Profile of the Bromley Urban Cycle Routes
Introdution to our urban routes
We have used 8 local parks, dedicated traffic free cycle paths, available off road sections and minimised the use of main roads to create some great urban cycle routes with a rural feel. The parks used in these routes are Crystal Palace Park, Beckenham Place Park, Jubilee Country Park, Norman Park, Cator Park, South Norwood Country Park, Hayes Common & Forster Memorial Park. Please browse the circuit profiles below to find out if they are for you.
Please note that these circuits are circular and can be joined at any point. The starts are suggestions only as they offer public parking. Also these parks will be subject to the parks opening hours (please click here to see approximate opening times). Please also note that some parks have height restrictions at their entrances which may require you to remove any bicycles off your car bike rack before entering.
Sydenham (8.9 mile cycle route)
Where this cycle route goes through/nearAnerley, Elmers End, New Beckenham, Penge, South Norwood and Sydenham. |
Start – Public car parking is available at Crystal Palace Park, off Crystal Palace Park Road, opposite Sydenham Avenue.
Description – This cycle route combines Crystal Palace Park, South Norwood Country Park and Cator Park. It has no significant gradients and avoids, where possible, busy roads. There are some sections that would require a Hybrid or Mountain bike. Parking is also available at South Norwood Country Park.
Ratings· Club Cyclists – Not for you
· Regular Cyclists – Suitable
· Beginners/Occasional Cyclists – Suitable
Catford (9 mile cycle route)
Where this cycle route goes through/nearBellingham, Catford, Downham, New Beckenham & Southend. |
Start – Public car parking is available at Beckenham Place Car Park, Off Beckenham Hill Road (A2015). Near Beckenham Hill Station.
Description – This is a really good 9 mile circuit that is mainly on side roads and borough parks. The cycle route takes in Beckenham Place Park, Cator Park, Forster Memorial Park and an excellent ¾ mile traffic free section criss-crossing Ravensbourne River. The gradients are not severe but enough to give you a workout and the terrain means a Mountain bike needs to be used.
Ratings
· Club Cyclists – Not for you
· Regular Cyclists – Suitable
·
Beginners/Occasional Cyclists – This may test you in places
Beckenham (10 ¼ mile cycle route)
Where this cycle route goes through/nearBeckenham, Eden Park, Elmers End, Monks Orchard, New Beckenham, Park Langley, Penge, Shortlands & Woodside |
Start – Public car parking is available at South Norwood Country Park. The car park is off Albert Road, Near Woodside, Croydon.
Description – This is an excellent 10 mile route that links South Norwood Country Park and Beckenham Place Park to create a relatively flat urban circuit with a rural feel. We have minimised the use of major roads, with minor roads and off road/park sections representing the majority of this route. You will need a mountain bike to complete this circuit. Parking is also available at Beckenham Place Park.
Ratings
· Club Cyclists – Not testing but a good 10 mile route
· Regular Cyclists – It’s a nice Sunday ride
· Beginners/Occasional Cyclists – Suitable
Bromley Common (11.4 mile cycle route)
Where this cycle route goes through/nearBickley, Bromley Common, Hayes, Keston, Locksbottom, Orpington & Petts Wood. |
Start – Public car parking is available in Norman Park, Hook Farm Road Entrance, Off Bromley Common, A21.
Description – This is a great circuit that is relatively flat and largely on minor roads or parks. This cycle route takes in stretches of Norman Park, Hayes Common & Jubilee Park. Some of the off road sections in Hayes can be muddy in the wetter months so we have included on the map a road alternative. You will need a Mountain bike for this route. Parking is also available at Hayes Common and Jubilee Park.
Ratings· Club Cyclists – Not testing but a good route
· Regular Cyclists – Suitable
· Beginners/Occasional Cyclists – This may test you in places
Catford & Beckenham (14.6 mile cycle route)
Where this cycle route goes through/nearBeckenham, Bellingham, Catford, Downham, Eden Park, Elmers End, Monks Orchard, New Beckenham, Park Langley, Penge, Shortlands Southend & Woodside. |
Start – Public car parking is available at South Norwood Country Park. The car park is off Albert Road, Near Woodside, Croydon.
Description – This cycle route links South Norwood Country Park, Cator Park, Forster Memorial Park, Beckenham Place Park and an excellent ¾ mile traffic free section criss-crossing Ravensbourne River to create a really great local circuit. You will need a mountain bike to complete it.
Ratings·
Club Cyclists – Not testing but a 15 mile local route
· Regular Cyclists – Suitable
· Beginners/Occasional Cyclists – This maybe too much
