Ancient and Modern GPX Route

Ride Level: Red - Challenging 

Gravel/CX MTB | GPX Route | Traffic-free | Natural, Gravel and Single Track | 38 km/23 miles | 3 to 4 hours 

A ride of extremes, ancient woodlands with aisles of towering beech trees make way for wide-open vistas of the riverside, challenging climbs give way to the easy riding of the Thames path. Pass derelict warehouses towards the brave new world of Canary Wharf.

Any questions?  have a look at our FAQ's or Contact us 

Ride Description

Starting at Greenwich Station the climbs through the Royal park past the Observatory before crossing Blackheath and Kidbrooke to Woolwich Common.

At first Plumstead Common appears flat and tame until you plunge through Great Bartletts Woods to join with Bostall Woods.  For the next few miles, the route becomes challengingly lumpy before pitching you out at the side of the Thames and you realise why it has been graded as Red route!

Turn left for Central London and follow the Thames path east past the Crossness Sewage works, while holding your noses, have a look at the high Victoriana to right.

The route leaves the Thames, follows the line of the main Southern Interceptor Sewer, there’s a choice of concretes cycleway or gravel path to ride on to Plumstead before re-joining the Thames path.

Follow the path ever east, past the iconic Woolwich Ferry, futuristic Thames Barrier and enjoy the views of Canary Wharf. The only saving grace of the Greenwich Peninsula is the curlywurly footbridge across the Blackwell Tunnel Approach Crossing, relax, just around the corner from the grot, lies Greenwich in all her magnificence.

Start and End Points 

Start/Finish: Greenwich Railway Station 

Ride Details 

• Distance: 38 km | 23 miles
• Climb: 370 m | 1200 ft 
• Percentage off-road: 70%
• Trail surface: Natural | Gravel | Cycle Paths | Single Track
• Technical Grade: Red  - Challenging in places
• Mudometer - Moderate, some mud in the woods.

Places to Visit 

13 miles:             Lesnes Abbey         

Places to Eat 

17 miles:             

Detour to Erith, there are few small shops and pubs but note this is not a gastronomic centre.

23 miles:             

Detour to Thamesmead Centre, alas another of those areas untroubled by the gourmand.

Is this ride for me? 

Ideal for riders with some off-road experience and reasonable fitness.

Is my bike OK for this ride? 

The route is best completed on the gravel/CX bike or a mountain bike.