River Lea, Epping Forest and Roding Valley loop from Stratford

Embark on the challenging River Lea, Epping Forest and Roding Valley loop from Stratford, a difficult gravel biking adventure spanning 62.1 miles (100.0 km) with 2070 feet (631 metres) of elevation gain. This route offers a significant escape from urban London, blending dedicated cycle paths, unpaved tracks, and compacted gravel. You will experience the cinematic River Lea Valley with its willow thickets and water meadows, then transition into the deep woods of Epping Forest. The varied terrain includes both flat, easy towpaths and potentially technical, steep sections, making for a diverse 7 hours and 1 minute ride. You can spot peregrine falcons at Walthamstow Marshes, Europe's largest urban wetland, and admire Victorian engine houses like the Coppermill Tower. This loop truly delivers a country feel with touches of urban history.

This hard gravel ride requires very good fitness, and while many sections are rideable, some portions within Epping Forest may require you to push your bike. The trail features a mix of surfaces, including asphalt, paved sections, and cobblestones, but the natural unpaved parts in Epping Forest can become challengingly slippery after rain. For the best experience, consider riding on drier days. Convenient cafes and pubs are available along the route, offering perfect spots to refuel and rest during your journey.

This loop stands out for its extensive network of green spaces and waterways, connecting major regional parks like Epping Forest. It provides a unique opportunity to link urban cycling with significant off-road experiences, acting as a panacea for those seeking adventure away from the city's concrete. Walthamstow Marshes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Ramsar site, highlights the rich natural environment you will traverse. The Komoot community highly rates routes in the London Borough of Newham, where parts of this loop are located, praising their quality and appeal.