The best traffic-free bike rides around the London Borough Of Hillingdon

There are over 50 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in the London Borough of Hillingdon, offering a wide range of options for cyclists looking to explore the area away from busy roads. These routes utilize the borough's extensive green spaces and tranquil waterways.

Yes, Hillingdon offers many easy, no-traffic routes perfect for families and beginners. Approximately 22 of the available routes are rated as easy. An excellent option is the Black Jack's Mill – Batchworth Lock No. 81 loop from Uxbridge, which is an easy 23.9 km ride along the canal towpaths, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages.

The no-traffic routes in Hillingdon offer diverse scenery, primarily focusing on green spaces and waterways. You'll cycle along the tranquil Grand Union Canal towpaths, through nature reserves like Gutteridge Wood, and past various lakes and reservoirs. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, with scenic views of the natural landscape.

Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Hillingdon are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the moderate Black Jack's Mill – Chalfont Lane loop from Eastcote offers a 46.5 km circular journey, while the Denham Quarry Lake loop from West Ruislip is another popular moderate circular option.

Many routes pass by interesting landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past the popular Ruislip Lido, enjoy views from The Keyhole, or see the impressive HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct. The Grand Union Canal itself is a major highlight, with points like Bull's Bridge Junction and various locks providing scenic spots.

Yes, many routes, especially those along the Grand Union Canal, have cafes and pubs nearby or directly accessible from the towpath. A notable spot is the Coy Carp Pub, which is located directly on the Grand Union Canal and is a popular stop for cyclists.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling in Hillingdon, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the borough's commitment to improving cycling infrastructure means many routes are accessible year-round. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and even winter rides can be enjoyable on clear, dry days, especially on well-maintained towpaths.

The London Borough of Hillingdon is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 160 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the canal towpaths, the abundance of green spaces, and the feeling of being away from urban traffic, making it an ideal destination for peaceful touring cycling.

While many routes are easy to moderate, there are options for longer rides. For instance, the View of the Jubilee River – Jubilee River Weir loop from Uxbridge is a moderate 55.3 km route, and the Harefield Place Lake – Black Jack's Mill loop from Hillingdon covers nearly 56 km, offering a more extensive touring experience with varied terrain.

Yes, Hillingdon Council has an ambitious 10-year plan to boost active travel, including the creation of eight new dedicated cycle routes. This ongoing development aims to provide even more safer and more accessible options for cyclists, further enhancing the network of no-traffic routes. You can find more information on their strategy at hillingdon.gov.uk.