Essex Cycle Routes
There's plenty to see on your bike in Essex with plenty of countryside and some lovely signed routes in Lee Valley park and Epping Forest.
Essex is truly a county of contrasts. Steeped in history and infused with unique architectural, historic and natural treasures, encapsulating everything that is great about the coast, the countryside and market towns. With each element there is a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered and explored.
For more information on walking and cycling in Essex as well as information on visitor attractions, things to do, events to go to and places to stay please go to www.visitessex.com
Use the links to view full route information including elevation profiles, interactive maps and GPS downloads.
You can also view an overview map of all the routes in the using the Essex Cycle Map>>
There are several National Cycle Networksigned routes in the county many of which have been mapped and can be viewed and downloaded below.
For more information on cycle routes in Essex including tips, advice and free cycle maps please click here
| Route Name | Photo | Distance | Description |
| Abberton Reservoir | 10 miles (16 km) | This is a circular cycle ride on the quiet roads and country lanes surrounding this large reservoir near Colchester, Essex. Abberton is the fourth largest reservoir in England with an area of nearly 5 square kilometres (1,200 acres). The route starts at the visitor centre and takes you to Great Wigborough, Peldon and Malting Green. This route is designed for cyclists but walkers can enjoy walks from the visitor centre at the start of this route. The reservoir is excellent for bird watching with thousands of wildlfowl to look out for on the water. These include Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Black-headed Gull which can be spotted from the three bird hides. The visitor centre also has a wealth of information on the wildlife you can expect to see in this lovely wetlands area. View Full Details>> | |
| Belhus Woods Country Park | 2 miles (3.5 km) | Enjoy the pretty lakes and peaceful woodland trails in this country park near Ockendon and Dagenham. View Full Details>> | |
| Bishop's Stortford to Braintree | 22 miles (35 km) | This route follows National Cycle route 16 from Hertfordshire into Essex. You start in Bishop's Stortford with views of the River Stort and soon come to the Flitch Way - a decomissioned railway line dotted with Victorian railway stations which takes you through Hatfield Forest and the town of Great Dunmow to Braintree. View Full Details>> | |
| Bishop's Stortford to Witham | 32 miles (52 km) | The route starts in Bishop's Stortford and after a short spell along the Flitch Way you will follow a succession of minor roads to Witham passing the village of Terling and attractive countryside on the way. View Full Details>> | |
| Blackwater Rail Trail | 6 miles (10 km) | This is a nice, easy cycle or walk along a disused railway line between Witham and Maldon in Essex. The route passes through the pretty village of Langford and includes views of the River Blackwater and a riverside section along the River Chelmer into Maldon. Here you can enjoy fine views of the Blackwater Estuary at the Marine Lake in Promenade Park. You can also pick up the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Canal and enjoy easy waterside walking or cycling along the towpath. View Full Details>> | |
| Braintree to Colchester | 31 miles (50 km) | This route starts near Braintree rail station and heads to Witham along National Cycle route 16 and country lanes. From there you join National Cycle route 1, which takes you to Colchester on a mixture of country roads and off road paths. View Full Details>> | |
| Cambridge to Stansted Mountfitchet | 31 miles (50 km) | Travel from Cambridgeshire to Essex along National Cycle Route 11. The route starts in the centre of Cambridge and heads south to Stansted Mountfitchet on a series of country roads and off road tracks. View Full Details>> | |
| Chelmsford to Maldon | 12 miles (20 km) | This route starts on the River Can in Chelmsford and follows the river and the Chelmer & Blackwater Canal out of the town centre and into the countryside where you'll then ride on quiet roads to Maldon on the Blackwater Estuary. The route is pretty flat with highlights including the spell on the river and some attractive woodland and rural scenery. View Full Details>> | |
