Wormley Woods and more

Ride Level: Red - Challenging

Gravel/CX MTB | GPX Route & Ride Guide | Gravel, Single Track and minor roads  | 37 km / 22 miles 

Roll out from Highbury & Islington, weaving through a chain of North London parks before picking up the Pymmes Brook Trail. The city fades fast as you join Hertfordshire’s smooth, fast bridleways, flowing north toward the upper River Lee near Hatfield.

Cut back through the brilliant Wormley Woods for a hit of proper red-grade off-road riding, then drop into Enfield to meet the New River Path. A calm run south links you onto the Lee Navigation for an easy, scenic return before the New River guides you back to Highbury.

Ride description  

Rolling out from Highbury & Islington, pass a the smart terraces over looking Highbury Fields, the route park hops north before joining the Pymms Brook trail and finally reaching gravel at Arkright Lane

Prepare for a series of fast rides on  Hertfordshire’s well-kept bridleways as you head ever northwards towards Hatfield and the upper reaches of the River Lee. 

From there, the character changes completely as you dive into Wormley Woods. Tight trails, shifting light and a few roots - it's one of my favorite trails to ride, you'll see why when you ride there. 

Dropping back toward Enfield, things mellow out again. The route joins the new path along the New River, a misnomer for a canal started in 1609 to bring water into the capital.

A final push along the Lee Navigation to Tottenham beofre joining that new old river for the final time to arrive back at Highbury and Islington Station.  

Start and End Points 

Start/Finish: Highbury and Islington 

Ride Details 

• Distance: 88 km | 54 miles
• Climb: 760 m | 2500 ft 
• Percentage off-road: 60%
• Trail surface: Gravel | Cycle Paths | Single Track | Minor Roads
• Technical Grade: Green  - Red
• Mudometer - Good - largely on all weather gravel paths 

Ride Highlights

• Urban to Wild Transition: Leave Highbury via a string of North London parks, then drop onto the Pymmes Brook Trail — a leafy, peaceful start.
• Country Flow: Power onto well-maintained Hertfordshire bridleways and cruise toward the upper Lee near Hatfield.
• Wormley Woods: Dive into your favourite woodland with twists, roots, and that raw, immersive red-grade feel.
• Waterway Finale: Follow the elegant New River Path into Enfield, then ride the Lee Navigation before looping back into Highbury.
• Varied Terrain: Expect a mix of urban park paths, towpaths, woodland trails and bridleways — keeps the ride dynamic.

Is this ride for me? 

Challenging (50-90km)

A longer ride suitable for most 'Club' level riders competent riding off-road.

Routes will be on bridleways and gravel paths with some steeper climbs. descents, roots and other features.

Suitable for MTB, gravel, cyclocross bikes and off-road e-bikes.

Read more about our grades here

Is my bike OK for this ride? 

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