The hidden areas of London - River paths

There’s nowhere like the River Thames when it comes to getting the city in perspective. You can hire a Santander Cycle and ride along its banks, taking in great views as you go, from Battersea Power Station and Shakespeare’s Globe to St Paul’s Cathedral and Shad Thames. Docking stations are located every few hundred metres in central London, making it easy to stop off and explore the myriad cultural, heritage and tourist attractions en route.

It’s walking only on various points of the Thames path, so look out for signs and be ready to dismount. On the shared use paths where cycling is allowed, remember that pedestrians have right of way. Cycle slowly (all the better for taking in the view) and considerately, ringing your bell to make pedestrians aware of your presence.

The Thames is London’s biggest and most famous river, but it’s not the only waterway in the capital. Two Thames tributaries, the River Wandle in the west and the River Lea in the east, both offer excellent riverside cycling opportunities. You can pick up a Santander Cycle from a number of docking stations in Wandsworth, near where the Wandle joins the River Thames. The Wandle Trail is almost entirely traffic-free and takes you through a dozen parks and green spaces on its way to Croydon (remember to stick to cycle paths). You’ll need to do a circular route and return your bike in Wandsworth though, as there are no docking stations further south than this. The River Lea, meanwhile, meanders through the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Hackney Marshes. The closest Santander Cycle docking stations are located to the east and south of Victoria Park, no more than a 10 minute cycle away.

Another great way to explore this side of London by bike is the Regent’s and Hertford Union Canals. These waterways (which link up with the Thames and the Lea respectively) offer quiet routes through otherwise busy areas. They’re also a fascinating insight into an alternative London lifestyle: the communities that live in narrowboats across the city. You’ll find cafes and bars to stop for refueling directly on the towpath in the section of the Regent’s Canal between Islington and Victoria Park, and the fantastic London Canal Museum in King’s Cross.