London\u2019s busy, built-up landscape means it might not be the first place you think of when it comes to cycling\u2014especially central London.<\/p>\n
However, do a bit of digging (or pedalling), and you\u2019ll soon learn that England\u2019s historic capital is actually<\/em> a cyclist\u2019s paradise. In fact, transport data<\/a><\/span> suggests that cyclists even outnumber motorists in the City, with bikes the single largest \u2018vehicular mode\u2019 counted during London\u2019s peak times.<\/p>\n Whether it be commuting or purely for leisure, London cycle routes offer an immensely broad range of scenery, terrain and challenges\u2014and travelling by bike is a fantastic way to see the capital.<\/p>\n From the hustle and bustle of the City to the royal parks, canals and outer suburbs, here are the best cycle routes in London.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>16km<\/p>\n Cycling from Battersea Park to Greenwich is a lovely way to explore the southern banks of the River Thames and some of the city\u2019s most famous sights.<\/p>\n As you head west to east, take in beautiful views of the London Eye, Tate Modern, and the world-renowned Shakespeare\u2019s Globe<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n From the park, hug the river towards Lambeth, and from there, weave through the streets, past the Imperial War Museum, before heading back towards the Thames near Tower Bridge.<\/p>\n Follow the river as it meanders around the Isle of Dogs before ending up in Greenwich on the other side. The views across central London from Greenwich Park are nothing short of spectacular, so don\u2019t forget your camera.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Mall is a short ceremonial, tree-lined route in Westminster, connecting Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. If you\u2019ve never been, you\u2019ll have more than likely seen it on TV.<\/p>\n Though the Mall itself is nowhere near long enough for a fulfilling cycle in its own right (although, side note: you should still check out St James\u2019s Park)\u2014some of the best cycle routes in London are centred around this royal stretch of road.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>30km<\/p>\n The Tower of London loop from Tower Gateway DLR station is one of the several London cycle routes encompassing The Mall.<\/p>\n The route consists of mostly paved surfaces and is a great way of exploring some of London\u2019s parks, too, including Hyde Park and Battersea Park.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>33km<\/p>\n The Mall loop from Wandsworth Common is a slightly longer route starting in southwest London, through Clapham and back towards central London.<\/p>\n Cross Tower Bridge, then head west towards The Mall before crossing back over south of the river via Chelsea Bridge and heading back down to where you started to complete the full loop.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>19km<\/p>\n The Westminster Abbey loop from Victoria Station is one of the easiest cycle routes in London, suitable for any level of cyclist. It\u2019s a great way to explore the city of Westminster and take in The Mall without exerting yourself too much.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>28km\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Starting at London Bridge (on the south side), this route crosses the river and directs you west towards The Mall.<\/p>\n From here, you\u2019ll head toward Lambeth Bridge, where you\u2019ll cross back into south London, cut through Elephant and Castle, Walworth, and towards Bermondsey before ending back at London Bridge. You\u2019ll also enjoy great views of the London Eye on this loop.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>11km<\/p>\n Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London and is unlike any of the rest\u2014not least for its size (almost 2,500 acres of land!)<\/p>\n The Tamsin Trail<\/a><\/span>, in particular, is the perfect cycle route for seeing the park and the free-roaming deer that live there.<\/p>\n Also popular with runners, the Tamsin Trail follows the park\u2019s outer perimeter along leafy paths, past gentle ponds and ancient trees, treating you to views of the London skyline in the distance, too.<\/p>\n If you prefer sticking solely to parks and avoiding those busy London streets, this is the route for you. The park offers a window of calm amid the metropolis backdrop.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>4km<\/p>\n Another of London\u2019s famous royal parks is, of course, Hyde Park. Though nowhere near the size of Richmond Park, Hyde Park is steeped in history and is still a great one to explore on wheels.<\/p>\n A basic circular loop of Hyde Park is around 4km long, so it doesn\u2019t pose too much of a test to experienced cyclists, but you can take in the park any way you wish\u2014its royal status means there are several designated cycle routes within the park.<\/p>\n There\u2019s plenty to see and do in Hyde Park and the adjoining Kensington Gardens, too.