Overall Route Rating: ⭐⭐
Escape The City is a route that runs from the Thames, up the Lee valley, all the way to the Hertford East train station. It is a 31 miles route that can be rough in places. Some of the route is on shared pavements along fast A-roads.
In various places, the route is on-road, on (usually) quiet roads. If you’re thinking of cycling this route and getting the train back, read my Bikes On Trains guide first.
Surface
The surface varies greatly. Parts are smooth tar or concrete, while much of it is unsurfaced. It can be rough and narrow in places.
Bikes
Ideally, you want a gravel bike, a mountain bike, or a sturdy hybrid bike. Trike won’t get through all of this route, and tandems may struggle.
Toilets
There are toilets in various places in London, including the Boathouse Café in Spring Hill recreation ground. Also at the McDonald’s at Waltham Abbey, at Hayes Hill Farm Café, The Rye House pub and at Hertford East train station.
Points of Interest
There are numerous attractions along the way, and of course the Lee Valley is scenic in itself. Also look out for the Royal Gunpowder Mills railway along the way.
Routes in Greater London
- River Wey Navigation traffic-free cycle route
- Thames Path traffic-free cycle route
- Escape The City
- Grand Union Canal – Paddington Branch
Barriers
There are some barriers and narrowings at various points along this route.
Ratings
Safety: ⭐Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐
Refreshment stops: ⭐⭐
Barriers: ⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐
Forecast for this route
What it looks like
More Routes
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DayCycle
DayCycle routes are routes can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. Many contain detailed route guides, as well as embedded maps (like the one below) from which you can download the GPX file for the route.