route in this guide offers its own character and rewards. Whether you're seeking the iconic views of the Thames Path, the peaceful waterways of Regent's Canal, or the wild beauty of Richmond Park, London's cycling routes provide endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Remember that the best cycling experiences come from preparation, respect for other users, and an adventurous spirit. These routes are just the beginning - London's extensive cycle network offers countless variations and discoveries for those willing to explore.