Forum Topic

Cycling in Ealing

In a bid to improve my fitness I am spending more time out on my bike but this Borough is mainly on the flat (canals etc) with relatively few hills .  Mindful that it is the climbs that get the heart and legs pumping I was wondering if any cyclists out there could suggest more challenging, and hopefully interesting, routes in Ealing or adjacent Boroughs? Tour de France mountain like stages not expected.

Philip Coe ● 4006d14 Comments

Hello Diane,You cycle down the canal path all the way to the Holiday Inn at Brentford Lock, You come up onto the High Street and have to turn right. There's a cycle path and a pedestrian crossing which you use to cross the high street then turn left into a dead end road with an alley at the end (just past a small parade of shops). This leads to the garden centre in Syon Park.

Sam Salisbury ● 3983d

Hi Sam I cycle along the canal to Brentford Lock and am trying to picture at what point you get to Syon Park?  We usually walk the bikes over the bridge to Boston Manor Park so he can have a play on the swings but I'm getting a bit bored of that now and would like to explore a bit more. This sound like a good route for a 7 year old as it's flat.

Diane Gill ● 3984d

I live in Hanwell and try and go for a cycle every weekend. Sometimes to Richmond Park, sometimes more local and now and then I venture a bit further. I would welcome some company if you fancy it.

Martin Geraghty ● 3984d

Ben, Thanks for the invite but probably the get togethers not for me at the moment. However I will check out the website and subscribe to the Newsletter.

Philip Coe ● 3985d

Sign up on Ealing Cycling Campaign's website to get advisory emails of  forthcoming rides where you can meet and mingle with like minded people.  Our social rides vary in length and speed.They will always be led by experienced cyclists.We have our monthly meeting tonight (Wed) at Cafe Grove, in The Grove, if you care to join us. We get off to a flying start at 7.30. You will receive a warm welcome.

Ben Owen ● 3985d

Sam, that looks like a splendid route.Philip, well done for cycling the Richmond Park circuit. It'll keep you fit - there are many pleasant cyclists in Richmond Park - great stuff.

Gerry Tan ● 3985d

There's also a nice run if you head south on the canal to Brentford, then though Syon Park, past the London Apprentice and pick up the river path on the north side in Isleworth. If you then cross the river on the footbridge just this side of Richmond, you can cycle down the south side of the river through Kingston then to Hampton Court and beyond. It's flat but is a good distance and almost all off road and pretty pleasant  ...

Sam Salisbury ● 3985d

Finally made it to Richmond, around the Park, and back.  A pleasant ride today in the sun and certainly a few sections to get the system going - not least getting to the Park via Richmond Hill which I suspect, if not the steepest, is the biggest ascent of the day. Managed to complete the circuit without walking albeit I went anticlockwise which I gather is for wimps?As I am a couple of miles from picking up the Grand Union near The Fox Hanwell I would guess a round trip of approx 24 miles (split one third getting to the Park, one third around it, and one third getting back) which at my slowish pace translates to in excess of 2 hours - probably a little on the long side for a quick scoot out after work.So while I will do this again from time to time, and hopefully clockwise one day, still looking for something more local for something similar at half the distance.Many thanks for the suggestion.

Philip Coe ● 3986d

I love cycling and have done since I was five.  I'm used to being fit but was never a big fitness fanatic.Some of my mates who were good at football and played five a side are finding that at 40 they have worn out joints and need hip joints replacing. Now I'm glad I was rubbish at football ! At least I still have joints that are pain free.But I've been warned that excessive wear is starting.The suggestion is to swim instead, but A it takes time to go to, B. Costs to do and C. I hate swimming!!

Anthony Waller ● 4005d

Oh dear.  I turned to cycling as an alternative to the potential damage that road running can do to the knees. I thought it was the high loads on impact that did the damage? Not sure that I fancy swimming.Had not thought of Richmond Park as I was thinking more Ealing, Hounslow or Hillingdon, but will give it a try.  Thanks to all.

Philip Coe ● 4005d

One should be aware that whilst I am still very fit and still cycle, I have been advised to cut down as it is placing wear on my hip  and knee joints that are starting aggravate.Consultant tells me that cycling the amount I do ( a modest 50 miles a week) is likely to put me in a restricted movement situation within 6 years. He suggest swimming and avoiding cycling on gradients.He told me a lot of cyclists and runners are doing it too hard too long and are setting themselves up for early disability and that a careful balance needs to be struck.Not to easy in this part as it is quite hilly.

Anthony Waller ● 4005d

I'd second Richmond Park. Nearest reasonable hills round here plus a cafe as a bonus. A lap is 6 miles I think so you can increase the laps as your fitness goes up!More challenging are the Surrey Hills, which are quite a way further out. If you get the chance, try the London / Brighton charity ride which is normally in early Summer. That's good fun and ends with a bit of a challenge in Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs then a mad downhill all the way to Brighton town centre.

Sam Salisbury ● 4005d

Getting the heart pumping is easy on the flat, just get into a lower gear and pedal harder.I cycle to work (Croydon) from Ealing the majority of the journey is what can be described as flat yet I certainly get the heart racing on sections of that 16 miles (one way).

Lee Page ● 4005d

I have been using Richmond Park for a good few years , from Hanwell down the Boston Manor Road ( or the canal tow path if your bike`s of the sturdier type) through Syon Park to old Isleworth left into Richmond Road until you get to Railhead Road then along the river front to Richmond Bridge , over the bridge turn right up Richmond Hill and into the park , going clockwise round the park gives a great run down to Roehampton Gate then around to Robin Hood Gate where you start the clinb up Test Hill , you will probably need a triple chain ring for this depending on your fitness , if this is a bit daunting first time around you can cut this bit out and go via the Isabella Plantation , anyway on from Test Hill past the Kingston Gate and back out through the Richmond Gate , turn left down Star and Garter Hill - great descent- right at the traffic lights and back in towards Richmond Bridge . Total milege Hanwell and back , just over 20 miles , this will certailnly get your heart legs and lungs working , enjoy.

Dave Burke ● 4005d