Transport for London
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Pick up a cycle guide and take to two wheels

If you're new to cycling or want to build up your confidence in the saddle, order a London Cycle Guide from Transport for London (TfL).

There are 14 guides containing cycling leisure routes running through parks, forests, waterways and quiet residential streets.

They are perfect for pleasant pedalling rather than speed riding, many are car-free and several take you through the open spaces of the Royal Parks.

Each guide contains details of signed cycle routes on quieter and less busy routes, on Greenways, through parks and along canals.

They also show stations with cycle parking available as well as Barclays Cycle Superhighways.

Remember to plan your journey using TfL's cycling journey planner, available at tfl.gov.uk/cycling.

Here are our top picks of routes to try out:

West London: Tamsin Trail - Richmond Park

Cycle guide number 10.

A lovely green route that takes you away from the traffic and through some of the most attractive spaces in the capital.

Many of the routes in Richmond Park also link up with the wider London Cycle Network.

Look out for red and fallow deer on your way but don't get too close - at this time of year there are lots of young deer well protected by their mothers.

Central London: Regents Canal

Cycle guide numbers 1 and 7.

This route will take you through some of the Capital's gems including Little Venice, Regents Park, Camden Lock Market and Broadway Market.

From colourful narrow boats to imposing gentrified warehouses, each stretch brings you a new view of the city.

North London: Hampstead Heath

Cycle guide numbers 4 and 14.

Pack a picnic and ride through the heath before stopping off for a gorgeous green view while you eat.

There's a pergola, men's and women's outdoor ponds for swimming in, as well as the lush meadows and woodland to check out.

Well worth a visit.

South London: Wandle Trail

Cycle guide numbers 10 and 12.

Following the river Wandle this route takes in small parks and National Trust properties.

You can also enjoy the greenery and wildlife of a typical chalk stream set against some of south London's most industrialised landscapes.

Look out for Wilderness Island on your way - home to dozens of species of birds including woodpecker and tufted ducks.

The routes are recommended by experienced cyclists, and are checked and updated regularly.

The guides are available from some bike shops, via TfL's 24-hour travel information service on 0843 222 1234, or online at tfl.gov.uk/cycleguides


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