Whether you’re just getting into road cycling or you’re chasing long days in the Surrey Hills, London offers an incredible range of cycling routes right on its doorstep. From flat laps of Richmond Park to 150 km weekend epics in Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire and the Chilterns – there’s something for everyone – if you know where to look.
Why Planning a Great Route Matters
A well-planned route can make or break your ride. You want quiet roads, scenic views, and a few good café stops – not traffic jams, potholes, or getting lost in suburbia. That’s why having access to tried-and-tested GPX route files is essential, especially if you’re riding solo or exploring new areas.
Where to Find Cycling Routes (and GPX Files)
There are a few great sources for downloadable cycling routes in and around London:
- London Dynamo Route Book – We’re proud to have the most extensive and up-to-date collection of London-based cycling routes, available to our members. From beginner-friendly 30km spins to full-day hill-fests, every route is downloadable in GPX format and has been road-tested by hundreds of London Dynamo riders.
- Komoot – Excellent for route discovery with surface and elevation data. You can search by difficulty or terrain and download GPX files.
- Ride with GPS – Offers community-shared routes with good turn-by-turn directions. Several London clubs post public collections here.
- Strava – The Heatmap and Segment Explore tools are handy for seeing where others ride, though you’ll need to plan your route manually or subscribe for full access.
But for curated, club-tested rides that actually flow, London Dynamo’s route book is in a league of its own.
The London Dynamo Advantage
At London Dynamo, we’ve spent over 20 years riding every road, climb, and back lane in and around London. Our Route Book is a living archive of the best rides out there – organised by destination and distance.
✅ Beginner routes for new joiners
✅ Training loops for midweek structure
✅ Gravel, hills, and adventure rides for weekend warriors
✅ All downloadable as GPX files for use on Wahoo, Garmin, or your favourite app
Whether you’re riding solo or joining a group ride, you’ll always know where you’re going.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to explore London by bike than with a good route – and no better place to find them than London Dynamo. Our routes are crafted by riders, for riders, and constantly updated to reflect road changes, traffic patterns, and ride feedback.
So if you’re searching for the best cycling routes, with ready-to-use GPX files – look no further.
Visit the London Dynamo Route Book and start downloading routes today.
