Palace to Canada Heights

Ride Level: Moderate 

Any bike | GPX Route | Traffic-free | Cycle paths & trails | Some hills | 22 miles | 2 to 3 hours 

OK, I admit, here's a route that leads you directly to Canada Heights, one of the venues for a local cyclocross race I've organised. That said, it’s a good route out east and you can easily catch a train back into London from nearby Swanley Railway Station. 

There are a few caveats on this route - you may, well, to ought to walk your bike through part of Jubilee Country Park and when crossing over and under the railway lines at Petts Wood. Other than that, the bulk of the route is on well-maintained gravel paths and roads.

Start Point: Crystal Palace Park 
End Point: Canada Heights 

If you don't have a cycle Sat Nav (Garmin/Wahoo etc) you can use the BikeGPX app on any Android or iPhone - follow the simple and easy instructions at https://bikegpx.com/

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

Ride Description

Starting at the top of Crystal Palace Park, the route park hops its way east, via Beckenham Place and Norman Parks before following an old, almost secret bike route between houses to Jubilee Park. 

Here's where you ought to dismount and walk for about 500 yds through Jubilee Country Park until you join the bike route to Petts Wood.

One of the highlights is Hawkswood, an old woodland that leads on to the ruins of Scadbury Manor, worth a quick look. 

Cross the A20 via the underpass, past Foots Cray and into the meadows aside the River Cray, a sparklingly beautiful chalk stream which is fun to ford...

A lane takes you from North Cray up to Joydens Wood, a local MTB hang out and worth exploring more fully before crossing the golf course towards Wilmington, there a few more lumpy bits of tarmac before finally sweeping down under the M25 to arrive at the gates of Canada Heights.

Start and End Points 

Start point: Crystal Palace Park  

End point:  Canada Heights, Swanley 

Ride Details 

• Duration: 2- 3 hours.
• Distance: 21 miles.
• Terrain 50% tarmac 50% gravel trails 
  
• Technical Grade: Blue - well maintained easy-riding gravel paths with few hills

Is this ride for me? 

This ride is a moderately intense physical challenge suitable for regular riders with reasonable levels of fitness and some off-road experience

The majority of the off road route is on well-maintained gravel paths with easy gradients and can be ridden year-round.

Is my bike OK for this ride? 

Ride s suitable for all off-road bikes and hybrids fitted with all-terrain tyres