The Full Day Explorer
A 12km ride to Teddington Lock, over Teddington Bridge to Twickenham and back on the river. 100% river ride. Never the same route twice.
A 12km ride to Teddington Lock, over Teddington Bridge to Twickenham and back on the river. 100% river ride. Never the same route twice.
Our longest route: out along the Thames to Teddington Lock, over Teddington Bridge into Twickenham for the bakeries and coffee shops, and back the way you came, right on the water the entire time. Best paired with our full day hire so there's no clock to watch.
At 12km this is our longest route, but it's not a difficult one, the whole thing runs along the river so it stays flat from start to finish. The surface is a comfortable mix of tarmac and towpath throughout. It gets busier near the locks and bridges, popular spots for walkers and other cyclists, especially on weekends, but the stretches in between are peaceful, particularly the run out past Ham and back through Twickenham. Because it's a there-and-back river route rather than a loop, you get two completely different perspectives on the same stretch of water, plus proper distance views over the locks and weirs at Teddington. At 12km this is the route where the Gravel bike really earns its place, built for covering distance, though the Cruiser / Hybrid handles it fine too if you're taking it slow.
This is the one route where we'd genuinely recommend the full day hire, there's no rush built in and you'll want the time. Set off mid-morning, take a long stop in Twickenham for lunch, and you'll be back well before the light goes even outside of summer. Weekdays are noticeably quieter along the whole route than weekends.
Bring layers, you're out for longer here and it can turn cooler by the water later in the day even in good weather. A phone charger or power bank isn't a bad shout if you're relying on your phone for the maps links all day. Your cooler box is worth using properly on this one: pack a drink or two for the ride rather than relying on stopping.
It's not required, but we'd recommend it. At 12km with plenty worth stopping for, most guests find the hourly rate adds up fast on this one, and the full day means genuinely no rush.
The distance is longer than our other routes, but the terrain is flat and easy throughout. If you're comfortable riding for a few hours at a relaxed pace, you'll manage this route fine.
Of course, it's entirely up to you. Turn back whenever you like, there's no set pace or checkpoint you need to hit. The itinerary is there to guide you, not to rush you.
Book your bike and we'll send you the complete itinerary for The Full Day Explorer: every stop, in order, with Google Maps links to get you there. This page is just the teaser, the real route comes with your booking.