This route is reminiscent of the Peak District - not a comparison we make lightly. The hidden Woldingham valley is a wonder, where the cycle route through the boarding school at the valley's base is traffic free and lined with fields of cattle. Head south through Wickham and into… see more

The Isle of Grain is the eastern most point of the Hoo Peninsula, and offers an excellent loop out through the rolling crop fields. Start with a bang up Point Hill, and leave the suburbs behind at Dartford Heath. Highlights on the way out include the village of Cliffe and Cooling… see more

Hampstead Heath and Alexandra Palace boast spectacular views over London. Make the trip up the hills of North London to enjoy them for yourself. This route is challenging with some steep sections, but it's a good way to improve your climbing without leaving zone 3. Swain's Lane… see more

Box Hill is overrated. Avoid the day-trippers, and try a more interesting climb up Barhatch Lane instead. It’s quiet and a little remote, but a beast all the same. The varying gradient all the way up that makes it hard to manage your cadence, topping out at 21% near the summit… see more

This is a fun, flat ride that's great for beginners building up road confidence, or seasoned riders in a group. When you're bored of park laps, it offers something different. Get yourself a caffeine fix from Colicci before setting off to Hampton Court. We prefer this route fast… see more

The Chilterns Cycleway is a meandering 275km loop around the Chiltern Hills. This route sets out from Regent's Park, and heads north-west to sample a 50km section of the trail. Leaving London just south of Watford, you'll pass Chalfont village and be into the Hills. From there… see more

With strong Giro d’Italia vibes, the little-known cycle path through Denbies Wine Estate is stunning. It snakes up through the vines opposite Box Hill and delivers views of England’s largest vineyard from the summit. Starting from The Ground Coffee Society in Putney, head to… see more

London Phoenix CC have hosted this sportive annually on Easter weekend since 2008, denoting the start of the Spring Classics in cycling. The route winds through the villages of Good Easter and High Easter. What a name, what a route. Set off from Victoria Park and make for Essex… see more

Escape the north London traffic to enjoy these brilliant fast-rolling country lanes. They're well-maintained and wide, with good visibility meaning you can make the most of the descents. Just as the legs start to tire at the halfway point, you'll find the Ferny Hill Farm… see more

Henley-on-Thames is a long ride out through the picturesque Thames Valley to the edge of the Chilterns and back. This route stops at Velolife Cafe just outside Henley for toasties and coffee. Leaving from Richmond, the route takes many of the same roads used to get to Windsor… see more

Explore Hertfordshire with this northern tour of the towns of Hertford and Hoddesdon. The roads are wide and well-surfaced with rolling hills. The section from Northaw to Hoddesdon is especially good, linking together lots of delightful wooded sections for a scenic ride. The… see more

The Isle of Wight feels about as far from London as it's possible to get, but is easy to reach in just a couple of hours. Make the effort and you'll be rewarded with winding country lanes, coastal vistas, and fresh seafood aplenty. Get an early train from Waterloo or Clapham… see more

A short loop that packs in over 1000m of climbing by heading out from Cadence in Crystal Palace to Brasted for an ascent of Toy's Hill. Once you're over the top there's a fast, technical descent that gives you a chance to catch your breath before you loop back up Ide Hill. Punchy… see more

Instead of heading south, try the Kent Downs to the east of London. Follow the lanes through Pratt's Bottom and Shoreham (can you resist the pubs?) before a climb up Fackenden Lane. Once you reach the highest point of the ride, you're rewarded with a speedy descent into Knatts… see more

London to Brighton is an iconic ride, with a well trodden route. We like to finish at the UnBarred Taproom just outside the centre of town, which has loads of space for bikes, and a selection of craft beer and pizza on offer. What more incentive could you need to summit Ditchling… see more

Grab a pastry-to-go from Pavilion in Victoria Park and hit the road. This route takes you straight up through Epping Forest for direct escape from London. Crossing the M25, you'll trade the A roads for country lanes and begin to weave your way through Essex. There's a late lunch… see more

One for beginners or a lazy day out, follow the Thames Path around from Richmond to Kingston, avoiding roads for most of the ride. Cross the river and cut into Bushy Park where you can see the deer roaming freely before reaching Hampton Court Palace, one of Henry VIII's… see more

Ride Rye to Rye. Start at Old Spike Roastery, where they will do you a good coffee, and then head out via Crystal Palace towards Biggin Hill and Sevenoaks. In Yalding, take a pitstop at the quirky Teapot Island café. It's a proper greasy spoon but incredibly charming, featuring a… see more

It's a playground for cyclists, a perfectly formed loop around Regent's Park that packs all the main ingredients of a good bike ride into just 5km. It's got the chats, the climb, and the city escapism despite being just off Marylebone Rd. Regent's Park is also a great place to… see more

Traditionally undertaken at the turn of the seasons, this sportive route is a classic, colourful loop into the North Downs. Head south from Cadence (in place of Herne Hill Velodrome on the official sportive) and escape the traffic in Woldingham Valley. Out of Woldingham, there's… see more

Kent is called 'The Garden of England' and this route will show you why. With its rolling hills and fields of wildflowers, it's a scenic out-and-back to the iron bridge at Rochester. Start at the Penge CC HQ, SE20 Cycles, and head for the Pilgrims' Way. Follow the Way to tick off… see more

This route takes in the western part of the Surrey Hills, ambling through the woodland, quiet backroads and charming villages. You'll pass through Shamley Green, over Farley Heath and Little London - but the star is Shere. We recommend setting out early, doing the loop, and then… see more

Arguably the best cycling London has to offer, the Surrey Hills are a local favourite thanks to their leafy roads and punchy summits. Make a quick escape from Kingston, and follow the route south to Esher (quick coffee at G!RO) and Cobham before you're outside the M25 and… see more

Known as The Bun Run in honour of the Cinnamon Cafe's hot treats, this loop ride to Windsor is a winter classic. Starting in Richmond Park, head out to Surrey via Addlestone before riding across Chobham Common. At Sunningdale, turn into Windsor Great Park and take a breather… see more

Richmond Park is a mecca of cycling in London. The smooth, leafy roads make for a satisfying ride for cyclists of any ability. The inner Ballet Loop, is perfect for beginners (and those only interested in half laps). It takes in the best of Richmond Park via a quieter road away… see more

Spend the day rolling past locks and watching canal boats, by following the Lee Navigation towpath. Start in Victoria Park and the Navigation will take you north through the reservoirs, all the way to Hertfordshire. The towpath is well equipped with pubs and cafes along the route… see more

Follow the River Wandle from where it joins the Thames back to its source near Croydon in South London. This route is mostly quiet cycle paths, with plenty of options for stops and exploring along the way. We'd recommend taking some time at Merton Abbey Mills, where there's a… see more

This route from London to Whitstable is hands down the best ride from London to the sea, ideal for a summer's day. It follows the Pilgrim's Way from south London to the village of Hollingbourne, before punching up Hollingbourne Hill and making for the coast. There's a slew of… see more

Career down the cobbles and pound the pavé, with this delightful route around London. It's the closest thing to the cobbled classics the capital can offer. The route starts on the cobblestones outside the Royal Chelsea Hospital, and finishes at the Old Royal Naval College - both… see more