Roding Valley Way
Go to online mappingFrom - to: Roding Valley Station to Romford Road
Type: Mainly traffic-free paths, with some on-road sections
Access: Ilford Station, Roding Valley Underground (note: restrictions exist for taking bikes on the Underground, see the TfL website for more details)
Surface: Tarmac (on road), sealed and unsealed sections of traffic free path
This relatively new route connects Woodford Wells to Ilford via a mixture of pleasant traffic free paths and short on road sections. Hard work by local cycling groups over the last few years has helped deliver this route which is valuable for leisure and commuter trips alike. Despite following the M11-A406 corridor, the route is a surprisingly quiet and passes peaceful areas with a real countryside feel.
Starting at Woodford Wells, the route heads south and quickly joins traffic-free park routes. Where the route passes Southend Road (at a junction known as Charlie Brown's Roundabout) you need to walk the section along the southern side of the roundabout, but soon there is a good track on the left, which joins the River Roding.
Care is also needed around the pavements at Redbridge roundabout. Shortly after here you cross into Wanstead Park, which is a nice place to relax and watch the wildlife.
Local attractions:
- Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge, an historic tudor lodge, built for Henry VIII
- Wanstead Park
Bike hire:
- Redbridge Cycling Centre
- Tri and Run, Chigwell
- Go Pedal delivers and collects to most areas in London