The cycle routes immediately to the north of Regents Park and into North London offers some challenging hill climbs, whilst the rolling Hertfordshire countryside further north is surprisingly close to the city.
The North London Hill Training circuit is a short route starting in Regents Park, and involves some fairly tough climbs such as the long climb up to Hampstead, Swain’s Lane in Highgate and Alexandra Palace Way.
Starting point: Regent’s Park Bar & Kitchen, Regent’s Park.
The Ferny Hill Farm Loop climbs steadily up from Regents Park through Belsize Park, Hampstead and other leafy suburbs before heading into the green belt, with some relatively fast straight roads, before turning back towards London over Muswell Hill, down through Highgate and back to the park.
Starting Point: Espresso Bar, Regent’s Park.
Suggested café stop: Ferny Hill Farm Tea Rooms (30 km, opens at 10 am).
The Potters Bar route makes the steep climb up Swains Lane in Highgate, over Muswell Hill and Alexandra Palace before heading out into the green belt and the countryside north of Potter’s Bar. It then circles around for a descent back to Regent’s Park via Hampstead.
Starting Point: Espresso Bar, Regent’s Park.
Suggested Café: Cafe In The Orchard, Shenley (50km).