4.3
(876)
11,140
riders
469
rides
Touring cycling around Oxleas Wood offers routes through an ancient deciduous forest, part of which dates back over 8,000 years. The area covers 77 hectares, featuring diverse woodlands of oak, silver birch, and hornbeam. Its elevated position on Shooters Hill provides views across London, while the terrain includes both paved and unpaved paths suitable for various cycling preferences. Several streams originate within the wood, contributing to its natural landscape.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
3.5
(2)
5
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
29.8km
01:49
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(30)
221
riders
42.5km
02:44
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
39
riders
49.3km
02:57
230m
230m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
17
riders
9.46km
00:36
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Canary Warf view from Riverbank
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Cycling is not allowed in The Pleasaunce (other than the odd Chavy kid) but itβs a great place to swing by if you get caught in a heavy shower (like I did) on route to Sheperdleas Woods, there are lots of sheltered places in this very scenic park. It also has a gastro pub at its heart called The Tudor Barn which is useful if you require a health giving pint of Guinness (which I did). The childrenβs author E. Nesbit lived in a Manor House in the grounds - since removed other than a moated area by the period pub; there are wooden carvings of some of the characters in her books.
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Lovely scenic garden park with interesting features, a moat and a gastro pub called the Tudor Barn.
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Eltham Bus Station, opened in 1985, is integrated with the Eltham railway station and located above the A2 road. Undervalued piece of mid 80s architecture history.
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Woolwich Royal Arsenal Pier, along the Thames Path. Famous for the circle of Peter Burke sculptures and cannons of various sizes.
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Excellent cycle route in the city, easy to navigate and away from traffic, its the other cyclists that you need to watch out for!
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There are nearly 500 touring cycling routes available around Oxleas Wood, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and skill levels. This includes over 230 easy routes, 170 moderate routes, and 80 more challenging options.
The routes in Oxleas Wood feature a diverse landscape, including both paved and unpaved paths. The area is known for its ancient deciduous forests and elevated positions, which provide scenic views across London. For some routes, hybrid tires are recommended due to the varied surfaces.
Yes, several points of interest enhance the cycling experience. You can visit the 18th-century folly, Severndroog Castle, located in Castle Wood, which offers panoramic views across London from its viewing platform. The elevated position of Oxleas Wood itself provides extensive vistas. You can also explore Oxleas Meadows, a large grassed area within the wood.
Yes, the Oxleas Wood Cafe is a popular stop, situated at the top of the hill in Oxleas Meadow. It serves as a great meeting point and offers wonderful views, making it a convenient spot for a break during your ride.
The touring cycling routes around Oxleas Wood are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 800 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the ancient woodland setting, and the scenic views across London.
Yes, Oxleas Wood offers numerous easy routes suitable for families. These often feature mostly paved surfaces, making them accessible for various fitness levels. You can find over 230 easy routes in the area, perfect for a leisurely family ride.
While the guide doesn't specify rules for dogs on cycling routes, Oxleas Wood is a public green space popular with walkers and their dogs. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near wildlife or other visitors, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions on cycling paths.
Oxleas Wood is well-connected and can be reached via public transport. The Green Chain Walk passes through Oxleas Wood, which offers connectivity to adjacent areas and public transport links. You can plan your journey to nearby stations or bus stops and cycle the short distance to the wood.
Yes, there are parking facilities available around Oxleas Wood. Specific parking areas are often located near main entrances or popular access points, making it convenient for cyclists to unload their bikes and start their tours. It's recommended to check local council websites for detailed parking information.
Many of the touring cycling routes around Oxleas Wood are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the moderate Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) β St Paul's Cathedral loop from Eltham, which offers a longer circular journey.
For a moderate ride, consider the Avery Hill University Campus β St Mary Cray The Mount loop from Falconwood. This 18.5-mile (29.7 km) path offers varied terrain through suburban and natural areas, providing a good balance of challenge and scenery.
Yes, some routes extend beyond the immediate vicinity of Oxleas Wood, connecting to broader London areas. For instance, the Cutty Sark β Assembly by Peter Burke loop from Welling is a 26.4-mile (42.5 km) trail that leads through urban landscapes and green corridors, offering a more extensive touring experience.
Absolutely. An excellent easy option for beginners is the Blackheath Common β Well Hall Pleasaunce loop from Eltham. This route is just under 6 miles (9.5 km) and features minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for those new to touring cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.

