The best cycling routes around Ruislip Lido
4.4
(402)
3,160
riders
385
rides
Touring cycling routes around Ruislip Lido are set within the London Borough of Hillingdon, featuring the 60-acre Ruislip Lido lake and the extensive 726-acre Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. The area offers a network of trails through ancient woodland and along the lakeside, providing diverse landscapes for cyclists. Connections to broader cycling networks like the London Cycle Network Route 89 and the Hillingdon Trail allow for extended exploration. The terrain includes both paved sections and woodland paths, suitable for various cycling preferences.
Best touring cycling routes around Ruislip Lido
- The most popular touring cycling route is The Lee Village Green – Harefield Place Lake loop from Ruislip, a 54.8 miles (88.2 km) trail that takes 5 hours 29 minutes to complete, offering a challenging ride through varied landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is River Colne – Ebury Way Cycle Path loop from Northwood, an easy 12.2 miles (19.7 km) path. This route follows river paths and dedicated cycle paths, providing a gentle ride.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Chesham Clock Tower – Batchworth Lock No. 81 loop from Northwood, a 28.6 miles (46.0 km) trail leading through canal locks and villages, often completed in about 2 hours 51 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Ruislip Lido is defined by ancient woodlands, a scenic lake, and connections to river and canal paths. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Ruislip Lido are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 370 reviews. More than 3400 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Ruislip Lido's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
22
riders
87.8km
05:23
560m
560m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
20
riders
20.1km
01:27
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(3)
15
riders
46.0km
02:51
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
7
riders
19.1km
01:14
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
riders
26.4km
01:46
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Crossing point between Whipendall Woods / Whippy Trails and Cassiobury Park
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About 1922, the land between the River Colne and the canal was taken over by Rickmansworth Gravel Company. Building in the capital was booming and gravel was in demand. Extraction at the site began and the resulting pit became Stocker's Lake. The original Wembley stadium was built at around this time and many have since speculated on the possibility of a Wembley Connection? Dredging and gravel extraction continued until the 1940s. In 1947 Rickmansworth and Uxbridge Valley Water Company purchased Stocker's Lake (an area of 93.7 acres) for £5000 as the dredging agreement had expired. This was to protect the aquifer and pumping sources at Stocker's and Springwell. The company became Rickmansworth Water Company in 1985 and later part of Three Valleys Water Company, eventually Affinity Water, the present owners. In the 1970s Stocker’s Lake became a nature reserve and day to day management was assigned by the water company to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
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The land on which Stocker's Lake now stands was once part of Stocker's Farm which is still there today. Records from 1427 show that the farm already existed and was owned by John Stockere or Stocker. In 1861, Stocker's House was built for the Corporation of London to house the Collector of Coal Dues on the Grand Union Canal. Stocker's House cost £850 to build and the first tenant was Mr. Charles Browton. The dues he collected were, for example, 4 shillings per ton of wine and 12 pence a ton of coal. However with the railways becoming increasingly popular it was decided to sell the house and in 1869 Lord Ebury offered £300
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Best cycling cafe in the area. Great views and coffee.
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The Colne is a river and a tributary of the River Thames in England. Just over half its course is in south Hertfordshire. Downstream, it forms the boundary between Buckinghamshire and the London Borough of Hillingdon. The confluence with the River Thames is on the Staines reach
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The Ebury Way is a flat, traffic-free cycle path between Rickmansworth and Watford. Shaded for hot days and dotted with scenic bridges, it also features a wooden hut café at Batchworth Lock (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) – ideal for a bacon sandwich by the canal. Keep an eye out for quirky touches like George Michael street art!
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Today, only a few of them are still in operation in their original function; instead, they often serve as mere technical and historical monuments to a long tradition of craftsmanship: The heavy millstones inside were moved solely by the power of the wind, for example, grinding grain into flour (so-called grain mills) or pressing oil from fruits (e.g., olives) (so-called oil mills). Thus, these old windmills are the best proof that people were clever enough to harness the power of the wind several centuries ago – long before the discovery of electricity and the inventions that followed it.
