North London Topiary Tour

This may be a bit of a niche attraction – art meets horticulture meets cycling! It’s a fairly short ride, with little in the way of climbing, that takes in the best privet-based statuary North London has to offer.

There’s an early rendezvous to avoid tourists and heavy traffic. Starting from Baker Street Station, the route heads north through The Regent’s Park, along the canal and past Camden Lock. After Kentish Town, the first exhibit is at Tufnell Park. There are further viewings at Archway (maybe not strictly topiary, but definitely plant-based), Finsbury Park (3), Highbury (2), Canonbury and Dalston (technically East London, but never mind). The route is mostly comprised of quiet roads and paths. There are some very short stretches on main roads but hopefully the early start will mean reduced traffic levels.

With the low mileage, we won’t stop for coffee en route but will head to the cafe at Camley Road Natural Park (behind King’s Cross) for post ride refreshments and a vote on the group’s favourite hedge. The journey back to Harrow, if you don’t fancy pedalling, can be completed on the Metropolitan Line from King’s Cross or the Lioness Line/LNR from Euston.

We will ride at a very sedate pace and make frequent stops for photos.

Ensure that your bike is in good condition and that you can deal with punctures or mechanical issues. Use this guide: https://lcc.org.uk/advice/bike-safety-check/. Have a plan for how you will get home if your bike becomes unrideable or you are unable to continue. Bring a spare innertube, a pump and tools to fix a puncture. Dress appropriately for the conditions. Bring a drink and snack (or money to purchase).

Speed 6-8mph. 400ft climbing.

Before signing up for this ride, ensure that you are able to cope with the distance, speed and amount of climbing for this route. The time for the ride is a best estimate by the Organiser. Sometimes this can be affected by factors such as the weather, mechanical issues, the queue at the cafe, etc.

The time for the ride is a best estimate by the Ride Leader. Sometimes it can be affected by factors such as the weather, mechanical issues, etc. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so, if anyone is struggling, we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary.

A niche tour of front garden art.

Mostly quiet roads and paths. Some parks, a canal towpath and very few main roads

Lots of stops for photos. Finish at cafe.

First-timers welcome!