Up Hampstead Heath

This is a challenging ride not because of the distance, but for the hills, and some fairly busy roads near Hampstead Heath. The terrain in the Heath is not suitable for skinny tyres.

We will cycle to Hampstead Heath to take in the beautiful views from different parts of the park. This also means taking on some challenging hills to get in (and out) of the Heath, but it will all be worth it.

We will head off through Maida Vale and Chalk Farm, reaching the bottom of the Heath from Gospel Oak. We cut through Parliament Hill and climb our first hills in Highgate, where we join the busy Hampstead Lane for a while, until we reach the entrance to Kenwood House. We will stop here for a coffee break and to enjoy the surroundings and the beautiful views from the top.

After our break, we briefly come out of the Heath and join the busy Spaniards Road for yet another hill, soon to turn into the shared pedestrian and cycling lane inside the park again. Please note that the shared paths in Hampstead Heath are unpaved and gravelly, and can get quite muddy if it had rained recently, so road bike tyres will struggle here.

We come out of the Heath and join quiet roads in Hampstead, taking one final series of hills. After that, it’s mostly downhill back through West Hampstead and Kilburn. We aim to be back at Roundwood Park by 2pm.

If you find this ride fully booked, get in the waiting list as spaces always become available nearer the date. However, please do not sign up if you’re not sure you can join.

IMPORTANT POINTS: *Helmets aren't compulsory but advisable. *Check that your tyres are pumped and bring a spare inner tube and all necessary tools in case of a puncture. *If you have Covid-19 or have been told to self-isolate, or can't make it for any other reason, please cancel your space so someone else can join. *Only riders who booked themselves on the ride will be allowed to join. *Unless the weather takes a nasty turn making it unsafe or unpleasant to cycle, this ride will go ahead even if it rains. Dress for the weather and bring a rain coat just in case.

First-timers welcome!