Cycle routes in London inspiring you to get on yer bike!
The extensive traffic-free Greenways routes are a great way to ease into cycling in the capital and you could even take the family. Many of London's most memorable bike rides are hidden away – Regent's Canal weaves its way from Little Venice into some of the East End's most fascinating nooks and crannies and cycling is a great way to explore the city. Choose a route or, even better, plan your own on TfL
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Richmond to Hampton Court - 7.5 miles - 1 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. Because there are no hills, this is an exceptionally easy ride for all the family; just warn the kids not to ride too fast on the slippery gravel sections, or your trip might end earlier than planned.
You could take your bikes on the North London Line and hop off at Richmond Station, but whichever transport method you choose, make your way to the riverside where you'll see signs for the Thames Path. (From Richmond Park it's quite simple to find your way towards River Lane, which runs straight towards the river, by using Richmond Gate and turning on to Star and Garter Hill.)
Start with a light snack in one of Richmond's many riverside cafés and head off along the left bank path in the direction of Kingston and Teddington Lock. One of the first places you pass on your right is Eel Pie Island, home to Pete Townshend's famous recording complex.
Shortly thereafter, the path becomes bounded by trees and general undergrowth. Along this stretch you'll also pass the odd stony beach where you can stop and perhaps break open a picnic or simply watch club rowers. Then it's onwards upstream towards Teddington Lock, beyond which the river's tidal section ends and the serenity of the (suburban) countryside begins.
Once you've licked your wounds, continue onward a mile or so, push the bikes over Kingston Bridge and pick up Barge Walk on the other bank. Then skirt the enormous Hampton Court Park (on your right) en route to Henry VIII's magnificent gaff at Hampton Court Palace. While you're there, grab a snack and a cuppa on the finely manicured lawns, let the kids loose in the world-famous maze, perhaps absorb a little olde worlde culture and then mosey on back to Richmond. There are quite a few pubs and eateries along the route, but bear in mind that their prime riverside positions mean they're often very busy. Derek Adams
To plan your cycling route visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cycling
