We've created some short circular rides suitable for exercise during the Coronavirus pandemic. They avoid narrow paths and town centres to enable you to keep 2m away from other people. They run mainly on quiet back streets, with the occasional stretch of wider cycle path.
Click on the maps below to see the routes. From there you can download the route to your phone or GPS device. For phone use, you will need either the basic Ride with GPS App, which costs about £5 per month, or the OsmAnd map app which is free (instructions at the bottom of the page). You don't have to navigate to the start of the route - you can pick it up from any point. If you have any questions or suggestions please send us a message.
(You can also download the files directly from the .tcx and .gpx links below.)
Short Rides
S1 Northfields and Syon Park - 9 miles (1 to 1.5 hours)
From Boston Manor Station this route runs through Northfields and South Ealing, down to Brentford, Syon Park and Isleworth. It returns via the cycle paths alongside the Great West Road and Boston Manor Road.
S2 Ealing and Acton - 9 miles (1 to 1.5 hours)
This circular route runs from Haven Green in the centre of Ealing to the new Cycleway 34, alongside the A40. It then heads south to Bedford Park where you can admire the architecture of the first garden suburb. From here it heads north west to Ealing Common then loops around Walpole Park and back to Haven Green.
From Park Avenue in Southall, this route heads north to Greenford then west to the green open spaces around Yeading Brook before returning to Southall.
.tcx file .gpx file
Mid-length Rides
M1 Hanwell and Northala Circular - 15 miles (1.5 to 2 hours)
.tcx file .gpx file
This ride - courtesy of Murray - takes in three of the highest hills within striking distance of Ealing. Starting from the town hall it heads west to the conical hills of Northala Fields - built from the rubble of the old Wembley Stadium, then north to Harrow on the Hill (above), then east to Horsenden Hill. The road doesn't go to the top of Horsenden, but if you want to see the view, you can turn off by the yellow barrier and walk to the top.
Longer Ride
L1 Three Parks Ride -27 miles (3 to 4 hours)
1. Download and install the OsmAnd app on your phone. [OsmAnd for Android OsmAnd for iPhone].
2. Download the .gpx file for the route.
On your phone: Either a) Click on the .gpx file link on this page. This will download a zipped file of the route.
Or b) Go to the Ride with GPS page for the route. Click on "More", then from the drop down menu click "Export as File". Click the "GPX Track (.gpx)" option, then click "Download .gpx File".
3. Open the .gpx file in OsmAnd app.
On iPhones. Open the "Files" folder, then click on the downloaded file. If you chose option a) above, select "Preview Content", then click on the share icon in top right corner. Click "Copy to OsmAnd Maps" (you may have to click "More" first.
If you chose option b) you won't need to preview content.
GPS uses a lot of battery power, so try to make sure your phone is fully charged before you set out.