Cycleways, formerly known as Cycle Superhighways and Quietways, are routes that, according to TfL, “link communities, businesses and destinations across London in one cycle network.” Quiet cycleway Q1 is a convenient option to commute to the City to Greenwich. The route is 4.38 miles in total and there are very few traffic lights to slow you down. You can check out the route on TfL’s cycle map.
Another route you can check out on TfL’s cycle map is the C17 from Elephant and Castle to Burgess Park. This is definitely one of the best green cycle routes in South East London, as you’ll go through Elephant Park, the largest new green space created in central London in the last 70 years. You can also check out the East Street Market for some shopping, and the Burgess Park BMX track if you’re feeling brave!
Sian Evans, co-founder of micro-bakery Chatsworth Bakehouse, recommends cycling from Bromley to Crystal palace. She says the route is beautiful and would welcome cyclists looking for a pit stop while heading up the hill. She also says that there is an “incredible mural in Crystal Palace that all the cyclists hang out in front of.” On top of that, the route will also take you past the 719-foot television mast which is on the site of the great exhibition of 1852. You can find the cycle route map on the Bromley borough website, as well as other cycle routes in South East London. This route will take under an hour at a leisurely pace and is mostly on quiet residential roads.
Matt Flanagan, managing director at E-Bikes Direct, recommends the Waterlink Way. Part of the National Cycle Network, The Waterlink Way is both a cycle path and walking route in Southeast London. Spanning 8 miles, Waterlink Way connects South Norwood Country Park to Greenwich and hits numerous green spaces including Ladywell Fields in Lewisham while following Ravensbourne River.
Matt says that “the route is great for beginners and families, as it is mainly on traffic-free paths with the route shown on road signs and pavement markers.
“Starting in Cator Park in Beckenham, the route will at first require some on-road cycling along Kangley Bridge Road, however you will re-join off-road paths soon. The cycle path runs alongside the Pool River and then along quiet residential roads until you meet Ladywell Fields park and then the Ravensbourne River.
“Continue along the cycle paths and you will find yourself entering another green space: Brookmill Park in Lewisham. From here, there are dedicated cycle paths along Deptford Bridge.”
Matt has another cycle routes in South East London to recommend, if you’re looking for a longer cycle. He says that the Ladywell Fields – Linear Park route is “quite hefty” at over 13 miles long but reassures that the route itself is “suitable for any fitness level.”
“The route takes in numerous green spaces and parks, as well as River Ravensbourne and even a café for a well-deserved mid-cycle break. Beginning in Brockley, the route takes you through Ladywell Fields, a popular park located near both Ladywell and Catford Bridge train stations. From here, you cycle along to the River Ravensbourne, where you can then link onto the Waterlink Way to take you up to Greenwich. From the Waterlink Way link from the River Ravensbourne, you cycle up to Cator Park, which just edges into Beckenham to Kent House Station which homes a very popular coffee shop to help you refuel on route.
“Finally, from here the ride takes you to South Norwood Country Park Viewpoint and the Norwood Country Park Meadow, which are both incredibly scenic and country areas – you would be forgiven if you forgot you were in London! The route then loops back up to Brockley.”
Another easy route is The Shard – New Cross Loop. Matt says: “Although this may seem like a long route, boasting almost 9 miles, this route is relatively easy and would be suitable for any fitness and skill level as it mostly consists of paved surfaces. You can begin at either New Cross train station or The Shard, but many might prefer using the Shard as a point to reach.”
Beckenham Place Park has it all – historic buildings, a swimming lake and some of the best bike paths in London. It is the largest green space in the borough of Lewisham and has large areas of ancient woodland and it’s open to cyclists. There are often events going on in the park and the Mansion House, and there are Story Maps available free to download to help create guided adventures for little ones. You can download Story Maps from the Tea Dance for Little People website.
If you’re in South East London and need some self storage for your bike (or anything else), Access Self Storage can help. We have lots of stores in the area, including Access Self Storage West Norwood, Access Self Storage Sydenham and Access Self Storage Streatham.
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