The best traffic-free bike rides around Havering Country Park

There are several excellent no-traffic gravel bike trails in and around Havering Country Park. This guide features 3 curated routes, but the wider area, including nearby Epping Forest, offers many more opportunities for quiet gravel riding. You can explore a variety of routes, from easy loops to more challenging rides.

The trails around Havering Country Park offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find 'real gravel' tracks that are often fast and straight, alongside paths that can be slightly hilly with rougher surfaces. The park itself features ancient oak-hornbeam woodlands, expansive open fields, and meadows, providing a varied and engaging backdrop for your ride. Expect gravelly soil on ridges and damper clay soils in valleys.

Yes, there are family-friendly options available. For a relatively easy and shorter ride suitable for families, consider the Claybury Park – View of London from Open Field loop from London Borough of Redbridge. This route is just over 11 km with minimal elevation gain, making it a great choice for a relaxed outing with children.

Havering Country Park is generally dog-friendly, and many trails are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially around wildlife and other park users. Always check local signage for specific restrictions in certain areas or during particular seasons. The park's diverse woodlands and open spaces offer plenty of room for both you and your canine companion to enjoy.

While cycling, you can experience the historic Wellingtonia Avenue, a majestic double row of Giant Sequoias planted in the 19th century. The park also offers distant panoramas of the London skyline from higher points. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including muntjac deer, badgers, foxes, and various bird species in the ancient woodlands and meadows.

Havering Country Park is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. In spring, the woodlands are vibrant with new growth, and in autumn, the changing leaves provide stunning scenery. Summer can be great, but be mindful of potential heat. Winter rides are possible, but some paths might be muddier or rougher, especially after heavy rain.

Yes, many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Epping Forest – Green Ride, Epping Forest loop from Debden offers a substantial circular ride of over 37 km, allowing you to start and finish at the same point without retracing your steps.

Havering Country Park has designated parking areas. For detailed information on parking facilities and any associated charges, it's best to check the official Havering Council website: havering.gov.uk/parks-1/havering-country-park. Many of the routes also start from locations with public parking nearby.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails, the diverse landscapes ranging from woodlands to open fields, and the sense of escape from urban life. The 'real gravel' tracks and the historical features like Wellingtonia Avenue are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects of the ride.

Absolutely. For experienced riders looking for a longer and more challenging gravel experience, consider the Green Ride, Epping Forest – Strawberry Hill Pond loop from Debden. This route spans over 33 km with significant elevation gain, offering a more demanding ride through varied terrain. Another option is the Highams Park Boating Lake – Epping Forest loop from Loughton, which is nearly 39 km long.

Yes, many starting points for routes in and around Havering Country Park are accessible via public transport, particularly those closer to London Underground or Overground stations. For specific public transport information and journey planning, you can consult Transport for London's website or check the official Havering Council cycling information: havering.gov.uk/travel-1/cycling-walking.