| Cheshunt to Hertford | 16 miles (25 km) | This route follows National Cycle Route 1 passing through Hertfordshire and Essex. The ride starts by Cheshunt rail station by Cheshunt lake and begins with a spell through the lovely Lee Valley Park taking you onto Clayton Hill Country Park in Lower Nazeing. You then follow the towing path of the River Lee, first to St Margarets, and then onto the finish point in Hertford by the tourist information centre. This is a nice easy ride taking place on off road paths and tracks and taking you past some lovely waterside scenery. View Full Details>> | |
| Colchester to Harwich | 25 miles (40 km) | This route follows National Cycle Route 51 to the Essex coast. The route starts in Colchester by the tourist information centre and heads to Wivenhoe along the River Colne. The route then proceeds to Harwich along country roads. The final pleasant off road stretch takes you through the town of Dovercourt on the Harwich coast before finishing by Harwich pier. View Full Details>> | |
| Danbury Common | 2 miles (2.5 km) | This large area of woodland and heath is managed by the National Trust. As such you will find a number of well maintained footpaths taking you through the common. It's also great for mountain biking with a number of trails. There's a freeride area maintained by locals with some excellent downhill runs. See the video below for an example of the jumps and runs you can find on the common. The site includes the Backwarden Nature Reserve where you'll find woodland, common, heath, wild flowers, streams and bogs. Look out for a variety of wildlife in this area including adders, nesting birds and butterflies. Danbury is an excellent area for walking. You can easily extend your walk by heading north to Lingwood Common and Blake's Wood where you will find orchids and carpets of bluebells in the spring. Just a mile to the west you'll find Danbury Country Park where there's lakeside trails and wildflower meadows. This circular route is designed for walkers but cyclists can enjoy the bridleways that criss cross the common. It's a popular area for mountain bikers with a number of trails to try. View Full Details>> | |
| Dedham Vale | 42 miles (68 km) | This circular cycle route explores the Dedham Vale AONB on the Essex-Suffolk border. View Full Details>> | |
| Epping Forest | 19 miles (30 km) | This circular route starts at Epping tube station and takes you through the quiet roads in and around Epping Forest. The route is on road so will suit all types of bike but if you're on an MTB or Hybrid it's well worth exploring the signed off road paths and tracks in the forest. View Full Details>> | |
| Flitch Way | 15 miles (24 km) | The Flitch Way is a cycle and walking route running along a decomissioned railway line through Essex. Starting in Bishop's Stortford, the path takes you through Hatfield Forest and the town of Great Dunmow to Braintree. View Full Details>> | |
| Great Notley Country Park | 3 miles (5 km) | A short walk or cycle around the 100 acre Great Notley Country Park in Braintree, Essex. View Full Details>> | |
| Greenwich to Cheshunt | 21 miles (34 km) | Follow National Cycle Route 1 on this pleasant ride or walk through north London into Hertfordshire. You start by the Thames at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich and crosses to the Isle of Dogs via the Greenwich tunnel. This section gives splendid views of the River Thames and Canary Wharf. Shortly after leaving the Thames behind you will come onto the Lee Valley path which will take you along the Regent's Canal and through Tower Hamlets and Victoria Park. You then join the River Lee near Lea Bridge for some more waterside riding. The off road path then takes you past various Reservoirs until you reach the lovely Lee Valley Park - London's largest open space. After going through the park you will soon pass close to Waltham Abbey before you arrive at the finish point at Cheshunt station next to Cheshunt lake. View Full Details>> | |
| Hadleigh Country Park | 3 miles (5.5 km) | This lovely park is located on the Thames Estuary near Southend on Sea. The park is nearly 400 acres in size and includes a mix of woodland, pasture, hay meadow and marsh. There are a number of great trails suitable for cyclists and walkers. There is also the 13th century Hadleigh castle ruins where there are fabulous views of the surrounding Essex countryside and the River Thames. The Saffron Trail passes through the park so you can pick this up to extend your walk. The long distance trail takes you from the coast at Southend-on-Sea to Saffron Walden through some lovely Essex countryside. Just to the east of the park you will find the Two Tree Island nature reserve. The expansive site has some nice footpaths taking you around grassland, scrub, reedbed and lagoons. If you head south from the park you can cross Benfleet Creek and pick up the coastal path around Canvey Island. View Full Details>> | |
