With so many green spaces, London is a great place to hop on a cycle and go for a bike ride. And if you just so happen to be on the lookout for cycling inspiration south of the river then you’re in luck. We’ve put this guide together with five of the best cycle routes in South London.
These trails offer the best of the capital on two wheels and make for a fun cycle, whether you’re going for a leisurely ride or want to build those leg muscles.
So read on and find out which routes made our list for the best rides in South London.
1) Richmond Park
Head to one of London’s most popular open spaces and go on a bike ride that embraces country life in the city.
Richmond Park is one of the most cycled green spaces in London, and for a good reason. There are deer, picturesque spots and great cafés to see and visit along your journey.
Start at Kingston Gate and cycle along the Queen’s Road, all the way into the park.
Soak up the rolling greens, admire local wildlife and pedal around this delightful park before exiting at Sawyer’s Hill.
Cycling around Richmond Park isn’t just one of the best cycle routes in South London; it’s one of the best in the whole of the capital.
2) The Battersea Park Loop
We did say that South London has an abundance of green spaces, and they’re perfect for cycling thanks to the scenic settings and traffic-free routes.
The Battersea Park Loop is a short and sweet cycle that takes in the best of the park and makes for a pleasant South London cycle.
Great for both adults and children, the Battersea Park Loop takes you along traffic-free tarmac park paths for a smooth and easy ride.
You’ll see the best of the parks and can stop off for a quick coffee at the Pear Tree Café along the way.
The route also passes the Battersea Park Children’s Zoo.
3) The Wandle Trail
A well-known cycle route in South London, the Wandle Trail is full of industrial heritage and parks to explore.
The route lasts for around 14 miles and gets its name from the River Wandle, which follows Wandsworth down into Croydon.
Along the route, you can expect to see the Wandle Delta, which is the point where the River Wandle meets the Thames.
It also passes through Morden Hall Park, Collier’s Wood and King George’s Park in Southfields – all great places to stop off and enjoy a beverage along the way.
With such variety, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best cycle routes in South London.
4) Brixton to Crystal Palace
Cycle the 3.5 miles between Brixton and Crystal Palace to explore quintessential South London.
Starting in buzzing Brixton, this route heads down past Brockwell Park in Herne Hill and into West Dulwich, one of South East London’s most popular neighbourhoods.
From West Dulwich, you’ll head down Croxted Road towards Crystal Palace. This is where it starts to get hilly, so you’ll need some strong leg muscles for the last stretch.
Head up Gypsy Hill for an incline before arriving in Crystal Palace, where you can enjoy the shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants that adorn ‘The Triangle’.
5) Hampton Court to Putney (Thames Path Route)
You will need to walk some parts of this route with your bike should you wish to do the entire 184-mile Thames Path, as part of it is pedestrian-only.
However, for those wanting to cycle a smaller portion of the route without needing to get off their bike, we recommend taking the Hampton Court to Putney trail.
The South-West London section offers uninterrupted cycling while providing fantastic views of the River Thames while passing Richmond, Twickenham and Bushy Park.
It lasts just over 10 miles, so you can make the trip with relative ease and enjoy seeing scenic London on two wheels.
The best cycle routes in South London
You don’t need much encouragement to hop on a cycle and explore South London. It has some of the best trails in the capital and offers a great mixture of green rides and peaceful routes along the River Thames.
The next time you’re cycling through the south, make sure you take some time to ride some of the routes on our list and enjoy the best of South London.
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