Tidal Explorer GPX Route

Ride Level: Easy

Any bike | GPX Route | Traffic-free | Cycle paths & trails | 23 miles | 4 to 6 hours 

Explore the Docklands past and present on this largely traffic-free, pan-flat route, that exploits the dense network of cycle paths linking the sights of the lower Thames, it’s a great family day out that can be ridden by most on any bike.

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

Ride Description

Explore the Docklands past and present on this largely traffic-free, pan-flat route, that exploits the dense network of cycle paths linking the sights of the lower Thames. Packed to the gunnels with tunnels, bridges, and boardwalks, cable car trips, stunning architecture old and new, rivers, docks and canals, along with pubs and cafés galore, it’s a great family day out that can be ridden by most on any bike.

Starting at Greenwich Station the route follows the Thames foreshore to the Cutty Sark.  Walk through the foot tunnel and follow the route as it winds its way up through the Isle of Dogs, past the modern towers of Canary Wharf to the Georgian splendour of the Limehouse Basin.

Loosely following the Regents Canal to Victoria Park, the route crosses the busy A102 into the Lee valley proper, across the many footie pitches on the Hackney Marshes. It’s tempting to divert on the MTB trails in the Olympic Park, as you head on the north, skirting Stratford to join the Lee Navigation as it passes the beautiful Three Mills Island.

Along Abbey Creek, which actually does look like a creek, join the Greenway (turn left for the best views of Bazelette’s Temple to Sewage) towards Beckton for a bit of plane spotting across from City Airport.

Cross the Thames on the mega bike-friendly (they’ll even slow the thing down for you to allow you on) and admire the views of the City and South London before you land on the windswept Greenwich Peninsula.

The Thames path leads back into  Greenwich through the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, worth leaving a bit of time to view the famous Painted Hall and discover the less famous Coade Stone Memorial to Nelson,  before rejoining the route as it wiggles its way through back streets to New Cross Gate Station.  

Start and End Points 

Greenwich Station

Ride Details 

• Distance: 36 km | 23 miles
• Climb: 260m | 850 ft 
• Percentage traffic-free: 95%
• Trail surface: Tarmac bike paths | Gravel
• Technical Grade: Green - Easy, suitable for all riders

Places to Visit 

1 miles     Cutty Sark 

11 miles   MTB Trails – Velo Park Stratford   

12 miles  The House Mill – Three Mills Island  

13 miles  Abbey Mills Pumping Station  

18 miles  Emirates Cable Car  

20 miles  Old Royal Naval Hospital 

Places to Eat 

9  miles                Motherworks – Canalside   

20 miles               Trafalgar Tavern  

Is this ride for me? 

Can be ridden by most cyclists and is easily shortened if required 

Is my bike OK for this ride? 

You can ride this route on any bike, even a Boris Bike