A day ride through nature close to London – Beeches Cycleway

Colourful boats bob gently against the banks of the Grand Union Canal and the River Thames; birds call from the treetops in shaded forests; vibrant heaths and sprawling parklands frame the road. The Beeches Cycleway is a wonderful journey through the natural heart of Buckinghamshire.

The official Beeches Cycleway leads 12 miles (19 km) from Black Park to Dorney Olympic rowing lake in an arc around the thriving town of Slough. In this Collection, I guide you from Langley station to Windsor and Eton Central station in the historic city of Windsor as these stations are the closest to the Way. Including these legs, this ride totals 23 miles (38 km) – ideal for a day trip from London.

The Way takes you through beautiful nature spots where wildlife thrives: you explore rare flora and fauna in Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve; discover blooming heathlands and countless ponds on Stoke Common, a Site of Scientific Interest; watch birdlife play in the lake at Black Park; ride along countless shaded forest paths, and more.

On the way, you find plenty of cafes to enjoy an ice cream beside a lake or stop for lunch. You can stock up on snacks in the idyllic villages and towns that lie en route such as Fulmer, Burnham, Iver, and Maidenhead. It’s always a good idea to carry plenty of water with you, especially in summer.

As the cycleway is mostly flat, this route is a great day trip for all levels and ages of riders, whether you are a seasoned pro or riding with children. You mostly follow well-surfaced cycle paths, lanes, and minor roads. On any short stints on busier roads, there is usually the option to push your bike along the footpath if you are unconfident riding in traffic.

Any bike is suitable for this adventure – from your trusty steel steed to your road bike. However, bear in mind that the bridleways across Stoke Common can be boggy after rain. The Way is marked by blue signposts throughout.

You can comfortably extend your ride through the varied countryside via the NCN4 and 61 cycle routes. The region around Slough has a lot to offer from exhilarating rides at Legoland to the shimmering waters of Virginia Water Lake.

The starting point at Langley station is less than one-hour train ride from London and has direct connections to Oxford. You can conveniently return home by train from Windsor & Eton Riverside station as well, which has regular trains to London Waterloo.

Whether you are looking for a weekend break or a day trip on your bike, the Beeches Cycleway is a wonderful journey through diverse nature, with plenty of cake stops and historical sites en route too.