Ride5
RIDE 5
Thames Path, Out East
Distance: 30km
Difficulty: Generally easy, very flat, some pedestrians
Time: 1.5–2 hours
The Thames Path, which travels alongside London’s biggest river, runs all the way from Gloucester to Kent, but you can join this mostly traffic-free route at Tower Bridge and follow it through the Victorian streets of Bermondsey, passing the iconic Cutty Sark in Greenwich as you head towards the Thames Barrier. Soak up some of Britain’s industrial and maritime history before continuing along the riverbank until you reach Erith, where you can hop on a train home or, if you’re feeling fresh enough, grab an ice cream before cycling back. If you bike both ways, it’s a manageable (38 miles in all) and enjoyable day trip.
How to follow the route
We recommend a free app called BikeGPX (no login required).
Once installed, follow the link below to access the route.
Alternatively you can download the gpx file and use it in a cycling app.
Ride with GPS and Strava are great but you will need a subscription.
You can also view the route on Google Maps (but this option cannot be used for point-to-point navigation).
Safety tips
Make sure you can safely attach your phone to your bike – you can find holders online here - and remember to focus on your surroundings as well as the screen.
Please cycle responsibly: always wear a helmet and remember to account for the distance of the journey. It’s also good to have the map downloaded, in case you lose signal while on the road.
Make sure you can safely attach your phone to your bike – you can find holders online here - and remember to focus on your surroundings as well as the screen.