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Love stopping at this spot over all the seasons
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Ruislip Lido?
There are over 380 touring cycling routes in the Ruislip Lido area, catering to a wide range of abilities. This includes 168 easy routes, 172 moderate routes, and 44 more challenging options.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or casual riders?
Yes, Ruislip Lido offers many easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the River Colne – Ebury Way Cycle Path loop from Northwood is a gentle 12.2-mile path that follows river paths and dedicated cycle paths, ideal for a relaxed ride. Another accessible option is the Batchworth Arena – The Village Bakery, Harefield loop from Northwood Hills, which is just under 12 miles and also rated easy.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Ruislip Lido?
The routes around Ruislip Lido feature a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find both paved sections, particularly around the Lido itself and connecting to broader networks, as well as extensive woodland paths within Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. Be aware that some woodland paths can become challenging for road bikes after rain due to horse traffic, so a trail bike might be more suitable for those sections.
Are there any family-friendly cycling options around Ruislip Lido?
Absolutely. The area is very family-friendly, with many easy routes suitable for children. Beyond cycling, Ruislip Lido offers children's play areas, a splash park, picnic spots, and cafes, making it a great destination for a family day out. The scenic Batchworth Lock No. 81 – Grove Mill loop from Northwood is an easy 16.4-mile route that could be enjoyed by families.
Can I bring my dog on the cycling trails in Ruislip Woods?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails within Ruislip Woods. However, it's always best to keep your dog under control, especially in areas where there might be other cyclists, walkers, or wildlife. Please ensure you clean up after your dog to help keep the woods enjoyable for everyone.
What are the parking options for cyclists at Ruislip Lido?
Ruislip Lido has car parks available for visitors. While there are fees for parking, specific details regarding bike parking or Hillingdon First Card benefits can be found on the official Hillingdon Council website. For up-to-date information on parking fees and facilities, it's advisable to check the Hillingdon Council website directly before your visit.
Is public transport available to Ruislip Lido if I want to bring my bicycle?
Ruislip Lido is accessible by public transport. Ruislip tube station is nearby, and while policies for bringing bicycles on tubes and buses can vary, it's generally possible to transport bikes during off-peak hours. For specific rules regarding bicycles on public transport, it's recommended to check Transport for London's official guidelines.
What is the best season for touring cycling around Ruislip Lido?
Ruislip Lido offers enjoyable cycling throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is popular, but the paths around the Lido can get busy. Winter cycling is also possible, though some woodland paths might be muddy, and appropriate clothing is recommended. The area's diverse landscapes make it appealing in any season.
Are there cafes or pubs near the cycling routes for refreshment stops?
Yes, Ruislip Lido itself has cafes and picnic areas. Additionally, the surrounding villages and towns, such as Northwood and Harefield, offer various cafes and pubs that are popular stops for cyclists. For example, the Chesham Clock Tower – Batchworth Lock No. 81 loop from Northwood passes through villages where you can find refreshment.
Are there any circular cycling routes available?
Many of the touring cycling routes around Ruislip Lido are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the challenging The Lee Village Green – Harefield Place Lake loop from Ruislip is a 54.8-mile circular route, and the easy River Colne – Ebury Way Cycle Path loop from Northwood is also a popular circular option.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Ruislip Lido?
The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience around Ruislip Lido, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 370 reviews. Cyclists often praise the tranquil natural settings, the variety of trails through ancient woodlands, and the scenic lake views. The connections to wider cycling networks like the Hillingdon Trail also allow for extended exploration, which is a big draw.
Are there any permits required for cycling in Ruislip Woods?
No, there are no specific cycling permits required to ride on the designated trails within Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. The trails are generally open for public access, but cyclists are encouraged to follow the Countryside Code and respect other users of the woods.
Can I spot wildlife while cycling around Ruislip Lido?
Yes, the Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve is home to diverse plant and animal life, making it an excellent spot for nature lovers. While cycling, you might encounter various bird species, squirrels, and other woodland creatures. Early mornings or late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife spotting.
Most popular routes around Ruislip Lido
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