3 city cycling routes in London to make you feel like a local
Girl cycling in the city street
I’ve lived in London for a decade, and cycled it for most of that time but I still find areas, paths and routes that surprise me. London is continuously growing its cycle network of cycle paths, cycle superhighways and quiet routes that I often end up in a neighbourhood that I didn’t expect to, or I find connections to places I thought I knew like the back of my hand. It never gets old. Ive pulled together 3 of the best cycle routes for those visiting the city and want to enjoy feeling the freedom of the bicycle.
There are no hills included in these routes so the level is pretty easy. If you want to relax and take in the surroundings, avoid the commuting rush hour of 0730 - 0930 and 1700-1900 but if you want to experience the critical mass of cyclists - thats a good time to go where the superhighway lives up to its name, just make sure you’re confident on two wheels, some cyclists can be ruthless!
Here’s some tips and advice for cyclists if you’re just beginning or you want a refresher. Don’t forget to use a helmet and if you’re cycling at night, lights are essential.
I’ve created the links to the maps for you to follow as a turn by turn guide, and the journal will give you the gist of what’s to see, to tempt you onto the bicycle. The main thing is to enjoy yourself and if you do take the route, let us know how you find it - tag us in your instagram post or story @nuvexperience especially with your Nuve bicycle cover!
City cycle route 1: Connecting central London’s Royal Parks - Map
Art exhibition on the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park
This route is beautiful in the spring or summer when all the plant life is in bloom, although if you suffer from common hay-fever, it might be wise to bring some eyewear as there can be a large amount of pollen in the air. London is full of parks, in fact it’s made up of roughly 47% green space. The ride takes advantage of this green capital city and you feel like you’re away from the busyness of the centre but still have the presence of London in the landmarks that you pass or can see in the distance. There are a couple of cafes in the parks that you can grab some refreshments if you need, but I’d recommend that you ride it in one straight shot. The cycle paths seamlessly link together in this one so it feels quite dreamy.
Start your route at Notting Hill Gate or Kensington Palace and head on into Kensington Gardens towards the south gate where the ponds will be to the left. Follow the path that goes through Hyde park where you’ll be up close with the statue of Prince Albert on one side and the Royal Albert Hall on the other, Queen Victoria’s tribute to her husband. Stop for some photos of this iconic building, where the great musicians have held a tune. The route continues running alongside the Serpentine lake and lido, and the horse tracks. If you’re lucky, the Serpentine Gallery may have an interesting exhibition which is situated just up the road in the park, or you can take a dip if you’re into swimming in open water, but that’s for another time. Enjoy this part of the ride, it doesn’t feel like you’re in the city at all. As you approach Hyde Park Corner, veer to the left and cross over the traffic lights towards Wellington Arch where the cycle path takes you through Green Park and directly to Buckingham palace. Be sure to give a Royal wave as you pass by. This part of the route allows you to cycle straight up the flag-lined mall in all its glory to finish like a champ at Admiralty Arch and outside the National Gallery, leaving you to make the hard decision of where to go next in this central hubbub of art and culture.
City cycle route 2: Neighbourhoods, Stoke Newington to Old Street - MAP
Bicycles parked outside of a saloon pub in Stoke Newington
If you happened to be staying in Stoke Newington this one's for you. This is arguably London’s most well-known neighbourhood for residents who cycle, mainly because its not on any direct tube routes and so encourages people to take the bike. This means there's a lot more social cycling going on here than in other neighbourhoods. Cycling with friends is hands down one of the best things to do when living in the city, particularly when you have lots of lovely quiet cycle routes and pass plenty of places to stop and hang out, meet friends or other cyclists.
This one begins in Stoke Newington and ends up in Shoreditch for some night or weekend life depending on what you fancy. So start up at Clissold Park by the church and enjoy this quaint little pocket of London on Church Street, before you make your way down Kersley Road towards the Prince pub - the first of many great places that you can stop for a drink or socialise. If not, please continue. You’ll find yourself riding parallel to Stoke Newington High street which turns into Kingsland Road in Dalston. It’s best to stick to this back route than heading for the main road which might take you less time, but there is definitely a lot more traffic. Take the calm route.
