The best traffic-free bike rides around Kennington

There are 8 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Kennington, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, perfect for exploring the area without busy roads.

Yes, Kennington offers several easy, traffic-free routes. For a pleasant, shorter ride, consider the Descent into Westwell loop from Kennington, which is just over 11 km. Another option is the Singleton Lake – Victoria Park Fountain loop from Ashford, offering a gentle 11.9 km ride.

While Kennington itself is urban, many routes quickly lead you into the varied landscapes of Kent. You can expect a mix of quiet country lanes, green spaces, and paths that showcase rolling hills, scenic valleys, and agricultural land. Routes like the View of the Kent Countryside – St Margaret's Church loop from Ashford offer extensive views of the countryside.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the View of the Kent Countryside – St Margaret's Church loop from Ashford covers nearly 48 km with some elevation gain. Another moderate option is the Pilgrims Way – Pilgrims Way Gravel Path loop from Kennington, a 22.3 km route that includes varied terrain.

Many routes pass by historical and natural attractions. You might encounter charming settlements like Pluckley Village, historical sites such as Chilham Square, or beautiful natural spots like Bluebells in King's Wood. Several routes also feature picturesque lakes, including Eastwell Lake.

Yes, all the listed no-traffic touring routes around Kennington are circular, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. Examples include the Victoria Park Fountain – Singleton Lake loop from Ashford and the Descent into Westwell loop from Kennington.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from 6 ratings. Reviewers often praise the ability to find quiet routes away from traffic, the scenic countryside, and the historical points of interest encountered along the way.

Within Kennington itself, Kennington Park offers a beautiful urban green space with winding paths, though for extensive touring, the routes often extend beyond the immediate park into wider green corridors and the Kent countryside. The park is a lovely spot for a leisurely cycle or a break.

Kennington is well-connected by London Underground (Northern Line) and bus services, making it easy to reach the starting points of many routes. From Kennington, you can often connect to broader London cycle networks that lead to these traffic-free paths.

While specific cafes are not listed for each route, many of the villages and towns you pass through, especially on longer routes into Kent, will have local amenities. Kennington itself has local bike shops like Balfe's Bikes and various cafes. It's always a good idea to check local listings for specific services along your chosen route.

Parking availability can vary. For routes starting directly in Kennington, being an urban area, street parking might be limited or metered. For routes starting further out, such as those near Ashford, there may be more dedicated parking options. We recommend checking local parking information for your specific starting point before you set off.