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

There are currently 6 curated traffic-free gravel bike routes available in and around the London Borough of Havering. These routes offer a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options to explore the borough's green spaces.

Havering's gravel trails offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find extensive cycle paths, dedicated gravel tracks, and multi-use paths through ancient woodlands, grasslands, and river valleys. Some segments, particularly in areas like Havering Country Park and the adjacent Hainault Forest, feature superb gravel tracks and even an amazing climb through the giant redwood trees on Wellingtonia Avenue.

Yes, there is an easy route perfect for beginners. The Epping Forest Gravel Trails – Strawberry Hill Pond loop from Chingford is a great option, offering a shorter distance and gentler elevation changes, making it ideal for those new to gravel biking or looking for a relaxed ride.

The routes traverse a rich tapestry of landscapes. You can explore ancient woodlands in Dagnam Park (The Manor) and Havering Country Park, which also features the impressive Wellingtonia Avenue. The Ingrebourne Valley, with its large freshwater marshland, is home to the Ingrebourne Valley Visitor Centre, offering opportunities to observe diverse birdlife. Bedfords Park also provides panoramic views across East London.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Epping Forest loop via Blackmore from Wanstead Flats is classified as difficult. This longer route covers nearly 94 kilometers with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding yet rewarding gravel biking experience.

Many of the gravel bike routes in Havering are designed as loops, allowing for circular journeys without retracing your steps. For example, the Epping Forest – Green Ride, Epping Forest loop from Debden and the Highams Park Boating Lake – Epping Forest loop from Loughton are excellent circular options.

The London Borough of Havering is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 59 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, extensive green spaces, the quality of the gravel tracks, and the feeling of being in the countryside despite being within Greater London. The varied landscapes, from ancient woodlands to river valleys, are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, Havering is well-served by public transport, making many of its parks and trailheads accessible. The borough has several train stations and bus routes that can get you close to popular starting points for gravel biking, such as those near Epping Forest or Havering Country Park.

Yes, there are connecting trails that allow for longer rides. A notable example is the Gravel Trail from Havering-atte-Bower to Hainault Forest, which links these two significant green spaces, offering an extended and varied gravel biking experience.

The London Borough of Havering offers enjoyable gravel biking year-round. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is great for longer days, while winter can offer crisp, quiet rides, though some unpaved sections might be muddier. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Absolutely. Many of Havering's parks, such as Havering Country Park and Dagnam Park, feature multi-use paths and dedicated cycle routes that are suitable for families. The easy-graded routes, like the Epping Forest Gravel Trails – Strawberry Hill Pond loop from Chingford, are particularly good for families looking for a safe and enjoyable ride away from traffic.