<\/p>\n From Speakers\u2019 Corner<\/a><\/span>\u2014a historic location for public speeches dating back to the mid-1800s, to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain beside the Serpentine\u2014a 40-acre lake smack bang in the middle of the park and the neighbouring Gardens\u2014there\u2019s something for all tastes and interests.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>21km<\/p>\n This route from east London up to Waltham Abbey (technically in Essex) starts in Olympic Park\u2014 where better for some pre-route inspiration than a site of true British cycling history?<\/p>\n British cyclists dominated the medal charts at the London 2012 games, clinching 12 medals between them. Our very own Cycleplan ambassador Lizzie Deignan<\/a><\/span> (then Lizzie Armitstead), being one of them\u2014winning silver in the women\u2019s road race.<\/p>\n Fear not, though\u2014you needn\u2019t be a pro to enjoy this route. The leisurely jaunt along the River Lea is a gorgeous ride that takes you away from the hustle and bustle. You\u2019ll also pass the Walthamstow Wetlands<\/a><\/span>\u2014part of the London Wildlife Trust\u2014on your journey north.<\/p>\n And that\u2019s not all. Plenty of cosy pubs await your arrival into Waltham Abbey for a well-deserved post-ride refreshment.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>6km<\/p>\n This relatively easy ride across north London, connecting another two of the city\u2019s most popular parks, provides a further snapshot of London\u2019s natural beauty.<\/p>\n Starting in Finsbury Park, follow the Parkland Walk for several kilometres\u2014an old disused railway line now lined with trees, popular with cyclists and runners.<\/p>\n Once back on the main roads, you\u2019ll cut through Highgate Woods and towards Muswell Hill before heading up to Alexandra Palace (or Ally Pally, as locals call it). The view back down across London from the top of Ally Pally Hill is simply not to be missed, especially on a clear day.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Distance: <\/strong>14km<\/p>\n At a fairly modest length of just under 14km, cyclists can enjoy the beauty of the Regent\u2019s Canal in its entirety without using up everything in the tank.<\/p>\n The canal runs just north of central London, linking the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal to Limehouse Basin, situated on the Thames over in east London.<\/p>\n Travelling from west to east, you\u2019ll follow the canal past Kings Cross, through London\u2019s famous East End, and towards Canary Wharf. Or, take it in the opposite direction, travelling west from just south of Islington.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll spot London Zoo and pass through Little Venice and Regent\u2019s Park going this way.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for inspiration, these London cycle routes offer plenty. The capital is home to countless routes\u2014old and new\u2014for you to scratch your cycling itch. However, you may want to consider protecting yourself and your bike with cycling insurance<\/a><\/span> before heading out on the road.<\/p>\n Through Cycleplan, you can get cover for theft, loss, and accidental damage up to \u00a330,000. You can also choose to add Personal Accident and Public Liability cover to protect you if you\u2019re deemed liable for injury to someone else or damage to property while out on your bike.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a><\/span> to learn more about specialist cycling insurance and get an online quote<\/a><\/span> today.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The 5 best cycle routes in North Devon<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nBattersea Park to Greenwich<\/h2>\n
![\"cycle](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/t2smvyex\/cycle-routes-in-london-1.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nThe Mall<\/h2>\n
![\"cycle](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/5ddjemhx\/cycle-routes-in-london-2.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nThe Mall – different loops<\/h3>\n
The Tower of London<\/h4>\n
![\"cycle](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/lbgfzbpu\/cycle-routes-in-london-3.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nWandsworth Common<\/h4>\n
Westminster Abbey<\/h4>\n
London Bridge<\/h4>\n
<\/p>\n
Richmond Park<\/h2>\n
![\"cycle](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/kwddnxg5\/cycle-routes-in-london-5.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nHyde Park<\/h2>\n
![\"cycle](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/sn5byetf\/cycle-routes-in-london-6.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nOlympic Park to Waltham Abbey<\/h2>\n
![\"cycle](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/emmdyn4v\/cycle-routes-in-london-7.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nFinsbury Park to Alexandra Palace<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/5oyp0e42\/cycle-routes-in-london-8.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nRegent’s Canal<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/t20dypls\/cycle-routes-in-london-9.jpg?width=500&height=auto;class=responsive\")
<\/p>\nRelated<\/h4>\n