Hampstead Heath, Kenwood & Burgh House

We haven’t been to Hampstead Heath since January, so it’s time to repeat this challenge to our hill climbing abilities!

This isn’t a long ride, but it packs in some sharp hills. Apart from the off-road tracks over the Heath, this is an urban ride, so we won’t be going very fast. You need to be fairly confident riding in traffic, but we do use quieter roads and cycle tracks where possible. Going to Hampstead means hills, so be ready for a challenge! We will go at a steady pace, no one will be left behind, and we will take time to pause and regroup at the top of hills.

From Ealing, we ride via Stonebridge Park, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, and Gladstone Park. After navigating side roads around Cricklewood and West Hampstead, we make our way uphill to enter Hampstead Heath. We ride on the off-road tracks across the Heath, before tackling the toughest hill of the ride, up to the top of Hampstead Lane. A short stretch of main road brings us to Kenwood House, for welcome refreshments and time to relax and enjoy the beautiful views.

Riding on, we descend on the cycle track by Spaniards Road and then back down to the bottom of the Heath. We will then be visiting the lovely Burgh House Museum in the centre of Hampstead https://www.burghhouse.org.uk/whats-on, where there are two temporary exhibitions featuring female artists (free admission). If you don’t want to visit Burgh House, you are free to make your own way home from here.

We will use London Overground services from Hampstead Heath for our return journey. For those wishing to return to Ealing, we will take the Overground via Willesden Junction to Acton Central (approx. 30 mins) and then ride back to Ealing.

Ride up to Hampstead and over the Heath, then back down to Hampstead to visit the art exhibitions at the Burgh House Museum, returning on London Overground.

Quieter roads where possible, some busier roads. Some sharp climbs. Unsealed shared tracks over the Heath.

Refreshment stop at Kenwood House. Optional visit to Burgh House Museum.

Money/card for rail fare & refreshments. Lock for your bike. Water & snacks for the ride. Lights for your homeward journey.

First-timers welcome!