The best traffic-free bike rides around Philipshill Wood

This guide features 14 dedicated no traffic gravel bike trails around Philipshill Wood. These routes range from easy to moderate difficulty, ensuring options for various skill levels.

The terrain around Philipshill Wood is characteristic of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll encounter a mix of ancient woodland paths, historic trackways, and bridleways. Expect chalky ridgelines, sun-dappled woodlands, and gentle rolling hills, with some sections offering steeper climbs. The paths generally drain well in dry conditions, providing an ideal surface for gravel riding.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for families or beginners. For instance, the Ebury Way – Ebury Way Cycle Path loop from Rickmansworth is an easy option, covering about 15 km with minimal elevation gain. Another accessible choice is the Black Jack's Mill loop from Rickmansworth, which is also rated easy.

Philipshill Wood itself is an ancient woodland known for its mature beech and oak trees. In late April and May, you can witness stunning displays of bluebells. The wood also contains historical features like earth-banked enclosures, former chalk pits, and ancient hedgerows. Old Shire Lane, forming the eastern boundary, is an ancient trackway believed to have marked the Anglo-Saxon border, featuring a large sarsen stone.

Yes, Philipshill Wood and many of the surrounding trails are generally dog-friendly, as the Woodland Trust promotes public access for quiet recreational activities. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock, and to follow the Countryside Code.

Spring (late April to May) is particularly beautiful due to the bluebell displays. Autumn offers vibrant foliage. Generally, dry conditions are best for gravel biking as some paths can become muddy in adverse weather. The Chilterns' chalky terrain tends to drain well, making it enjoyable for much of the year outside of very wet periods.

Parking is available in Old Shire Lane, which borders Philipshill Wood. This provides convenient access to the woodland trails and the wider network of routes.

Absolutely. For those seeking a longer and more moderate challenge, routes like the Woodland Path – Bridleway to Chorleywood loop from Chalfont St Peter offer nearly 25 km of riding with over 230 meters of elevation gain. Another good option is the Roughwood Lane – Slade Oak Lane loop from Chorleywood, which is almost 30 km long.

Yes, Philipshill Wood is accessible by train and bus, making it possible to combine public transport with your gravel biking adventure. Chorleywood station, for example, is relatively close and offers connections to London and other areas, allowing you to start your ride from there.

The routes in this guide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.47 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil, traffic-free nature of the trails, the beautiful ancient woodland scenery, and the varied terrain that makes for an engaging gravel biking experience within the Chilterns AONB.

While Philipshill Wood itself is a natural area, the surrounding villages like Chorleywood and Chalfont St Peter offer various cafes and pubs where you can stop for refreshments. Many routes in the area pass through or near these villages, providing convenient opportunities for a break.

Yes, gravel bikes are generally permitted on bridleways in England, which form a significant part of the no traffic network around Philipshill Wood. These paths are legally accessible for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. Always be mindful of other users and share the trails responsibly.