Sport & Fitness

Limehouse to Little Venice: 8 miles (1.5 hours)

Limehouse to Little Venice
8 miles (1.5 hours)
There’s a lot more to Regent’s Canal than Camden Lock… In fact there’s no such thing. The enclave where the tat stalls lie is actually called Hampstead Road Lock. Never mind, you can still stock up on noodles, nu-metal, T-shirts, aromatherapy candles and rugs while you’re there. During rush hour, the canal’s thin paths are a bit of a scrum for cyclists jockeying for position and – trust us – you wouldn’t want to fall into the water but, if you go off peak, it’s a leisurely bike ride from one end to the other.

The catalogue of modern architecture that is now the Limehouse Basin, where your ride begins, is the point at which the canal meets the Thames. Stop to gawp at the yachts in the marina and at Hawksmoor’s church (St Anne’s) before cycling northwards past Mile End Lock. On the path side you’ll see Mile End Park where you can have a freshener at the eccentric 1950s throwback pub the Palm Tree (Haverfield Road, E3 5BH). Talking of parks, the boot-shaped Victoria (1) lies just beyond the entrance to the Hertford Union Canal (aka Duckett’s Cut). The Old Ford Lock (again) is where canal boaters traditionally changed horses but your bike doesn’t need the same care and attention so carry on straight to the Hackney Gasworks (2). You’ve now reached the least auspicious stretch of the canal, passing through the bowels of Dalston and De Beauvoir Town, so keep your head down until you get to the City Road Basin, once the largest trading centre along Regent’s Canal. It’s now about two-thirds of its original size. Why not have a pint at the impressive Island Queen pub (3) around the corner (87 Noel Road, N1 8HD)? Stop off at the Canal Museum (4) if you want to learn about the history of ice cream in Britain (ignore the history of the Canal – the exhibits are on the dull side), or at Camley Street Natural Park for peace and quiet. Feature continues

Once past Camden Town, where the path briefly dodges to the south side of the canal thanks to some long-gone timber yards, you can enjoy some of the delights of London Zoo (5) absolutely free. The wild boars and some tropical birds are usually on show from this vantage point. Skirt around Regent’s Park and then it’s on to Little Venice, where the Regent’s Canal ends and the Grand Union begins. Head for kitsch theatre pub the Bridge House (13 Westbourne Terrace Road, W2 6NG) (6), the fabulously ornate Prince Alfred and Formosa Dining Rooms (54 Formosa Street, W9 1EE) or ageing pop stars’ haunt the Warrington Hotel (93 Warrington Crescent, W9 1EH). You deserve a break. Emma Perry

Richmond to Hampton Court: 7.5 miles (one hour)

Richmond to Hampton Court
7.5 miles (one hour)

Few family-based London bike rides are more rewarding than a relaxing trundle along the Thames. One of the best routes is Richmond to Hampton Court. You could take your bikes on the North London Line and hop off at Richmond Station, and then make your way to Richmond Bridge, where you can join the Thames Path.

This is especially good as it’s flat all the way. Along the first stretch you’ll pass the odd sandy beach, where you can stop for a picnic. Proceed onwards upstream past Eel Pie Island towards Teddington Lock (1), beyond which the river’s tidal section ends and the countryside begins. Continue for a mile or so, push the bikes over Kingston Bridge (2) and pick up the path on the other bank, then cruise on to Hampton Court Palace (3). While you’re there, grab a snack and a cuppa on the lawns and absorb a little olde worlde culture before returning to Richmond. No shortage of pubs on this route; make sure you go easy on the pints or you might find yourself taking a two-wheeled dive into the Thames.

Canal cycling tips
It may seem obvious, but make sure that you cycle carefully. You might not get stuck at lights and roundabouts, but you certainly can’t cycle as fast as you would on a road. Canal towpaths are also popular with walkers, sunbathers, anglers, snogging couples and lunching office workers, and pedestrians have right of way at all times. The bridges are particularly hazardous blind junctions. Signs advise you to dismount when you go under a bridge; if you don’t do this at least have the decency to slow down to a snail’s pace and sound your bell (you really do need a bell to cycle on the canal). Otherwise, you’ll be the one who ends up joining all those shopping trolleys and dead dogs in the water. Watch out for any concealed mooring pins or ropes connected to moored boats, as they can knock you off course – remember, also, to have respect for boat residents. And don’t get too annoyed with dawdling pedestrians who won’t step to the side to let you get past. Pity them – they’re the ones who are missing out on the fun.