Today, I’m sharing a route from our 35 London Cycle Routes eBook. If you’ve not got yourself a copy, I recommend it! The eBook is still only £9.95.
During this ride, if the views don’t take your breath away, then the cycle route certainly will. Tackle London’s hills and you’re in for a reward as you take time to recover and savour the panoramic views. This is a short route and one best enjoyed in the late afternoon as the sun starts to set over London giving it a soft tint. May I recommend bringing some water or perhaps even better some wine for the romantic views at the end!
Route stats
- Distance: 6 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1 hour
- Traffic: Light traffic
- Terrain: Hilly, suitable to all who fancy a challenge
Route description
Alexandra Palace is the first hill on the list and it is a steep climb to the top. Playfully nicknamed Ally Pally this a gorgeous listed building that holds exhibitions, gigs and a television transmission tower.
The views from here extend far to the east of London and the Millennium dome and Canary Wharf are clearly visible. When you are ready to move on follow the road for a short while before turning off to cycle past the car park and into the small park. You will emerge on a steep hill which unfortunately you have to climb for a very short while on the right.
From here you need to head down the road that cuts through Queens Wood. This is a heavily forested Park that always seems to be quite dark no matter what the time of the day.
Shortly after Queens Wood you will be at Hampstead Heath. After a short cycle through this beautiful park you’ll have to dismount and walk your bike up the final hill. At the top the views are fantastic and most the time you won’t be sharing the view with many others.
The last section is a relief as it is mostly downhill. Heading through Belsize Park and up towards Primrose Hill. Various celebrities have graced this part of London with their presence, including Rachel Stevens.
Once you have taken in all the views you can handle for one day then Primrose Hill has a couple of really nice restaurants. Lemonia is a popular Greek restaurant serving up authentic tastes. If it’s too busy don’t fret because opposite there is another Greek restaurant called Limani. This is an equally good alternative. If Greek food isn’t what you are in the mood for then Odette’s offers a tasty menu. If instead you think an appropriate reward for all the cycling is a nice cold pint then The Queens is where you should head to next.
Following the route
You can find a Google Map of the route here:
Arguably a better way to get from Ally Pally to Queens’ Wood is to use the Parkland Walk. It is an abandoned railway line starting next to Muswell Hill School which goes across a railway bridge with amazing views over London. Follow it to the end and you arrive at Muswell Hill Road which cuts between Queens’ Wood/Highgate Wood up to Highgate and Hampstead Heath.
(There is also another section of the Walk going from Crouch End to Finsbury Park.)