Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN LONDON
Planning a cycling holiday in London? You're in for a mix of history, culture, and smooth pedalling through one of the most bikeable capitals in Europe. With a growing network of segregated cycle lanes, car-free greenways, and iconic city views, London is perfect for sightseeing on two wheels. Whether you're cruising the Thames or escaping to leafy suburbs, this guide maps out the top cycling and bike touring routes you don’t want to miss.
Ride the Thames Path and Central London
Let’s kick off with the classic: the Thames Path. This iconic riverside route gives you front-row seats to London’s biggest landmarks—think the Tower Bridge, London Eye, and Big Ben—while avoiding the worst of city traffic. Start near Richmond and follow the Thames eastward for a scenic 30+ km ride into the heart of the city.
You can also hop onto Cycleway 3, one of London’s most popular protected bike highways. It runs from Hyde Park all the way to Canary Wharf, giving you a smooth, worry-free cruise through Westminster, the Embankment, and beyond. Add a pit stop at Borough Market for a quick bite—it’s right off the route.
Top central cycling highlights
Thames Path: From Richmond to Greenwich, passing iconic sights along the river (up to 35 km).
Cycleway 3 (C3): Segregated, smooth, and ideal for city touring (~13 km one way).
Hyde Park Loop: A chill ride through royal gardens and along the Serpentine (~5 km).
Embankment to Tower Bridge: Evening ride vibes with river lights and skyline views (~4 km).
Borough Market detour: Foodie heaven for post-ride rewards.
This area is perfect for sightseeing and snapping photos while clocking in solid kilometres. Early mornings or weekends are best to dodge the crowds, and all routes are suitable for every skill level.
Tour through royal parks and hidden greens
London’s royal parks and green spaces are made for cycling. Start with a ride through Regent’s Park, where you’ll find a smooth 4.3 km outer circle loop popular with both leisure riders and Lycra lovers. It’s one of the few places in the city you can get a steady rhythm going without stops.
From there, connect through Primrose Hill (for those skyline selfies) and continue into Hampstead Heath. This ride takes you uphill and into wilder terrain—with trails, ponds, and panoramic views. Don’t be surprised if you see more dogs than cars on this route.
Another favourite: the royal parks chain from Kensington Gardens to St. James’s Park. This gives you about 7 km of peaceful, leafy paths surrounded by palaces and pelicans (yes, real ones).
Green and royal must-rides
Regent’s Park Loop: A speedy 4.3 km circle ideal for laps.
Primrose Hill to Hampstead: Steeper climbs and forest vibes (~6 km).
Kensington to St. James’s Park: Easy royal path ride through green corridors (~7 km).
Green Park to Hyde Park: Connects two iconic parks with flat, wide lanes (~2.5 km).
Richmond Park Loop: A longer 11 km circuit popular for deer-spotting and open road feel.
These rides are brilliant if you want a calmer pace or to escape London traffic without leaving the city. They’re great for solo riders, couples, or families looking for relaxed day rides packed with scenery.
Explore the canal routes and outer loops
Want to ride longer and feel like you’ve left the city without actually leaving it? London’s canal routes and outer greenways are the answer. The Regent’s Canal Path stretches about 14 km from Paddington Basin to Limehouse Basin, cutting through King’s Cross, Camden, and Victoria Park. It’s mostly flat and traffic-free—just mind the occasional goose or tight bridge.
Another great long ride is the Wandle Trail, which follows the River Wandle for about 20 km from Wandsworth to Croydon. You’ll pass historic mills, parks, and even a nature reserve. It’s a mellow ride with some gravel sections, so bring decent tyres.
For a true urban escape, hit the London Outer Orbital Path (LOOP). While not all segments are bike-suitable, several stretches between Bexley, Barnet, and Bromley offer forest roads, canal tracks, and quiet suburban loops.
Longer routes for touring vibes
Regent’s Canal Path: 14 km of chilled urban riding from west to east.
Wandle Trail: Peaceful 20 km nature route through South London.
Lee Valley Path: Stretch up to 30+ km if you’re heading northeast through parks and lakes.
London LOOP (selected segments): Forests, fields, and suburban stretches.
Cycle Superhighways C2 and C6: Fast, direct routes for getting across town efficiently (~10–15 km).
These routes are perfect for longer rides or mini bike-touring days where you pack lunch, stop at cafés, and get in 25–50 km of mixed terrain. Navigation’s easy with apps like Komoot or TfL’s Cycle Map.
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