Hampstead Heath, a vast and ancient parkland in North Camden (NW3), offers a refreshing escape from London’s hustle and bustle. This sprawling green space boasts a variety of landscapes, from wild meadows and woodland to swimming ponds and hilltop views. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, with Parliament Hill providing a stunning panorama of London’s skyline. The Heath is home to diverse wildlife and numerous recreational facilities, including sports fields, swimming ponds, a lido, and a running track. Many will appreciate Kenwood House, a magnificent neoclassical villa housing a superb art collection.
Getting to Hampstead Heath by Public Transport is easy. This map shows the stations & bus stops: https://www.hampsteadheath.net/getting-here-around. However, that map does not clearly show how to arrive by Bike – that is what this guide will show you.
This map shows where you can park a hire bike or lock your own. Click the arrow to activate the map.
Hire Bike bays have to be used by all Lime Bike & Forest Bikes. Other Hire Bike brands such as Dot & Tier are not permitted to have their rides terminate in Camden.
Or have a look at the TfL map to find cycle routes, as well as Santander Cycle docking stations across London. Note that docking stations only go as far North as King’s Cross & Camden Town. You will not be able to Dock a Santander Cycle near Hampstead Heath but you will be able to visit and cycle around. See the red dots here:
If coming from the South, the C6 cycle route is the best way to come. Look out for the new wayfinding route signage:
Camden Cycle Campaign recommend the City Mapper App for cycling directions that utilise the safe cycling infrastructure that Camden has implemented to date. Google Maps is not reliable for cycling. Alternatively, if you are planning a route using your browse try cycle.travel or cyclestreets.net.
For those of you who like a challenge there are three hill climbs that are highly recommended:
- The gravel path from the Mixed Bathing Ponds up through the Heath to Jack Straws Castle.
- Swain’s Lane. A UK Top 100 climb and home of the Urban Hill Climb event each year. Strava Segment here.
- Fitzroy Park. Start on the East side at the top of Millfield Lane and head up the Private Road past the Bowling & the Allotments. Strava Segment here.
All the paths in Hampstead Heath where cycling is allowed are Shared Use. The term shared-use path refers to a path that is intended to be used by pedestrians and cyclists. Many of these paths have dog walkers, joggers, older people & people listening to headphones. CCC recommends keeping an arm’s length away from pedestrians. The max speed while overtaking should be similar to a ‘fast runner’. Ring a bell (whistle, sing or cough) well in advance if approaching people from behind but don’t assume they’ve heard you.
Please do not cycle on footpaths or the grass and always park responsibly. The Hire Bike bays can get very busy and it is important that bikes do not block the path for wheelchairs & pushchairs or emergency vehicles.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful picnic spot, an invigorating swim, or a challenging hike/ride, Hampstead Heath is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Have a great ride 🙂