You’ll find you're mostly on neighbourhood roads cutting through de Beauvoir area, the houses change from Victoria to Georgian style with large windows on the front of the house letting in lots of light. Apart from the resident parking, the roads are predominantly used by other cyclists or pedestrians as there’s no through-route for cars, it's a real dream of a ride. The quiet route is also signposted in blue and has a white painted bike marked on the road, so you don't need to keep looking at the maps - just follow the signs for Old Street.
The route brings you out at the corner of Old Street and Great Eastern Street - feel free to take a detour via Spitalfields market but come back up and take the path next to our friends at Tokyo Bikes. You’ll end the ride at the infamous Look Mum No Hands! cycle cafe, there's plenty of facilities for cyclists and it is often the end point for those who’ve been out for a ride. There's a lovely courtyard to relax with a beverage or inside watching the tour on the big screen.
City cycle route 3: Slow ride on Regents Canal, Olympic Park East to Central, Kings Cross - MAP
House boat on Regents Canal in the summertime
For those that prefer a very gentle slooooowwwww ride, read on my friends. Canal riding can be adventurous, exploring every turn off into an unexpected gem, whether that’s an industrial warehouse of breweries or a path into the wetlands, it can be quite surprising. The only downside is that there’s often a lot of people moseying along, particularly on a weekend so be careful, respectful of others and take it slow.
This ride goes from Here East in Stratford through to Granary Square near Kings Cross. There’s a point in the journey at Angel, where the canal has been blocked so you’ll need to pop up to the street for a few turns but don’t let that put you off, we’ll take the quickest and calmest route to do so, which happens to be on the national cycle network.
Here East was used as the broadcast centre for the 2012 London Olympics and can be seen by the giant lettering adorned on the roof. It’s quite visible across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park so it’s an easy place to find as a start point. It’s also just off the canal in the hub of a bustling area of studios, cafes and food markets so plenty to load up on before you start. I can recommend the Roasting Shed for a smooth coffee. On the other side of the canal is Hackney Wick, once an area of London that was quite run down, now finds itself in regeneration and rejuvenation due to its proximity to the Olympic Park. You’ll pass some public street art staples from the likes of Noir and Stik that still give it the raw creative edge that oozes from its veins.
Take the canal down to Crate Brewery where you’ll start to weave your way towards Victoria Park and into central London. Victoria Park is often quite understated because it isn’t as central as the other royal parks such as Hyde Park or Regents Park, nevertheless, it has classic Victorian features like lakes, bandstands, walk and cycle ways as well as a plethora of sports courts, and activities to keep kids entertained. With the greenery and water features, to pass through here on a ride is very calming indeed.
At the far west corner of the park, you’ll pick up the canal again where you’ll wind along the curve to London fields area and you can stop for a little walk up Broadway Market. If its market day, you’ll find plenty of foodie treats from local and far flung artisans. If you’ve chosen a time where there’s no market, you’ll see the no car zone street with cafes, bookshops and restaurants a plenty. You may even spot a celeb.
Head back to the canal to continue our ride along Regents canal through Haggerston and the top end of Shoreditch before you come to our little blip in the water way that I mentioned earlier. I’ve steered you via the cycle route of Angel to avoid the busy junction so you’ll get to enjoy the Georgian architecture and a well used filming spot for period dramas like Suffragette, on Myddleton Square. Within 5 mins you’ll be back on the canal route for the final leg before reaching Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, an area alive with social activity, there are high end shops, restaurants, cafes, a brewery and if it’s summertime, maybe even a free outdoor film screening. Its one of my favourite places to meet friends as we’re spoilt for choice of things to do. I hope you enjoy the ride.