Lea Valley, situated to the northeast of London, offers a picturesque and traffic-free cycle path, making it an ideal destination for a family cycling adventure. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride or a more challenging outing, the Lea Valley has something for everyone.
On 26th April Camden Cycling Campaign led a group of eight on a delightful ride as part of LCC’s #LondonLovesCycling Campaign. This is a fully risk-assessed route that we lead regularly, so keep an eye on the CCC Events Page. Alternatively, you can do a self guided tour following this guide. It is suitable for all ages and abilities as the route is specifically chosen through parks, cycle lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods through Hackney and Islington.
The Route
| Ride length | 32 km |
| Expected duration (hours) | 6 hours including breaks and lunch stops |
| Expected number of participants | 10-12 excluding leader/marshalls |
| Ride type | Family |
| Start and Finish point | Highgate Road NW5 1RP |
| Pick up en-route | Caledonian Park, Islington Town Hall |
The route can be viewed & downloaded from Google Maps.
Things to See and Do:
In addition to the beautiful scenery, several attractions along the route are perfect for families. These include:
- Olympic Park: A large park with various activities for all ages, including playgrounds, water sports, and the Velo Park.
- Walthamstow Wetlands: A nature reserve with a variety of habitats, including lakes, meadows, and woodland.
- New River: Built in the early 17th century by famous engineer Sir Hugh Myddelton to bring clean drinking water into London from Hertfordshire.
- London Fields: The park’s history is recorded as early as the 13th century, and it has been known as London Fields since the mid-16th century.
- Tottenham Marshes: A large area of open space with a variety of wildlife.
- Finsbury Park: A large park with various attractions, including a lido, a boating lake, and a playground.
Tips for a Family Cycle Ride in Lea Valley:
- Plan Ahead: Choose a distance that is suitable for your family’s fitness level and interests. Check the weather forecast (especially for wind).
- Bring Snacks and Drinks: There are a few places to stop for refreshments along the way, but it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid getting hungry or thirsty.
- Treat yourself to some street food: London Fields and Hackney Wick have lots of choices if you get peckish.
- Bail out if you need to: The Overground will bring you & your bike back to Camden if needs be.
- Bring Sunscreen and Hats: The sun can be strong, so be sure to bring sunscreen and hats to protect your skin.
- Be a role model: https://camdencyclists.org.uk/about/code-of-conduct/
With its stunning scenery, family-friendly attractions, and traffic-free cycle path, Lea Valley is the perfect place for a family cycling adventure. So grab your bikes and helmets and enjoy a day of fun and exploration in the beautiful Lea Valley.