The best traffic-free bike rides around Amersham

There are over 25 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Amersham listed on komoot, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the Chiltern Hills.

The routes primarily traverse the rolling chalk hills of the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll find a mix of quiet country lanes and some traffic-free paths, with undulating sections that include both gentle climbs and more challenging ascents. Expect picturesque landscapes with ancient woodlands, tranquil chalk streams like the River Misbourne, and vibrant wildflower meadows.

While many routes in the Chilterns have varied terrain, the Ebury Way Cycle Path, though not directly in Amersham, offers a flat, shaded, and traffic-free experience between Rickmansworth and Watford, which is suitable for families. For routes closer to Amersham, look for those with lower elevation gain and shorter distances, such as the Amersham Community Mural – The Lee Village Green loop, which is a moderate 22.7 km ride with minimal elevation.

The Chiltern Hills offer numerous scenic spots. You might encounter ancient woodlands like Penn Wood, known for its bluebells in spring, or the serene Shardeloes Lake. The Bluebell Woodland in Chilterns National Landscape is a highlight for many. Keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, including red kites, often seen soaring overhead.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes around Amersham are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the challenging Wending around Wendover - Chiltern Hills loop, which covers nearly 79 km with significant elevation, or the moderate Old Amersham Town Centre – The Red Lion, Coleshill loop.

Spring and summer are particularly beautiful, with wildflower meadows in full bloom and bluebells carpeting the ancient woodlands. The weather is generally milder, making for more comfortable rides. However, the Chilterns are picturesque year-round, with autumn offering stunning foliage. Winter rides are possible but require appropriate gear for colder conditions.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 50 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the quiet country lanes, the stunning natural beauty of the Chiltern Hills, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels, allowing for peaceful rides away from heavy traffic.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can discover historical sites. Old Amersham itself boasts charming streets with medieval and Georgian architecture. Further afield, you might pass by the Cholesbury Camp Iron Age Hill Fort or the historic River Chess Stepping Stones and Weir. The wider Chilterns area also features National Trust properties and traditional country pubs.

Absolutely. For experienced cyclists, routes like the Wending around Wendover - Chiltern Hills loop offer a significant challenge with over 1000 meters of elevation gain across nearly 79 km. The 170-mile circular Chilterns Cycleway also traverses the region, with its undulating nature and steep climbs demanding a good level of fitness.

Many routes pass through charming villages and market towns within the Chilterns, offering opportunities to stop at traditional country pubs or cafes. For example, the 'Temperance Hall, Chesham – Chiltern Velo Café loop' is known for including a popular cafe stop. Routes like the Bryants Bottom Road – Buckmoorend Farm Shop loop also offer potential refreshment points.

The routes vary significantly. You can find shorter, easier rides around 20-30 km with minimal elevation, such as the Amersham Community Mural – The Lee Village Green loop (22.7 km, 93m up). Moderate routes often range from 40-70 km with 300-700m of elevation, like the Old Amersham Town Centre – Aldbury Village Pond loop (88.1 km, 755m up). More difficult routes can exceed 70 km with over 1000m of climbing.