Friday 5th November 2021 9:15am

Starting from - Meet outside Ealing Town Hall by the bike stands, gathering from 9.15am for a 9.30am departure. We should return to Ealing by 2.30pm-3pm. W5 2BY

This West London Breeze ride is open for anyone to join

  • 27.3 miles
  • Mountain Bike, Hybrid (off road tyres), Hybrid (road tyres)
  • 5 hr
  • Steady
  • Ealing
  • Adults 16+ only
  • Women only

Free, women-only bike rides led by experienced Breeze Champions. They are a great way to get started in cycling or to improve your skills, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned cyclist.

Starting point




London
W5 2BY

This isn’t a long ride, but it packs in some sharp hills!

From Ealing we head out to the north-east, using the cycle tracks alongside the North Circular to take us through Stonebridge Park, before turning onto quiet roads to ride past the spectacular BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, and onwards into Gladstone Park. More side roads take us around Cricklewood and West Hampstead, where we find a relatively gentle route uphill to enter Hampstead Heath. We enjoy the lovely 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 beautiful views.

Riding on, we descend on the cycle track by Spaniards Road, before turning back across the Heath on another track, along the bottom for a short distance, and then back up to the lower slopes of Parliament Hill. If we wish, we can lock our bikes here and take a short walk to the top of the Hill to admire the spectacular views over London. Then we return via Gospel Oak, St John’s Wood and Maida Vale, dropping down to the canal at the Halfpenny Bridge to join Cycleway 23 (formerly Quietway 2) in North Kensington. We ride through Wormwood Scrubs and onto the cycle track along Western Avenue, before turning off through Acton and back to Ealing.

Apart from the 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.

Route rating

5 stars (1) Reviews

A ride that takes us up to the top of Hampstead Heath for spectacular views of London.

We will use quieter roads and cycle tracks where possible. There will be some short stretches on busier roads. The tracks over the Heath are unpaved and not suitable for road bikes.

We will stop at Kenwood House for refreshments and toilets.

Please do not attend if you or anyone in your household has any Covid 19 symptoms or is currently required to self-isolate. We will maintain social distancing and hygiene precautions. Please bring hand sanitiser, wipes etc and a face covering, unless you are exempt. Please bring a lock for your bike and money for the cafe (card payment).

First-timers welcome!

Who else is on this ride?

Ride leaders

Profile photo for Helen Hayes
  • Breeze Champion

    Breeze Champion

Helen Hayes

Assistants

7 ride participants

Conversation

Register to join the conversation about this ride