The best cycling routes around Ongar
4.6
(94)
989
riders
68
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Touring cycling around Ongar offers diverse landscapes, featuring ancient woodlands, gentle rolling fields, and meandering waterways. The region is characterized by quiet country roads that provide minimal traffic and a peaceful riding experience. Epping Forest borders Ongar, offering extensive ancient woodland for nature-focused routes. The terrain generally includes easy rolling hills, suitable for various cycling abilities.
Best touring cycling routes around Ongar
- The most popular touring cycling route is Epping Forest – Epping Forest Gravel Trails loop from Epping Forest, a 28.5 miles (45.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This route explores the ancient woodlands and varied terrain of Epping Forest.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Flooded Road – Matching Green Common loop from North Weald Bassett, a moderate 31.6 miles (50.9 km) path. This route winds through rolling fields and past rural commons, offering scenic views of the Essex countryside.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Matching Green Common – Watery Lane loop from Moreton, a 16.7 miles (26.8 km) trail leading through gentle rural landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Ongar is defined by ancient woodlands, rolling fields, and quiet country roads. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to moderate routes.
- The routes in Ongar are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. More than 900 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Ongar's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
5.0
(1)
5
riders
45.9km
02:50
340m
340m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
7
riders
26.8km
01:35
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
30.1km
01:53
240m
240m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
46.5km
02:45
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Some trails in Epping Forest are wide, fairly smooth and easy to ride ... others are narrow, single track and very slippery when wet. The difference is not always obvious on a map - check photos when you plan.
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started tarmac n miss tuned into track, just nit my personal idea of bliss
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Epping Forest is a beautiful ancient woodland bordering Essex and Greater London. It is one of the largest public open spaces in the London area, covering around 2,400 hectares (approximately 5,900 acres). The forest stretches about 12 miles (19 km) from Epping in the north to Wanstead in the south. These days, Epping Forest is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy walking, cycling, horse riding, birdwatching, and picnicking. The forest also offers a network of well-marked mountain biking trails right next to London. Here there are epic mud rides in the winter and gorgeous green bashes in the summer. There is a lot of biking fun to have here.
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A pleasant roll through the fields. Best traversed northbound for the long downhill.
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Epping forest has trails for everyone, from wide compact gravel routes to more technical MTB trails. Just be curious and follow the one that suits our characteristics best to fall in love with Epping Forest.
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Epping Forest has a huge network of shared-use trails that are well-surfaced and wide enough to be enjoyed by pedestrians and cyclists at the same time. Cycling is permitted on most of the paths in Epping Forest with the exception of the Iron Age camps, Loughton Brook and other ecologically or geomorphologically sensitive areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Ongar?
There are over 70 touring cycling routes available around Ongar, offering a wide range of options for different abilities and preferences. The komoot community has explored these routes over 900 times.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Ongar?
The routes around Ongar are predominantly easy to moderate. You'll find 27 easy routes, 42 moderate routes, and only 1 difficult route, making the area accessible for most touring cyclists.
What kind of landscape can I expect while cycling around Ongar?
Cycling around Ongar offers a diverse landscape featuring ancient woodlands, gentle rolling fields, and meandering waterways. You'll often find yourself on quiet country roads with minimal traffic, providing a peaceful riding experience through the Essex countryside. Epping Forest borders the area, offering extensive ancient woodland for nature-focused routes.
Are there any touring cycling routes that explore Epping Forest?
Yes, Epping Forest is a significant feature of the area. A popular route that explores its ancient woodlands and varied terrain is the Epping Forest – Epping Forest Gravel Trails loop from Epping Forest, which is a moderate 28.5-mile ride.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Ongar offers several easy routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed ride. An example is the Matching Green Common – Watery Lane loop from Moreton, a gentle 16.7-mile trail through rural landscapes.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes for more experienced riders?
For those looking for a longer challenge, routes like the Flooded Road – Matching Green Common loop from North Weald Bassett offer a moderate 31.6-mile journey through rolling fields and past rural commons. Another option is the Bike loop from North Weald Bassett, covering 46.5 miles.
What historical sites or landmarks can I see along the cycling routes?
The area around Ongar is rich in history. You might encounter the earthworks of Ongar Castle, or pass by the historic St Andrew's Church and Crusader's Grave, Greensted. For ancient history enthusiasts, the Ambresbury Banks — Iron Age hillfort in Epping Forest is also accessible.
Are there natural features or viewpoints to enjoy on the routes?
Yes, the routes offer many natural highlights. You can experience the serene The Deer Sanctuary, Epping Forest, or enjoy the scenic Rolling Hills of Essex. The Wake Road Through Epping Forest is particularly noted for its peaceful environment.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or food along the routes?
Yes, the region caters well to cyclists. You'll find cafes, pubs, and even supermarkets in the villages along the routes. The Blackmore Tea Rooms are a noted excellent stop for cyclists, offering a perfect break during your ride.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Ongar?
The touring cycling routes in Ongar are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the quiet country roads, the beauty of Epping Forest, and the varied, yet generally accessible, terrain.
Are there any routes that offer scenic views of the Essex countryside?
Many routes provide picturesque views of the Essex countryside. The Essex Countryside View – Woodridden Hill, Epping Forest loop from Epping Forest is specifically designed to showcase these scenic vistas, combining open fields with woodland sections.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Ongar?
Most of the touring cycling routes around Ongar are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. This makes planning your ride convenient, as exemplified by routes like the Epping Forest – Epping Forest Gravel Trails loop.
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