London Cycling Routes You Didn't Know About (But Definitely Should)

Think you know all the good cycling spots in London? Think again. Beyond the busy superhighways and packed commuter routes lie some hidden gems that even longtime London cyclists often miss. These lesser-known routes offer peaceful rides, surprising green spaces, and glimpses of London you simply can't get from a car or the tube.

The Wandle Trail: South London's Riverside Secret

This 14-mile path follows the River Wandle from Croydon to the Thames at Wandsworth. What makes it special? It feels miles away from the city despite being right in London.

The trail is mostly off-road and flat, perfect for casual riders or families. You'll pass old mills that tell the story of London's industrial past, peaceful wetlands full of birds, and plenty of nice spots to stop for coffee.

Best bit: Merton Abbey Mills – an old textile factory now filled with cafes and craft shops. Great for lunch!

The Greenway: East London's High-Up Adventure

This path runs for about 5 miles from Stratford to Beckton on top of a covered sewer (don't worry – you can't smell a thing!). The cool thing about the Greenway is the unique view it gives you of East London.

From up high, you can see the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf, and on a clear day, even the Thames Barrier in the distance. It's totally traffic-free and surprisingly green, with wildflowers everywhere in summer.

Best bit: The View Tube – a quirky café made from shipping containers with a great view of the Olympic Park.

The Tamsin Trail: Richmond Park's Full Loop

Most visitors to Richmond Park stick to the main roads, but the 7.5-mile Tamsin Trail that goes all the way around the park is where the magic happens. This well-kept gravel path keeps you away from cars while showing off the best of the park.

You'll ride through ancient woodland, open fields, past quiet ponds, and if you're lucky, get up close with the park's famous deer. There are a few gentle hills, but nothing too tough for most cyclists.

Best bit: King Henry's Mound – a spot where you can see all the way to St. Paul's Cathedral, 10 miles away.

The Docklands & Limehouse Cut

This urban route connects the historic Limehouse Basin with futuristic Canary Wharf. The Limehouse Cut is London's oldest canal, and its path offers a traffic-free ride through an area that mixes old industrial buildings with modern skyscrapers.

As you continue through the Docklands, you'll discover waterways, floating restaurants, and views of the financial district that most tourists never see.

Best bit: The strange but cool sight of narrowboats moored with massive Canary Wharf towers looming behind them.

The Parkland Walk: North London's Hidden Railway

Following an old abandoned railway line from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, this 4.5-mile nature reserve feels like a secret green corridor through the city. The raised path cuts through unexpected woodland, with occasional views across North London from former train platforms.

While it's shared with walkers, weekday mornings and evenings outside of rush hour are usually quiet enough for a leisurely ride.

Best bit: The remains of the never-finished Highgate High-Level station, where you can still see platforms and tunnel entrances being reclaimed by nature.

Tips for Exploring These Routes

• Finding your way: Most of these routes aren't always well-marked. Download the route to your phone using apps like Komoot or Strava before you set off.
• Bike choice: Most routes work with any bicycle, but paths like the Parkland Walk and parts of the Wandle Trail are better with wider tires.
• Timing: Avoid rush hours (8-9:30am and 5-6:30pm) on busier sections like the Greenway and Lea Valley Path.
• Be prepared: Bring a basic repair kit and make sure your lights are charged if there's any chance you'll be riding as it gets dark.
• Share nicely: Most routes are shared with people walking, so ring your bell when approaching and keep your speed reasonable.

The Helmet Problem Solved

One annoying thing when exploring London by bike is what to do with your helmet when you stop for lunch or to take photos. Regular helmets are bulky and awkward to carry, which is why many cyclists end up not wearing one at all.

Thankfully, foldable helmets have changed the game. The Newlane foldable helmet shrinks to half its size when you're not wearing it, so it fits easily in a backpack or bag. This means you can ride these hidden routes safely, then stash your helmet away when you stop at that riverside café.

Give These Routes a Go

Next sunny weekend, why not try one of these hidden routes instead of your usual cycle? You'll be surprised how different London looks when you get off the beaten track.

Pack a small bag with water, snacks (and Newlane helmet). Then grab your bike, and explore a side of London that most people (even many locals) never see. You might just find your new favorite spot in the city.

And don't forget – most of these routes have great pubs along the way. There's nothing better than a well-earned pint at the end of a good ride!

If you do check out any of these routes, we'd love to hear about it. Drop us a message or tag us in your photos. Happy exploring!