London is one of the most rewarding cities in the world to explore by bike – once you know where to ride. Beyond the obvious parks and headline cycleways, the capital hides a surprisingly rich network of riverside paths, canal towpaths, green corridors and backstreet connections that reveal very different sides of the city – often just minutes apart.
In this guide, I’ve curated 10 of the best cycling routes in London, ranging from relaxed, mostly traffic-free rides along canals and rivers, to scenic parkland loops, alternative sightseeing routes through the city, and a few more challenging rides for when you want to push your legs a little harder. Every route has been personally ridden and includes a route map, GPX downloads and practical notes to help you choose the right ride for your mood and ability.
Whether you’re a local looking for new ideas, or a visitor wanting to experience London beyond the usual tourist routes, these rides are designed to show the city at its most varied, surprising and enjoyable – all from the saddle.
East London Thames Contrast Loop
My top pick for a route that perfectly captures the many faces of London and its urban tapestry. From iconic London landmarks and skyscrapers to some of the capital’s most dilapidated and industrial landscapes – a reminder of the Thames’ historic importance as the arterial workhorse of the capital.
Starting at London Bridge (you can start further west too of course), you may need to navigate the suits and the tourists as you pass the Shard and Tower Bridge. From there you can mostly follow the car-free Thames Path east, past Greenwich and the Cutty Sark. It’s fascinating how quickly after Greenwich the scenery makes a 180 – as you pass working wharfs, silos and conveyor belts – as well as the impressive Thames Barrier.
Eventually at the ever-gentrifying Woolwich, hop on the free Woolwich Ferry across the Thames (runs every 15-20 mins). If the ferry isn’t running, there’s always the foot tunnel at Woolwich as a backup.
Next up is one of my personal highlights of the route – a TT-like embankment across from London City Airport’s runway. See how long you can race a plane taking off – safely, of course. Next up, past the ExCeL, it’s onto the redeveloped dockyards – now the business and shopping district of Canary Wharf. Completing the loop are the Bengali neighbourhoods of inner East London before you’re once again amongst the tourists at the Tower of London.
Not all of this bike route is pretty – but that doesn’t make it any less special. There is no better route I can think of for getting such a full picture of London and its life. And it’s pretty much entirely flat, too.
Start / Finish: London Bridge
The Wandle Trail to Its Source
One of London’s most enjoyable and relaxed rides that’s almost entirely traffic-free – ideal for beginners.
Starting at Wandsworth – where the River Wandle meets the Thames – you follow a paved trail towards the river’s origins. It’s a scenic, relaxing and flat ride with plenty to see on the way. Some of the biggest highlights include the historic Merton Abbey Mill (also a perfect refreshment stop) and the underrated Morden Hall Park.
» Read more: 16 Hidden Gems in South London You Can Visit by Bike
There are a couple of short sections where you join a fairly busy road – mostly around Earlsfield.
For a one-way experience, you can follow the trail all the way and finish conveniently at West or East Croydon for a quick train back. Or cut short at any point (Morden Hall Park is a good turning point) and head back to Wandsworth.
As a fun extension idea in summer, continue south from Carshalton up towards Woodmansterne instead of east and visit Mayfield Lavender Farm. Check here if the lavender is in bloom.
Tip: On sunny weekends, do this route in the morning – the trail can get busy with walkers.
Start: Wandsworth • Finish: West/East Croydon (or out-and-back)
South-West London Royal Parks Loop
An excellent bike route for any time of year if you want to feel like you’ve left the city – without actually leaving the city.
This route starts and ends in leafy Wimbledon. Minutes into the ride, the scenery transforms from posh hilly neighbourhoods to fun bridleways through Wimbledon Common. Then we cut across London’s most famous cycling haunt – Richmond Park – where you’re likely to see herds of deer (as well as herds of lycra-clad MAMILs).
