The best road cycling routes around the City of London

There are over 830 road cycling routes available around the City of London, catering to various skill levels. This includes more than 320 easy routes, nearly 390 moderate routes, and over 120 difficult routes for experienced cyclists.

Road cycling routes around the City of London offer a diverse blend of urban infrastructure and natural escapes. You can expect to cycle along historic waterways like the River Thames and its network of canals, through extensive urban green spaces and Royal Parks such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, and even access ancient woodlands like Epping Forest. Many routes also weave past iconic London landmarks.

The road cycling routes around the City of London are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 2,900 reviews. More than 71,000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the blend of city sights and accessible green spaces.

Yes, there are many easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. For example, the Tower of London – Tower of London loop from Aldgate East is a 7.1-mile (11.4 km) easy trail offering views of the historic Tower of London. Another option is the View of the London Eye – Serpentine Bridge loop from Blackfriars, an 8.5-mile (13.7 km) path that guides riders past the London Eye and through Hyde Park.

For those seeking a challenge, routes extending further out from the city offer more significant distances and elevation. The Skid Hill Lane View – Col du Skelly Monument loop from Barbican is a difficult 66-mile (106.1 km) route with over 1,200 meters of elevation gain, leading through varied terrain outside the immediate city center.

Many road cycling routes in the City of London pass by famous landmarks. You can cycle past attractions such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, and get a view of the London Eye. Other notable sights include Leadenhall Market and the Sky Garden. Routes often incorporate Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the River Thames.

Yes, many road cycling routes around the City of London are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Giraffes at the ZSL London Zoo – Regent’s Park Inner Circle loop from Old Street, which is an easy 11.5-mile (18.6 km) ride, or the longer Skid Hill Lane View – Col du Skelly Monument loop from Old Street, a moderate 53.6-mile (86.3 km) route.

The City of London is exceptionally well-connected by public transport, including numerous Underground and National Rail stations. Many road cycling routes start near these transport hubs, making it convenient to reach your starting point without needing to cycle through heavy traffic to get there. For instance, routes can begin from Aldgate East, Blackfriars, Barbican, Old Street, or City Thameslink.

London offers many traffic-free or low-traffic cycling paths suitable for families. The River Thames provides extensive stretches of traffic-free cycling, and canal towpaths, particularly along the Lee Valley, offer another network of safe cycling opportunities. Large parks like Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Victoria Park are also very cycle-friendly and ideal for family rides.

Given the urban and semi-urban nature of the routes, you'll find numerous cafes, pubs, and refreshment stops along most road cycling paths, especially those within central London or passing through towns and villages on longer excursions. Many parks also feature cafes, such as those in Hyde Park or Regent's Park.

For longer rides, routes often extend beyond the immediate city into surrounding areas. The Lea Bridge Road Cycleway – Clays Lane Climb loop from Old Street is a moderate 33.9-mile (54.7 km) route. For a more significant distance, the Tower Bridge – Tower of London loop from Aldgate East covers 15.8 miles (25.4 km) and offers varied scenery.

Absolutely. London is known for its extensive green spaces, and many routes incorporate them. You can find routes that take you through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, and Victoria Park. For a wilder feel, routes can lead towards Epping Forest, a 2,400-hectare ancient woodland, or even connect to Richmond Park, known for its deer and natural beauty. For more information on London's green spaces, you can visit the City of London Corporation website.