The best gravel rides around Ruislip Lido
4.3
(24)
164
riders
13
rides
Gravel biking around Ruislip Lido offers access to the extensive Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, providing a network of unpaved paths and woodland trails. The terrain includes undulating tracks, tree roots, and potential for muddy sections, making it suitable for gravel bikes. The area is centered around a 60-acre lake, with surrounding woodlands like Mad Bess Woods contributing to the off-road cycling experience.
Best gravel bike trails around Ruislip Lido
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Black Jack's Mill loop from West Ruislip, a 15.8 miles (25.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 52 minutes to complete, winding through varied woodland terrain.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Denham Quarry Lake – Harefield Place Lake loop from Hillingdon, a moderate 22.5 miles (36.3 km) path that explores scenic lakes and surrounding natural areas.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Black Jack's Mill loop from Rickmansworth, a 14.5 miles (23.3 km) trail leading through extensive woodlands, often completed in about 1 hour 55 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Ruislip Lido is defined by extensive woodlands, unpaved paths, and undulating tracks. The network offers options for both easy rides and more challenging routes.
- The routes in Ruislip Lido are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 10 reviews. More than 100 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Ruislip Lido's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
5.0
(3)
8
riders
25.5km
01:35
140m
140m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(6)
12
riders
36.5km
02:17
200m
200m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
9
riders
23.3km
01:43
50m
50m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
14
riders
15.3km
00:58
60m
60m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
12
riders
21.7km
01:21
110m
110m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Crossing point between Whipendall Woods / Whippy Trails and Cassiobury Park
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About 1922, the land between the River Colne and the canal was taken over by Rickmansworth Gravel Company. Building in the capital was booming and gravel was in demand. Extraction at the site began and the resulting pit became Stocker's Lake. The original Wembley stadium was built at around this time and many have since speculated on the possibility of a Wembley Connection? Dredging and gravel extraction continued until the 1940s. In 1947 Rickmansworth and Uxbridge Valley Water Company purchased Stocker's Lake (an area of 93.7 acres) for £5000 as the dredging agreement had expired. This was to protect the aquifer and pumping sources at Stocker's and Springwell. The company became Rickmansworth Water Company in 1985 and later part of Three Valleys Water Company, eventually Affinity Water, the present owners. In the 1970s Stocker’s Lake became a nature reserve and day to day management was assigned by the water company to Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.
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The land on which Stocker's Lake now stands was once part of Stocker's Farm which is still there today. Records from 1427 show that the farm already existed and was owned by John Stockere or Stocker. In 1861, Stocker's House was built for the Corporation of London to house the Collector of Coal Dues on the Grand Union Canal. Stocker's House cost £850 to build and the first tenant was Mr. Charles Browton. The dues he collected were, for example, 4 shillings per ton of wine and 12 pence a ton of coal. However with the railways becoming increasingly popular it was decided to sell the house and in 1869 Lord Ebury offered £300
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At the M25 end you would be mistaken that you're entering a private property but there is a public footpath once you go around the corner
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Great cut through to avoid roads with traffic. Very popular trail
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Parkrun here every Saturday 9am, get there by 8.30am or the car park gets tricky. All other times the parking is easy 😉
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The Ebury Way is a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) rail trail in Hertfordshire between Watford and Rickmansworth. The route crosses the Grand Union Canal and three rivers: the River Colne, the River Chess and the River Gade. Its origin as the Watford and Rickmansworth Railway means that it is wide and largely flat. It forms part of National Cycle Route 61
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Ruislip Lido?
There are 14 gravel bike trails around Ruislip Lido listed in this guide. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy rides to more moderate challenges, all within the extensive Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails near Ruislip Lido?
The terrain around Ruislip Lido is primarily characterized by unpaved paths and woodland trails within the Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. You can expect undulating tracks, tree roots, and the possibility of muddy sections, especially in areas like Mad Bess Woods. These conditions are well-suited for gravel bikes with knobbly tyres.
Are there any beginner-friendly gravel bike routes in the area?
Yes, many routes are suitable for beginners. For example, the Ebury Way – Ebury Way Cycle Path loop from Rickmansworth is an easy 9.5-mile (15.3 km) trail. Out of the 14 routes in this guide, 11 are rated as easy, offering accessible options for those new to gravel biking.
What are some notable landmarks or natural features to see along the gravel routes?
The routes often pass through the scenic Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, offering views of mature trees and diverse flora. You'll also encounter the 60-acre Ruislip Lido lake itself, with its unique sandy 'beach' area. Some trails, like the Denham Quarry Lake – Harefield Place Lake loop from Hillingdon, explore other picturesque lakes and natural areas.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Ruislip Lido?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the area are circular. Examples include the popular Black Jack's Mill loop from West Ruislip and the Ebury Way – River Colne loop from Rickmansworth, allowing you to start and end at the same point.
Is Ruislip Lido a good place for family-friendly gravel biking?
Ruislip Lido and its surrounding woods offer a family-friendly environment. While the woodland trails can be undulating, many of the 11 easy routes are suitable for families. Beyond biking, the Lido itself has attractions like a pirate ship play area and a splash pad, making it a popular destination for a day out with children.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking around Ruislip Lido?
The Ruislip Woods can be enjoyed year-round. However, for the most comfortable riding conditions, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. During winter, some sections might become muddy due to the woodland terrain, requiring appropriate tires and gear.
Where can I park when visiting Ruislip Lido for gravel biking?
Ruislip Lido has parking facilities available. Given its popularity as an outdoor activity hub, there are designated areas for visitors to park. It's advisable to check local signage for specific parking regulations and fees.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the gravel bike trails?
Yes, Ruislip Lido itself has cafes, providing convenient options for refreshments and meals before or after your ride. The area is well-equipped to cater to visitors, so you'll find places to refuel nearby.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Ruislip Lido?
The gravel biking experience around Ruislip Lido is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Riders often praise the extensive woodlands, the variety of unpaved paths, and the tranquil setting that allows for an immersive off-road experience within London's first National Nature Reserve.
How long do the gravel bike routes typically take to complete?
The duration varies depending on the route length and your pace. For instance, the Black Jack's Mill loop from West Ruislip, which is 15.8 miles (25.5 km), typically takes around 1 hour 52 minutes. Longer routes, like the Denham Quarry Lake – Harefield Place Lake loop from Hillingdon (22.5 miles / 36.3 km), can take over 2 hours 45 minutes.
Most popular routes around Ruislip Lido
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