The best gravel rides in Greater London
4.5
(358)
2,765
riders
91
rides
Gravel biking in Greater London offers a diverse range of terrain, despite its urban setting, due to its designation as a National Park City. The region features extensive networks of ancient woodlands, river paths, and canal towpaths. Riders can explore varied landscapes including the sweeping gravel tracks of Epping Forest, the smooth trails of Richmond Park, and the picturesque waterways of the Lee Valley. These areas provide a mix of flat, fast-rolling sections and more challenging, hilly bridleways.
Best gravel bike trails in Greater London
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Epping Forest gravel loop from Walthamstow, a 22.1 miles (35.6 km) trail that takes 2 hours 34 minutes to complete. This moderate route navigates through ancient woodland and forest paths.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Surrey Hills via Westhumble from Richmond Park, a difficult 48.8 miles (78.6 km) path. This route features challenging bridleways and country lanes, offering significant elevation gain.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Lea Valley and Epping Forest Loop, a 51.8 miles (83.4 km) trail leading through watery landscapes and ancient woodland, often completed in about 6 hours 3 minutes.
- Gravel biking in Greater London is defined by ancient woodlands, canal towpaths, and chalky bridleways. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy riverside paths to more challenging climbs in the Surrey Hills.
- The routes in Greater London are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 360 reviews. More than 3100 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Greater London's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.8
(64)
297
riders
35.6km
02:34
290m
290m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(14)
60
riders
78.6km
05:56
610m
610m
Embark on a challenging gravel ride from Richmond Park, where you'll start amidst open spaces and ancient woodlands before heading into the diverse landscapes of the Surrey Hills. The terrain varies from fine dirt tracks in the park to demanding chalk tracks, woodland trails, and quiet country lanes, often featuring rougher sections with ruts, roots, and steep, loose, rocky climbs. This difficult 48.8-mile (78.6 km) route, with 2008 feet (612 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 5 hours and 55 minutes to complete, offering panoramic views from iconic landmarks like Box Hill and Leith Hill.
This hard gravel ride demands very good fitness, so prepare for substantial effort. You should be ready for challenging climbs and descents; some segments might even require you to dismount and push your bike. For optimal performance on the varied and sometimes challenging terrain, it's advisable to use a gravel bike equipped with a minimum tire width of 33mm and a knobbly tread. Be aware that the trail can become muddy after rain, particularly in areas described as heavily eroded and rooty, so checking weather conditions beforehand is a good idea.
This route stands out as the most popular gravel biking trail originating from Richmond Park National Nature Reserve. A key feature is its connection between two of Surrey's most famous hills, Box Hill and Leith Hill, utilizing off-road sections. This link was significantly improved with the opening of the Leith Hill Greenway in 2021, which includes a traffic-free passage through Denbies Vineyard. Box Hill is particularly notable for its sweeping views and its historical role in the 2012 Olympics cycling road race, while Leith Hill also provides impressive vistas. Approximately 70% of similar Surrey Hills gravel rides are off-road or unsurfaced, ensuring a genuine outdoor adventure.
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4.1
(7)
43
riders
69.8km
05:16
570m
570m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
119km
09:00
340m
320m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
10
riders
100km
07:02
630m
630m
Embark on the challenging River Lea, Epping Forest and Roding Valley loop from Stratford, a difficult gravel biking adventure spanning 62.1 miles (100.0 km) with 2070 feet (631 metres) of elevation gain. This route offers a significant escape from urban London, blending dedicated cycle paths, unpaved tracks, and compacted gravel. You will experience the cinematic River Lea Valley with its willow thickets and water meadows, then transition into the deep woods of Epping Forest. The varied terrain includes both flat, easy towpaths and potentially technical, steep sections, making for a diverse 7 hours and 1 minute ride. You can spot peregrine falcons at Walthamstow Marshes, Europe's largest urban wetland, and admire Victorian engine houses like the Coppermill Tower. This loop truly delivers a country feel with touches of urban history.
This hard gravel ride requires very good fitness, and while many sections are rideable, some portions within Epping Forest may require you to push your bike. The trail features a mix of surfaces, including asphalt, paved sections, and cobblestones, but the natural unpaved parts in Epping Forest can become challengingly slippery after rain. For the best experience, consider riding on drier days. Convenient cafes and pubs are available along the route, offering perfect spots to refuel and rest during your journey.
This loop stands out for its extensive network of green spaces and waterways, connecting major regional parks like Epping Forest. It provides a unique opportunity to link urban cycling with significant off-road experiences, acting as a panacea for those seeking adventure away from the city's concrete. Walthamstow Marshes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Ramsar site, highlights the rich natural environment you will traverse. The Komoot community highly rates routes in the London Borough of Newham, where parts of this loop are located, praising their quality and appeal.
4.2
(9)
47
riders
52.5km
03:47
490m
490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(2)
13
riders
115km
08:21
840m
840m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(3)
15
riders
94.1km
07:01
670m
670m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.4
(7)
17
riders
83.4km
06:03
570m
570m
This difficult 51.9-mile gravel biking loop explores the watery landscapes of Lea Valley and the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest.
