The best traffic-free bike rides around the London Borough Of Ealing

The London Borough of Ealing offers a wide selection of routes for road cyclists looking to avoid traffic. Our guide features over 35 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels and preferences.

Ealing, known as the 'Queen of the Suburbs,' is an excellent choice due to its extensive green spaces, scenic waterways like the Grand Union Canal, and a strong commitment to cycling infrastructure. The borough boasts over 100 parks and open spaces, many of which offer traffic-calmed paths and dedicated cycleways, providing a pleasant and safe cycling experience away from busy roads.

The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Ealing, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 77 ratings. Cyclists often praise the borough's surprising amount of green spaces, the peaceful canal towpaths, and the improving network of dedicated cycle lanes that make for enjoyable, traffic-free rides.

Yes, Ealing offers 13 easy-rated no-traffic road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. These routes often follow flat sections of the Grand Union Canal towpath or wind through parks like Walpole Park, providing a gentle introduction to cycling in the area. A good example is the Richmond Park – Kingston Gate loop from Mortlake, which offers a relatively flat and scenic ride.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Ealing and its surrounding areas offer 6 difficult-rated no-traffic road cycling routes. These longer routes often include more significant elevation gains, such as the Ruislip Lido – Gorelands Lane loop from Rayners Lane, which covers over 119 km with nearly 1000 meters of elevation, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.

Many routes offer stunning views and interesting landmarks. You can climb the artificial hills at Northala Fields for panoramic views across London, or explore the ancient woodlands and vistas from Horsenden Hill. The Grand Union Canal towpath provides picturesque stretches, including the historic Hanwell Flight of locks. You might also pass the impressive Wharncliffe Viaduct, a significant historical railway structure.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Ealing are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for exploring different parts of the borough's green spaces and canal paths. For example, the Slade Oak Lane – Ruislip Lido loop from South Harrow is a moderate circular route that takes you through varied scenery.

Ealing offers several convenient parking options. The Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre has a 'Ride & Park' facility with secure bike storage. Additionally, areas near major parks like Walpole Park or the Brent River Park often have public parking available. For routes starting further afield, consider the cycle hub at Southall Station, which provides secure bike storage.

Yes, Ealing is very family-friendly for cycling. Many of the borough's parks, such as Walpole Park and Gunnersbury Park, offer wide, flat paths suitable for children. The Grand Union Canal towpath also provides a largely flat and traffic-free environment perfect for family rides. You could even combine a ride with a visit to Hanwell Zoo (Brent Lodge Park) for a fun day out.

Ealing's no-traffic road cycling routes can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the leafy streets and blooming parks. Autumn provides beautiful foliage along the canal and in woodlands. Even in winter, many paths remain accessible, though some unpaved sections of towpaths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Yes, Ealing's routes are well-supported with amenities. You'll find cafes and refreshment stops in the vibrant neighborhoods of Ealing Broadway, Southall, and Hanwell, which many routes pass through or near. Major parks like Walpole Park and Gunnersbury Park also often have cafes. The council is also enhancing cyclist support with facilities like the cycle hub at Southall Station and 'Ride & Park' at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre.

Ealing is well-served by public transport, making it easy to reach many starting points. The borough has numerous Underground and Overground stations, including Ealing Broadway, Southall, and Greenford. Many routes are designed to be accessible from these transport hubs, allowing you to combine cycling with train or tube travel. For specific route access, check the individual route details on komoot.