Best gravel rides in London

“I took a bunch of women on this route earlier this year as a social ride,” recalls Dalila. “Everyone really seemed to enjoy it and, given the rain in the days prior, it proved to be rideable in all conditions.”

At a smidge over 60 km, you’re going to need to set aside around 5 hours to complete the ride. If the terrain doesn’t slow you down then it’s the cycling-friendly cafés that’ll increase your elapsed time!

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to hone your skills on the tough off-road climbs and fast descents. “It’s a really cool route that takes in a variety of gravel and woodland trails and skirts around the edge of an in-use airfield,” adds Dalila.

It’s called the Garden of England for good reason. Kent is a beautiful part of the country to explore and what better way than by gravel bike. Ease into this 85 km ride with a coffee at London Velo on Deptford High Street before you head south east on your adventure. When you’ve had your caffeine fix, you’ll roll through some sweet off-road sections on your way out to Kent.

“The section through Joyden’s Wood is really beautiful in Autumn and Winter when the leaves have dropped,” says Dalila. The climbs on the route are rideable year round, though Dalila advises proper mud tyres if you do this route in the wetter months.

We recommended the Surrey Hills as one of the best places to mountain bike near London. Gravel riders needn’t miss out on the fun either!

Ian Pawsey is a regular on these trails ofting for his Canyon Grizl to show Leith Hill who’s boss. If you’re still decided between bikes, you can hire a gravel bike from Just Pedal who are based at Denbies Wine Estate.

Catch the train to Dorking from London Waterloo or London Victoria and ride to Denbies where the gravel begins. Remember to stop at Leith Hill Tower for coffee and cake before descending the traffic-free gravel descent of Wolvens Lane.

Dorking once again gets another mention due to the serenity of the Surrey Hills. Though this little loop is only 16 km, it sure packs a punch with some spicy climbs up to Norbury Park from Denbies. Reward favours the brave and you’ll be treated to panoramic views of London.

It’s a cracking descent through Polesdon Lacey, where you can stop for a coffee at the Cowshed Coffee Shop before continuing up the gravel climb around the back of Ranmore Common. This route is really varied and you could even go for a second loop up to Leith Hill if you’re up for it.

You’ll need a bike with 35 mm+ tyres for this one and the nearest stations are in Dorking.

A short but enjoyable gravel ride around Epping Forest is perfect for beginners starting their journey on gravel. There are no big hills to speak of and in fact this route is designed to familiarise you with riding on rougher terrain without the technical side of things.

The nearest station is Chingford, which is accessible via the London Overground from London Liverpool Street.

It’s not quite London but we reckon it’s worth a day out away from the big smoke. The Downs Link is a flat and fast trail for walkers and cyclists. Any gravel bike including the Canyon Endurace on 28 mm tyres is suitable for this trip to the seaside.

A trip to the coast isn’t complete without your mates, a few snacks for the ride and good vibes. Catch the train back to London via Brighton but only after you’ve had fish and chips of course!

Another great route for beginners or a quick lunchtime lap within the boundaries of London’s Richmond Park. The short 11 km route packs in a few features including a small, shallow climb, a fun twisty descent and plenty of deer to look out for.

Richmond Park gets very busy with walkers, cyclists, horse riders and children so be aware of this if you’re planning to go out.

If you’re local, you can ride to Richmond Park or you can catch the train to Kingston.

Some off-road sections on the routes in this article are on bridleways. You’ll need to look out for other trail users such as walkers, dogs, horses and children. Slow down, ask politely to pass and continue on your ride. As the saying goes, “be nice, say hi”.