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River Lea.
Stretching from Poplar all the way out to Hertfordshire, if you’re after the tranquility(!) of a London canal, the River Lea is a great alternative whilst avoiding hoards of pedestrians. Further south it can be bustling on a weekend, but if you join the river around Lower or Upper Clapton, it starts to quieten down, taking you through Tottenham marshes and - if you’re feeling like a longer ride - towards Cheshunt.
Olympic Park.
And if you don’t want to spend the entire ride pedalling along the River Lea, why not tag on a ride around Olympic Park. Right next to the river, with ice cream vans and inbuilt sun loungers just waiting for you to take a rest, Olympic Park’s the perfect place to pedal on a warm day. And who knows, it might inspire the next Bradley Wiggins or Laura Kenny.
Epping Forest.
We’re still in the east, this time in Epping Forest. One of London’s best kept secrets, if you’re craving fresh air and greenery and to feel - quite frankly - like you’re not in London, then head out to Epping. In London we’re all about paying extortionate rent, whilst doing anything to escape the concrete we pay extortionate rent for.
And don’t be put off by the large A-road running through the middle. There are in fact plenty of quiet lanes and byways for a gentle cycle.
For a quieter route, head north on Fairmead Road by Epping Forest office, cycling up to the Mill & Carter restaurant before heading down the A121 to take a right on Epping Forest Road (don’t worry - the A121 section has a pavement you can cycle on). As you start to come back to the start point, hug the edge of the forest via Nursery Road to avoid busier routes.
