My love for touring started in the UK, where I spent several years living in Southwest London. Back then, my time was more about enjoying pints in the pub than it was about cycling. However, I did manage to squeeze in a fair amount of road touring around Southern England. I always had a blast. Fast forward to today, and I've returned to London, this time with a gravel bike in tow, ready to explore the hidden trails and urban wilds of the city.
For some context on our Gravel Guides, we aim to visit the world's cities with an optimistic view that all urban areas have access to some sort of dirt riding. The guides are not intended to be comprehensive coverage of a city's gravel but more of a start point for people who may be visiting the city or simply looking for a refresher. So far we have covered Paris, Vancouver, Graz, Montreal and Sydney. I've wanted to cover London for a very long time, and I'm so glad I had the opportunity, especially as I was passing through London on my way to ride the Traws Eryri in Wales' Snowdonia National Park.
You may not expect it but Northeast London is a gravel rider's dream. I got lost for hours in the maze of trails, hardly seeing a patch of tarmac, just brambles, thorns, and the occasional mud pit. I don't take any credit for these routes. Like most of our guides, these routes have been curated by some fantastic local initiatives and clubs. Let's get going…
Cycling in London
Firstly, let's acknowledge the obvious: London is big—really big. Navigating this sprawling city by bike means you'll be putting in some serious miles to get between major areas. For instance, during my time in London, I found myself frequently traveling between Northeast London and Euston Station. Though it's only about 20 km, this ride took me through a labyrinth of winding streets, showcasing just how vast and complex the city's layout can be.
Having spent two years commuting in London some years ago, I can see how much the city has changed. London's cycling scene has evolved massively over the years. The city is now crisscrossed with bike lanes and quiet streets, making it easier and safer to navigate on two wheels.
However, if gravel riding is what you're after, North London is where you'll want to head. Here, the urban sprawl gradually gives way to pockets of greenery, and you'll find a network of trails that are perfect for gravel riding. Getting to North London is straightforward. You can hop on the Overground or make the journey by bike from wherever you're staying. Just be prepared to deal with some traffic before you reach the more peaceful, off-road areas.
Gravel Riding London: Three Routes
Epping Forest: A Gateway to London Dirt
Luckily, I was staying with a good friend in Northeast London, in a neighborhood called Walthamstow—right on the doorstep of all the best trails. Finding routes from my home in Canada was a bit of a challenge at first, but I was fortunate to come across a fantastic map called Great London Gravel Routes by Wild Cycles on Komoot. Wild Cycles is a local bike hire and adventure company that I really wanted to head out with, but unfortunately, our schedules didn't align. If you're heading to the UK to ride the dirt, be sure to check them out.
After eyeballing the map, it was clear that heading into Epping Forest was the best place to start from where I was staying. This forest is the perfect introduction to North London gravel, offering a bit of everything in a compact package. You'll find fun, fast flow tracks, wide-open gravel paths, and a few rolling hills that will get your heart pumping.
I was expecting more water along the way and even brought my filter, but most of the water sources were stagnant. It took a while before I found a pond worth stopping at. Despite that, the rolling crushed gravel and the variety of trails made this a standout ride. Just be aware that there are a few places where bikes aren't allowed, so be sure to check your route before setting off.
Beyond Epping Forest: NLD5
For my second rip in London, I wanted to challenge myself and go a bit bigger—explore more territory and take on varied terrain. Part of the reason for pushing myself was that I was also testing the Singular Cycles Gryphon, and I knew I needed more than the flowy crushed gravel of Epping Forest to really put it through its paces.
While scouting routes for this article, I stumbled upon an Instgram account (and event) called North London Dirt, run by the Diprose brothers. We actually published a piece on North London Dirt a couple of months back, which I highly recommend reading if you're interested in riding gravel in London. Intrigued by their approach, I randomly chose their route, NLD5, for my next adventure.
This route from North London Dirt takes you further east of Epping Forest, linking up with several local forests before looping back through Epping. It's a masterclass in route planning, offering a blend of urban exploration and countryside grinding.
The original route clocks in at 114 km, but it's a bit of a blank canvas—you can start or finish wherever you like, depending on your energy levels and where you're coming from. I started in Upper Walthamstow, cutting off a few kilometers from the beginning, and made the call to skip the top loop as I was pretty knackered after a solid few weeks of riding. This brought my ride down to 75 km, and looking back, I do regret not doing the full loop. One section of the route involved a bit of a hike through thick brambles, and I ended up pretty scratched up. But don't let that deter you—this is the crème de la crème of North London gravel. If you're in the area, don't miss it.
NLD7: North London's Scenic Epic
For these guides, I always aim to explore three different routes, but unfortunately, during my trip to the UK, I was under the weather and couldn't complete a third ride. You can read more about that here. However, if you're looking for a route that truly captures the essence of North London gravel, I highly recommend checking out North London Dirt's spanking new NLD7 route.
The NLD7 route is a 109.5 km loop with an elevation gain of 1,369 meters, offering a perfect blend of urban and rural riding. It covers a mix of surfaces—around 59% paved and 41% unpaved—making it an ideal choice for those looking to challenge themselves with diverse terrain. The route takes you through some of the most scenic parts of North London, including quiet country lanes, winding forest paths, and stretches of open countryside.
Starting and ending in the city, this route makes for an epic day out on the bike. While the paved sections give your legs a break, the unpaved paths are where the real fun begins—especially if you're tackling it on a capable gravel bike. Expect everything from fast, flowy segments to more technical climbs and descents, with plenty of opportunities to take in the stunning views.
Even though I wasn't able to ride this route myself, it's clear that NLD7 is a must-do for any gravel enthusiast in London. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this route promises a day of adventure and a true taste of North London's gravel scene.
Wrapping Up
London may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of gravel riding, but it's a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. From the winding streets and surprising pockets of greenery in Northeast London to the challenging routes that take you beyond Epping Forest, this city has more to offer than meets the eye. Whether you're just dipping your toes into gravel or looking to push your limits, London's trails won't disappoint.
A huge thanks to organizations like Wild Cycles and North London Dirt for building these incredible routes and fostering the gravel community in London. Their work has made it possible for riders like me to experience the best of what this city has to offer.
My time here reminded me of why I fell in love with off-road cycling and touring in the first place. The thrill of exploration, the unexpected challenges, and the satisfaction of discovering something new, even in a city I once called home. So, if you're thinking about bringing your gravel bike to London, do it. You'll find yourself on an adventure that's equal parts urban exploration and off-road escape.