| Hainault Forest Country Park | 4 miles (7 km) | This country park contains open space parklands, numerous public footpaths, a large lake, the Hainault Forest Golf Club and Fox Burrow Farm. There are 336 acres to explore with several paths suitable for cyclists so you can bring your bike and enjoy miles of traffic free cycling. The park is located between Chigwell and Romford with Hainault underground station a good access point. If you'd like to extend your outing you could follow the London Loop to the nearby Havering Country Park. View Full Details>> | |
| Harlow to Chelmsford | 22 miles (35 km) | Starting in Harlow follow National Cycle Route 1 through Essex to Chelmsford. The route takes you through the countryside on quiet roads, passing through the villages of Fyfield and Newney Green. A pleasant off road section along the River Can takes you into Chelmsford, finishing by the tourist information centre. There's also pleasant views of the River Roding to enjoy on the way. View Full Details>> | |
| Hatfield Forest | 4 miles (7 km) | Enjoy a cycle or walk around this ancient royal hunting forest in Bishop's Stortford, Essex. There are over 1000 acres to explore on a multitude of peaceful woodland paths. These include two waymarked walking routes and the Flitch Way cycle route which runs along a decomissioned railway line in the northern part of the forest. Cycle hire is available at reasonable rates. Park highlights include the many resident deer, the large lake where you can hire row boats and the waterside Georgian Shell House where you can get a bite to eat. The Harcamlow Way, Forest Way and the Three Forests Way walking trails run through the forest. View Full Details>> | |
| High Woods Country Park | 2 miles (4 km) | This country park in Colchester includes woodland, open spaces, ponds, a lake and wildflower meadows. The park contains a number of well maintained, waymarked trails suitable for cycling and walking. View Full Details>> | |
| Ingrebourne Valley | 3 miles (5 km) | This is a nice easy, family cycle ride or walk through the Ingrebourne Valley near Upminster. The route includes a stretch through Hornchurch Country Park with its ponds, lakes and pleasant scenery. View Full Details>> | |
| Ipswich to Colchester | 31 miles (50 km) | This route takes you through the Suffolk countryside along National Cycle route 1. You start by the tourist information centre in Ipswich heading out of town to join the River Gipping where you can enjoy a short riverside stretch. You then continue west through the countryside to Hadleigh with lovely views of the River Brett. Shortly after leaving Hadleigh there is a nice off road stretch along the Hadleigh Railway Walk taking you through Raydon Great Wood. You then continue to Colchester on country roads passing through High Woods Country Park as you go. View Full Details>> | |
| Langdon Hills Country Park | 5 miles (7.5 km) | This splendid country park in Basildon includes 400 acres of meadows, farmland and woodlands with an abundance of wildlife from Green Winged Orchids to the Great Crested Newt. There are miles of walking and cycling paths taking you through the parkland, the local farmland and on to the Plotlands Nature Reserve. The site includes several different nature reserves with the bluebell woods in April particularly popular. Just to the east you will find Wat Tyler Country Park where there are lovely trails around the Essex Marshes to enjoy. View Full Details>> | |
| Lee Valley | 9 miles (14 km) | This short, pleasant traffic free ride takes you through Lee Valley Park and along the River Lee. This is an easy ride through a scenic country park with designated cycle paths. The nearest town to the route start point is Broxbourne just to the north. View Full Details>> | |
| London to Cambridge | 81 miles (130 km) | This long distance cycle ride takes you from the Thames in London, through Essex and Cambridgeshire, to the Univeristy city of Cambridge. The route uses a mixture of National Cycle Network Routes and Local Cycle Routes to take you between these two great English cities. There's lots of traffic free sections, particularly at the start as you head through London and Lee Valley Park. The route then follows a mixture of country lanes and minor roads to Waltham Abbey, Harlow and Stansted Mountfitchet, before finishing in Cambridge. The ride starts off at the Cutty Sark on the Thames in Greenwich. You then follow NCN Route 1 north, over the river and through the Isle of Dogs. Nice waterside sections along the Regent's Canal and the Lee Valley Navigation make for an easy, traffic free start to the ride. The next section takes you along Walthamstow Reservoirs and through Lee Valley Park, with more traffic free paths alongside a series of lakes. The route continues north through Waltham Abbey, passing through the pretty River Lee Country Park and Nazeing Meads. Around here you turn east through Harlow, passing Matching Tye before turning north to Matching Green. The route then follows a series of quiet country lanes to Takely, where you pick up a section of the Flitch Way along a dismantled railway line. This takes you west, past Hatfield Forest to Birchanger. View Full Details>> | |