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Popular around Greater London
Gravel biking around London
Gravel biking around the London Borough Of Waltham Forest
Gravel biking around the London Borough Of Redbridge
Gravel biking around the London Borough Of Southwark
Gravel biking around the London Borough Of Barking And Dagenham
Gravel biking around Royal Borough Of Kensington And Chelsea
Gravel biking around the City Of Westminster
Gravel biking around the London Borough Of Camden
Gravel biking around the City of London
Gravel biking around Royal Borough Of Greenwich
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Tips from the Community
Fantastic fast tracks, watch out for the pedestrians, I met several groups of foreign tourists on one occasion, all over the place and didn’t seem to care, or be aware of anyone else.
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"The Greenway" in London refers primarily to the Northern Outfall Sewer, a Victorian sewer now used as the Greenway cycle and footpath. It is a historic structure, built by Joseph Bazalgette following the Great Stink of 1858, and functions as part of a larger sewage infrastructure.
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Morden Hall Park is a peaceful green escape with lovely riverside paths and historic bridges. Perfect for a relaxed cycle or family ride. The paths are mostly flat, but can be narrow in places and a bit busy on weekends. Great spot to take photos.
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Pickett's Lock (No. 15) is a lock on the River Lea Navigation in the London Borough of Enfield, England and is located near Edmonton, London. It gives its name to the surrounding area of Pickett's Lock. In common with other locks as far upstream as Ponder's End Lock, it is large enough to take barges of up to 130 tons. However, it has not been upgraded to power operation, so it must be manually operated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Greater London?
Greater London offers over 150 gravel bike trails, providing a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find everything from easy, flat paths to more challenging, hilly routes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on gravel bike trails in Greater London?
Despite its urban setting, Greater London, as a National Park City, boasts diverse gravel terrain. You can expect to ride through ancient woodlands like Epping Forest, along picturesque canal towpaths such as the Grand Union Canal, and on chalky bridleways in areas like the North Downs. The region features a mix of sweeping gravel tracks, forest paths, and riverside trails.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel routes in Greater London?
Yes, there are several easy and beginner-friendly options. The smooth, fast-rolling gravel of the Tamsin Trail in Richmond Park is a great choice. Additionally, many sections of the Grand Union Canal offer virtually traffic-free, flat paths suitable for a relaxed ride. For a slightly longer, moderate option, consider the Epping Forest gravel loop from Walthamstow.
Where can I find more challenging gravel bike routes in Greater London?
For a more advanced experience, head south of the city to the Surrey Hills or the North Downs. These areas offer challenging gravel bridleways with significant elevation gain and some technical sections. A demanding route to explore is the Epping Forest loop via Chipping Ongar from Whipps Cross, which features substantial climbs.
Are there circular gravel routes available in Greater London?
Many of Greater London's gravel routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Popular circular options include various loops through Epping Forest, such as the Epping Forest loop via Blackmore from Wanstead Flats, or combined routes like the Lea Valley and Epping Forest Loop.
Which gravel trails offer scenic viewpoints or natural attractions?
Greater London's trails are rich with scenic spots. Richmond Park is famous for its free-roaming red and fallow deer, which you can often spot near Deer in Richmond Park. The Lee Valley offers picturesque waterways and wetlands, ideal for wildlife spotting. For stunning city views, consider routes that pass near Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath. Hainault Forest also features an amazing climb through giant redwood trees on Wellingtonia Avenue.
Can I find gravel routes accessible by public transport?
Absolutely. Many gravel routes in Greater London are easily accessible via public transport. For instance, routes through Epping Forest can be started from areas like Walthamstow or Whipps Cross, which are well-connected. The Grand Union Canal can be joined from Paddington, and the Lee Valley routes are accessible from Tottenham. Always check local transport links for specific starting points.
Are there gravel trails suitable for families?
Yes, several areas are great for family gravel rides. The flat, well-maintained towpaths along the Grand Union Canal and parts of the River Thames Path are excellent choices. Richmond Park's Tamsin Trail is also very popular with families due to its smooth surface and car-free environment. Look for routes designated as 'easy' for the most family-friendly experience.
What interesting sights or landmarks can I see along gravel bike routes in Greater London?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can encounter various landmarks. While cycling near the Thames, you might catch glimpses of iconic structures like the Tower Bridge or the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. The Lee Valley VeloPark, home to the Lee Valley VeloPark Olympic Rings, is also accessible. Many routes pass through or near historic parks and nature reserves, offering a blend of history and nature.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the trails in Greater London?
The gravel biking community highly rates Greater London's trails, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 360 reviews. Riders frequently praise the surprising variety of terrain so close to the city, from the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest to the peaceful canal towpaths. The ability to escape the urban hustle and immerse oneself in nature, often spotting wildlife, is a common highlight.
Are there any long-distance gravel routes for experienced riders?
For those seeking longer adventures, Greater London offers several extensive routes. The Rapha London - Tilbury Fort route extends over 118 km, providing a significant challenge. Another option is the Wandle Trail, Surrey Hills and the Thames Path loop from Clapham Junction, which combines different landscapes over a considerable distance.
What is the best time of year for gravel biking in Greater London?
Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Greater London, with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. In winter, some trails, especially in wooded areas or clay plateaus, can become muddy. Chalky bridleways or routes with good drainage might be better options during wetter periods.
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