Trading London

Any bike | 29km/18 miles | 30m/100ft 

Date: Wednesday 30th July

London: City of Trade & Empire

London and Britain’s Empire were built on trade — this ride explores the stories, people, and places behind the force that shaped the global city we live in today.

We begin at Marc Brunel’s pioneering Thames Tunnel, the world’s first under-river tunnel, before heading to the atmospheric Pelican Stairs — one of the last surviving riverside alleys, once the site of pirate executions, now offering an unbeatable view of Canary Wharf, the modern commercial powerhouse risen from the wreckage of empire.

From there, we ride to Limehouse Basin, once the crucial gateway between London’s canals and the Thames, then follow the Limehouse Cut to Three Mills Island — an 18th-century factory powered by tidal mills, an echo of London’s industrial past. We’ll glimpse Joseph Bazalgette’s grand “Temple of Sewage” at Abbey Mills and trace the path of the Northern Outfall Sewer all the way to Beckton and the vast Royal Docks, once the world’s largest enclosed dock system, now reborn as City Airport and the ExCeL Centre.

Crossing the river by cable car, we land in Greenwich — home of longitude, naval history, and imperial ambition. From there, we loop back onto the Isle of Dogs, past the site where Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the mighty Great Eastern steamship, through the Millwall Docks, and straight into the glittering heart of London’s modern global trading hub.

You’ll never look at London the same way again.

Highlights:

• Pelican Stairs & Pirate Gallows – Discover one of London’s last surviving riverside alleys, once the site of public pirate hangings.
• Three Mills Island & Tidal Mills – Explore one of the world’s oldest industrial sites, where the power of the tides once drove London’s factories.
• Bazalgette’s Temple of Sewage – Visit the striking Abbey Mills Pumping Station, a cathedral of Victorian engineering that saved London from "The Great Stink."
  
• Cable Car over the Thames – Soar across the river with panoramic views of the Royal Docks, the O2, and Canary Wharf.
• Greenwich: Longitude & Naval Legacy – Stand at the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, where global timekeeping began and explore the historic Naval Hospital, a key symbol of Britain’s imperial power.
• The Docklands & Isle of Dogs – Ride through the historic and modern heart of London’s trading empire, from shipbuilding yards to skyscrapers.

What to expect

This is a social, exploratory ride — part history tour, part urban adventure. We’ll be riding mostly on quiet streets, cycle paths, and canal towpaths, with a few sections of cobbles, gravel, and industrial backroads to keep things interesting.

You can expect:

• Steady, social pace – No drop, plenty of stops to take in the sights, snap photos, and hear the stories.

• Around 18 miles of riding – Mostly flat, but with a few twists, turns, and short ramps.

• Urban scenery, hidden alleyways & riverside views – From grand Victorian engineering to gritty Docklands corners.

• A few short walking sections – Including canal locks, staircases, or historic sites where we may need to dismount.

• Opportunities for coffee & food stops – We'll factor in a break or two to refuel and chat.

Ideal for curious riders who enjoy exploring the layers of London’s history, with a bit of offbeat infrastructure and forgotten corners thrown in.

Ride details 

• Date: Wednesday 30th July
• Start & Finish: Wapping Overground Station  
• Start time: 09:00  Finish 17:00 (ish)
• Distance: 18 miles. 
• Climb: 30 m
  
• Cycle Paths and quiet roads. 
• Max Group size - 10 riders

Route Map 

What is included in the price?

• GPX route maps.
  
• Qualified London Guide 
  
• Lead by a British Cycling Accredited Ride Leader

Is this ride for me? 

Expect a gentle ride ridden at an easy pace.

With few or no hills on well-maintained gravel paths, bike lanes and shared-use paths. these rides are suitable for riders who can pedal for about an hour without stopping.

Suitable for all bikes, including hybrids, folding bikes, MTB, gravel, road bikes, Boris Bikes and e-bikes.

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Is my bike OK for this ride? 

Suitable for all bikes in working condition!