After taking in the panorama above Richmond-on-Thames, descend to enjoy one of the prettiest stretches of the Thames Path down to Teddington. Cross the Thames and cruise the open expanses of Bushy Park with its long sight-lines. At the other end is Hampton Court Palace (and plenty of well-placed pubs and cafés nearby in East Molesey).
The loop continues along the Thames to Kingston, then follows mostly segregated bike paths past New Malden (aka Little Korea – a great stop for lunch) back to Wimbledon.
Tip: When it’s dry this can be done on a road bike, but the Wimbledon Common bridleways get muddy after rain – best tackled on gravel or wider tyres.
Start / Finish: Wimbledon (loop)
The Grand Union Canal Escape
This long, linear towpath ride offers one of the most immersive ways to experience alternative London. It’s also one of the most popular canal cycling routes in London, especially for riders looking to escape the city without riding on main roads.
Starting in Paddington / Little Venice, the route follows the Grand Union Canal west through a quiet, alternative world of narrowboats, lock gates and slow-moving water, where daily life unfolds at a completely different pace.
As the miles tick by, the scenery gradually softens: swans and birdlife replace traffic noise, industrial edges give way to trees and fields, and the canal begins to feel properly rural. The steady rhythm of locks and bridges makes this a ride to savour rather than rush, with plenty of cafés and pubs along the way for breaks. You’re guaranteed to encounter some of the most imaginatively-decorated (and named) canal boats and anything from pirate flags to long-abandoned rusty barges.
The route finishes neatly in Rickmansworth, making it easy to hop on the Tube or train – or extend the journey by another ~20 km to the charming St Albans if you’re in the mood for a longer adventure.
Tip: Some sections can get muddy in autumn/winter.
Start: Little Venice • Finish: Rickmansworth
London’s Backstreets & Big Sights Cycle
A rewarding, calmer London sightseeing route that favours canals, parks and backstreets over the obvious main roads.
The route stitches together London’s most famous sights using some of its calmest corridors. From Regent’s Canal behind London Zoo to the unexpected quiet and beauty of Brompton Cemetery and Battersea Park, it avoids traffic wherever possible before rolling past the classics of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Mayfair. Great if you want sightseeing that feels thoughtful rather than frantic.
Start: Camden • Finish: Bond Street
The Waterlink Way to Greenwich Viewpoint
The Waterlink Way follows the Pool River and River Ravensbourne to Greenwich, where it meets the Thames – a lovely, mostly traffic-free route ideal for all abilities.
I suggest extending to start (or end) in East Croydon, passing through quiet residential streets before reaching South Norwood Country Park. Here, you get open wetland landscapes full of birdlife that feel more like the edge of London than somewhere minutes from Croydon.
Before the finale, a short sharp climb rewards you with some of the best skyline views of the city from The Point and Greenwich Park. The route finishes by the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, where you can continue onwards or enjoy everything Greenwich has to offer.
Start: East Croydon • Finish: Greenwich
East London Green Corridors Loop
This loop is one of East London’s most enjoyable urban rides – flat, scenic and filled with variety. Starting in Mile End Park, you drop onto the towpath towards Victoria Park, one of the most beautiful and bike-friendly green spaces in the city.
From Victoria Park, continue towards Hackney Wick, crossing the canals into the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This area is often surprisingly quiet, with spacious cycling lanes, landscaped wetlands and dramatic architecture.
The route then follows the River Lea Navigation north into Hackney Marshes, where the scenery opens up into wide meadows. (If you want a neat point-to-point finish, ending at Broxbourne is handy for trains back into the city.)
Start: Mile End • Finish: Broxbourne (or loop back)
The North London Hill Challenge
A short but challenging loop packed with some of North London’s steepest, most characterful climbs. Each climb is rewarded with panoramic views of the city, followed by fun descents.
The first climb is the iconic Swains Lane. Halfway up, it skirts Highgate Cemetery – a fantastic hidden-gem stop if you need an excuse for a breather. Next up: Alexandra Palace for wide open views, then another punchy climb into Muswell Hill.
