Cycling on the Thames
Several sections of the Thames path are open to cyclists and make for a lovely safe waterside ride. Please note, however, that care must be taken and right of way given to pedestrians
The cycle routes below follow National Cycle Network (NCN) signed routes which follow the River for part or all of the way
They include maps, guides, route photos and GPS downloads for the route.
For a fantastic guide to Sustrans Thames Valley Cycle Route, please click here
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| River Thames Cycle Routes |
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| Greenwich to Cheshunt |  | 21 miles
(34 km) | Follow NCN route 1 on this plesant ride through north London into Hertfordshire. The ride starts by the Thames at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich and crosses to the Isle of Dogs via the Greenwich tunnel. This section gives splendid views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf.
Shortly after leaving the Thames behind you will come onto the Lee Valley path which will take you along the Regent's canal and through Tower Hamlets and Victoria Park. You then join the River Lee near Lea Bridge for some more waterside riding. The off road path then takes you past various Reservoirs until you reach the lovely Lee Valley Park - London's largest open space. After going through the park you will soon pass close to Waltham Abbey in Essex before you arrive at the finish point at Cheshunt station next to Cheshunt lake. |
| Greenwich to Croydon |  | 16 miles
(25 km) | This ride follows NCN route 21, taking you through south east London. The ride starts by the Cutty Sark on the Thames in Greenwich and heads south along the Ravensbourne and Pool Rivers to New Beckenham. From there you continue south to Elmers End where you will pass through the lovely South Norwood Country Park. You then pass through Addington golf course and Addington Hill along the London Loop taking you to the finish point at South Croydon rail. |
| Greenwich to Gravesend |  | 27 miles
(43 km) | Starting in Greenwich on the banks of the river Thames follow NCN route 1 to Gravesend via Dartford.
The first section of the route takes you along the Thames path to Erith with views of Canary Wharf and the Millenium Dome as you go. You then join the Darent valley path taking you along the River Darent to Dartford. You continue to Gravesend on more off road tracks passing the enormous Bluewater shopping centre on the way. |
| Hanson Way |  | 16 miles
(25 km) | Follow the Hanson Way (part of NCN route 5) from Oxford to Didcot via Abingdon.
This is a fairly flat route that has plenty of off road sections and a pleasant spell along the River Thames.
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| Putney to Coulsdon |  | 16 miles
(25 km) | Follow NCN route 20 through south London on this easy ride. The route starts in Wandsworth Park and heads along the Thames to Wandsworth. You'll then head south through Southfields and Earlsfield where you'll join the River Wandle. Here you join the cycle friendly Wandle trail (mostly off road) through South Wimbledon, Morden and Carshalton. Highlights on the trail include Merton Abbey Mills and the lovely Morden Hall and Poulter Parks. The final on road section from Wallington takes you through the Oaks Park and Mayfield Lavender farm to the finish point at Coulsden rail station. |
| Putney to Greenwich |  | 14 miles
(23 km) | This route follows NCN route 4 and the River Thames from Putney to Greenwich. The ride starts on Putney Bridge and heads through Battersea to Westminster passing the Tate Gallery and the Houses of Parliament on the way. You then continue along the Thames to Bermondsey and Rotherhithe before finishing at the iconic Cutty Sark near Greenwich. |
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Photos provided by Panoramio. Photos are under the copyright of their owners.