Next in our hand-picked cycling route series is the beautiful Colne Valley Park.
The eight mile, mostly car-free route is set in Colne Valley Park, a 27,500 acre area of peaceful, tranquil parks, green spaces and reservoirs between the River Colne and the Grand Union Canal. It’s a circular route starting at Uxbridge and with lots of open space is a great place to get back on your bike if you haven’t cycled for a while.
The park has 200 miles of river and canal and over 60 lakes and is perfect for a day trip. Take along a packed lunch and stop off at one of the many picnic areas dotted around the luscious green woodland.
Paddle or dip for fish in the clear water of the river Colne, and look out for kingfishers and dragonflies. Look out for the community of barge owners growing their own vegetables.
The adventurous could even try out flying at Denham Aerodrome!
Stop off for a tea or coffee at the friendly Visitor Centre where there’s a fantastic playground to keep the kids entertained.
The park is also home to golf clubs, angling societies, and provides sailing, water skiing, canoeing and windsurfing through a number of different organisations.
Route map and guides
About Colne Valley Park
Colne Valley Park was established in 1965, and stretches from Rickmansworth in the north to Staines and the Thames in the south, Uxbridge and Heathrow in the east to Slough and Chalfont in the west.
Best bits:
- Colne Valley Park Visitor Centre
- Colne Valley Park offers two orienteering courses for children and adults, ask at the Visitor’s Centre for more details
Route:
If you’re coming by train, you can start the ride from Uxbridge. There are no steps at the station so you can ride off straight away. Uxbridge station is a point of interest in itself – the striking building was designed by the architect Charles Holden.
National Rail’s planner lets you know where you can take your bike on the train. Getting onto the route is a short journey along quiet roads and cycle lanes.
More cycling routes
If you’d like to try out some more rides, try this map of car-free routes and these excellent traffic-free family rides.