| Marsh Farm Country Park | 4 miles (6 km) | This country park in South Woodham Ferrers has miles of splendid waterside walking trails to enjoy. The River Crouch and the Clementsgreen and Fenn Creeks all run through the park so you can follow well laid out footpaths right along the water. There's 300 acres of grazing marsh to explore with a wide variety of water loving birds to spot. Look out for dark bellied brent geese and many other species of waders and ducks. Sedge warblers, cuckoos and sky larks can also be seen in the area. This route is designed for walkers but cycling is also permitted in the park but please keep to the designated routes. The park has a large car park and a lovely tea room for refreshments. View Full Details>> | |
| Pilgrimage Way | 23 miles (37 km) | This is a largely traffic free cycle ride or walk from Barking Abbey to Waltham Abbey via Three Mills, Limehouse Basin and the Olympic Park. The route starts at Barking Abbey and heads through Plaistow and Mill Meads to the Limehouse Basin. This section follows a cycle track for most of the way and includes a stretch along the River Lea. From Limehouse the route turns north through Victoria Park and Hackney Marshes to Lea Bridge where you begin a section along Tottenham Marshes and the Walthamstow Reservoirs which include West Warwick Reservoir and Lockwood Reservoir. The final section takes you through the lovely Lee Valley Park and along the River Lee Navigation Canal to the finish point at Waltham Abbey. View Full Details>> | |
| Rainham Marshes | 7 miles (11.5 km) | This circular walk or cycle explores the RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve in London. View Full Details>> | |
| River Roding | 6 miles (9 km) | This cycling and walking route follows the River Roding from Roding Valley station to Ilford in Greater London. It's a nice trail on mainly traffic free paths so it is suitable for anyone looking for an easy cycle ride or pleasant stroll. The route starts at Roding Valley station in Buckhurst Hill just west of Chigwell. The start point is close to the lovely Roding Valley Meadows nature reserve which is well worth a visit. The trail heads south past Woodford, Charlie Brown's Roundabout, Redbridge and Wanstead Park before finishing in Ilford. If you're on foot then Wanstead Park is a great place for a stroll. The river runs past the eastern side of the park which also includes a Heron pond and an Ornamental canal. The 140 acre park also has the splendid Chestnut Trail to try. There's lots more to see in the area if you would like to extend your outing. The Epping Forest Centenary Walk can be picked up on Wanstead Flats near the end of the route. View Full Details>> | |
| St Albans to Harlow | 28 miles (45 km) | Starting in St Albans follow National Cycle route 61 from St Albans to Harlow via Welywn Garden City, Ware and Hertford. You start with a lovely off road section along the Smallford Trail taking you from St Albans to Hatfield. Highlights include some off road tracks and a pleasant stretch along the River Lea. In Harlow you can explore the River Stort Navigation and enjoy a drink at the riverside pub. View Full Details>> | |
| Thorndon Country Park | 5 miles (8 km) | This large country park is located near Brentwood in Essex and contains a number of fine woodland trails, ideal for walking or cycling. The park is made up of ancient woodland, an ancient deer park, grassland and three small lakes. There is also a useful Countryside Centre with a permanent exhibition and a shop selling gifts and refreshments. View Full Details>> | |
| Weald Country Park | 1 miles (1.5 km) | Enjoy lakes, tree-lined avenues, parkland and woodland in this 500 acre country park in Brentwood, Essex. View Full Details>> | |
| Wivenhoe | 3 miles (4.2 km) | The town of Wivenhoe is located just south of Colchester on the River Colne in Essex. There's some lovely riverside walks and the town centre is also worth exploring on foot. It's a designated conservation area, with lots of buildings of some architectural significance. View Full Details>> |
Your Submitted Routes
| Route Name | Distance | Difficulty |
| Stansted Mountfitchet - Sawbridgeworth | 37 miles (60 km) | *** |