As you approach Hampstead Heath, the mansions get bigger (some of the most expensive streets in the country). If you have time, detour to The Hill Garden & Pergola – a stunning hidden gem that feels like another era.
Finish with a gentle descent through leafy Hampstead Village back to Kentish Town.
Tip: if your legs demand more hills, add in a couple of climbs parallel to Swains Lane: Millfield Lane and Hillway.
Start / Finish: Kentish Town (loop)
London Christmas Lights Night Ride
A short, festive evening route designed to be ridden slowly – taking in the city’s best Christmas displays.
Starting in Soho, it weaves through Regent Street and Carnaby Street, before dipping past Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Seven Dials. The route ends with a classic crossing of Waterloo Bridge and the lights along the South Bank – perfect for mulled wine and chestnuts to cap the ride.
As a central route, expect busy streets, lots of lights, and frequent stops – it’s about atmosphere rather than distance.
Tip: Best ridden after dark when the crowds thin a little and the city really starts to glow.
Start: Soho Square • Finish: South Bank
The London Football Stadium Challenge
An epic, full-day cycling challenge if you fancy something a little different. Visiting the homes of London’s top-tier clubs lets you experience every corner and extreme of the city in one day – from the intimidating south London grounds of Millwall and Crystal Palace to the posh end of town at Chelsea and Fulham, to Tottenham’s state-of-the-art stadium, and everything in between.
This route covers 12 clubs from the FA’s top four tiers. Starting from Clapham Junction, clockwise: Chelsea, Fulham, Brentford, QPR, Arsenal, Spurs, Leyton Orient, West Ham, Charlton, Millwall, Crystal Palace and AFC Wimbledon. (Depending on promotions/relegations, you may want to extend to include the likes of Bromley or Barnet if your legs can take it.)
The route tries to favour quieter roads and segregated trails, but with this much coverage you’ll inevitably hit some busier sections.
Tip: Do the challenge on a matchday Saturday to enjoy the full atmosphere in the build-up to the 3pm kickoffs.
Start / Finish: Clapham Junction (flexible)
Which cycling routes in London are best for beginners?
Several routes in this guide are ideal for beginners thanks to their flat profiles and long traffic-free sections. The East London Green Corridors Loop, The Wandle Trail to Its Source, and The Waterlink Way to Greenwich all follow rivers, canals and green paths, making them relaxed, scenic and easy to ride.
Are there traffic-free cycling routes in London?
Yes – London has an extensive and ever-growing network of traffic-free cycle paths. Many of the routes in this guide use canal towpaths, riverside trails and green corridors, including the Grand Union Canal Escape, Wandle Trail, and East London Green Corridors Loop.
What are the most scenic cycling routes in London?
For standout scenery, the East London Thames Contrast Loop offers dramatic riverside views and skyline contrasts, while the South-West London Royal Parks Loop passes through some of the capital’s most beautiful parkland. Canal routes such as the Grand Union Canal provide a slower, more atmospheric ride.
Are there any challenging cycling routes in London?
If you’re looking for a challenge, the North London Hill Challenge packs in some of the city’s steepest climbs and best viewpoints. The London Football Stadium Challenge is a longer, endurance-style ride that covers over 100km and crosses the capital from end to end.
I hope this guide to London’s hidden-gem cycling routes inspires your next ride – whether that’s a relaxed canal-side cruise, an alternative sightseeing loop through the city, or a short but leg-burning hill challenge.
London is an endlessly rewarding city to explore by bike, especially once you start linking together its rivers, canals, parks and quieter backstreets. I’ll keep updating this guide as I discover new routes and variations, so it’s worth checking back from time to time.
Have a favourite cycling route in London that feels a bit off the beaten track? I’d love to hear about it – and try it out – so feel free to share it in the comments below.
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