The best road cycling routes around the London Borough Of Croydon

The London Borough of Croydon offers a diverse road cycling landscape. You'll encounter numerous hills that extend into the North Downs and Surrey, providing challenging climbs and rewarding descents. Many routes are on tarmac roads, blending urban accessibility with scenic natural features like woodlands and expansive green spaces. The area is known for its varied topography, making it suitable for different fitness levels.

There are over 120 road cycling routes available in the London Borough of Croydon, catering to various skill levels. These include routes ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring options for both casual riders and those seeking a challenge.

Yes, there are easy road cycling options. For instance, the Gateway to the Kent Lanes – Skid Hill Lane View loop from Norwood Junction is an easy 17-mile (27.3 km) route, offering a less strenuous introduction to the area's cycling. Overall, about a third of the routes in the borough are rated as easy.

For those seeking a challenge, the London Borough of Croydon features routes with significant elevation gains. The View of Kent Downs Vineyards – Skid Hill Lane View loop from Norwood Junction is a difficult 54.8-mile (88.3 km) path with over 1000 meters of elevation gain. Other routes like the Box Hill Climb – View from Box Hill loop from South Croydon also include notable climbs.

Croydon's road cycling routes often pass through or near beautiful natural features and offer panoramic views. You can experience areas like Addington Hills (also known as Shirley Hills) for city skyline views, or explore the countryside near Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve. Highlights such as the Farthing Downs Scenic Road and Skid Hill Lane to Hesiers Road Climb offer notable viewpoints.

Yes, several routes offer longer distances, extending into the surrounding countryside. For example, the Wake Road, Epping Forest – Fyfield Village loop from Norwood Junction is a difficult 81-mile (130.6 km) route. The area also connects to sections of the Avenue Verte Paris-London route, providing opportunities for extended road cycling adventures.

The road cycling routes in the London Borough of Croydon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 130 reviews. Over 3000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the mix of challenging climbs and scenic, accessible green spaces.

Yes, Croydon is well-connected by public transport, making many starting points for road cycling routes accessible. The borough has an active strategic cycle network, and its urban nature means train stations and bus routes can often get you close to the beginning of a ride. For more details on Croydon's cycle network and public transport integration, you can visit the Croydon Council website.

Many of the road cycling routes in the London Borough of Croydon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This includes popular options like the Eynsford Ford and Stone Bridge – Gateway to the Kent Lanes loop from Thornton Heath, which is a moderate 39.2-mile (63.1 km) circular trail.

The London Borough of Croydon offers enjoyable road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery as the foliage changes. Summer is ideal for longer rides, while winter can still be suitable, though some routes might be more exposed to the elements. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Beyond the natural beauty, road cycling routes in Croydon can lead you past various points of interest. While not always directly on the road, areas like Lloyd Park with its Coombe Cliff Clocktower, or the tranquil Wandle Park along the River Wandle, are often accessible from cycling routes. The region's history and green spaces offer many small discoveries.

Yes, Croydon's location makes it a gateway to other popular cycling areas. Routes like the Box Hill Climb – View from Box Hill loop from South Croydon take you towards the famous Box Hill, a renowned cycling climb. The borough's proximity to the North Downs also means many routes extend into the wider Surrey countryside.