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Recommendations for route from SE London to N Essex

by macrophotofly
Fri, Apr 10, 2015 12:47
6

I currently live and bike in Japan, but back this Sunday to visit some friends and need to cycle from Elmstead Woods (near Bromley in SE London) to Kelvedon (on the A12 in N Essex).

I've quickly used to RWG.com to create a "cycle" route between the two points (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7446819), but would gratefully appreciate any advice on, sections to avoid/better alternatives/etc.

Thanks!

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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6 comments

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macrophotofly | 9 years ago
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Wanted to thank everyone for their comments and suggestions. Many were incorporated into the final route.
Outbound (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7448201) I started in Blackheath due to a change of accommodation. Getting to Woolwich was very easy, with locating the foot tunnel entrance behind the leisure centre being the hardest part. North of the river by the Royal Docks Road became a series of cycle paths which initially seemed welcoming but the amount of rubbish and glass gave my tyres a serious test. North of the A13 was easy in daylight hours - not so sure I would have wanted to cycle through there at night. I navigated the roundabouts before Longbridge road (which was fine in itself) using the pedestrian lights. B177 was a little busy but made a lot easier by the cycle lane - although for stretches it seemed the cycle lane was actually a car park.
I did originally try to go via Havering Country Park but the paths did indeed turn to mud and I cycled around it. After Havering-ate-Bower it all become lovely as McVittees said. Enjoyed the route through the countryside ->Ingatestone -> Margaretting -> Galleywood (including the cheeky hill) -> Great Baddow. Getting out of Chelmsford I did not like (the Army and Navy with its underpass shut and the following cyclepaths being anything but smooth). Hence on my return I chose a longer route that avoided that area (http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7467614). From Boreham the route was beautiful (lots of blossom reminding me of Japan) and I enjoyed tremendously.
When I came to return all was good apart from the wind which slowed it from a 3h20 journey to a less respectable 3h55.
Thanks again

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Ratfink | 9 years ago
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That seems a bit of a long winded way up from the A13 through Ilford and like McVitees says i wouldn't recommend the A12 on a bike especially that stretch.
Royal docks road is really busy but i know there is a cycle path on the left hand side at least some of the way,Where it meets the A13 on the South side near the end of the cycle super highway,
I'd take this towards Movers lane (it goes under the A406 roundabout Blue line you can't miss it)
Then Cross the A13 into Movers lane take the 3rd right Kennedy Road then cross the rail line via the footbridge,turn right,then right again on Blake Avenue to the very end,cross Ripple Road into Upney Lane Past Upney Station then 3rd right into Westrow Drive until the end.
Right onto Longbridge Road,Left into Becontree Ave until the very end.
Then onto A112 where your route picks up.
I notice that route also sends you through Havering country park i've never actually been there but i'm not sure if its suitable for a road bike most cyclists approach Havering atte bower up Orange tree hill from Chase cross road.

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Rod Marton | 9 years ago
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I suggest you do the following for the last part of your route. First, miss out Chelmsford by cutting across to Margaretting, then to Galleywood, Gt Baddow and Boreham. Baddow can be a bit busy but this doesn't last too long. Then when you get to Hatfield Peverel, turn right on the B1019, first left and follow signposts to Wickham Bishops. Navigationally Wickham Bishops is a bit tricky, but it's sort of straight on and bit left. Then it's left at the T and first right, then left over the A12 into Kelvedon. There are a couple of hills on this route, but being Essex neither is too challenging.

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thesaladdays | 9 years ago
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The southern part of the route as you've shown is generally quite docile between Bromley and Eltham. Westmount Road south of Rochester Way can be a bit busy during peak hours, but tends to be fairly slow moving. Well Hall Rd (South Circular) is fine as you have a bus lane, but that suddenly comes to an end just as you get to the A207 (Shooters Hill).

That's where it gets a bit hairy as the road gets narrower (or at least it feels that way) and the cars start going faster through Woolwich Common. There are some shared pedestrian/cycling paths along the road at that point, but they seem sporadic and I suppose you could just cycle through Woolwich Common at that point. Beyond that the South Circular seems to have intermittent cycle lanes along the kerb, but I'm not sure if there's a better alternative to all that as I rarely find myself in the area, so hopefully somebody else can provide more info.

Remember that you can also use the free ferry service to get across the Thames instead of using the foot tunnel, as you're not allowed to cycle in the tunnel, and there's something about taking a bike on a boat... 105

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gmac101 | 9 years ago
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I've never cycled the route but I've used this App and site to plan a few routes and I've always found it a good place to start

http://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/43953543/

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McVittees | 9 years ago
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I live in Romford, commute to London most days and ride around North Essex at the weekends so will comment where I can. Unfortunately that means I can't help on the part of your ride south of the river. Anyway...

Firstly, do not ride along the A12...ever (of course crossing is fine!) From Ilford (bit hectic round there, be cautious) ride along the High Rd and then turn North to rejoin your route (say B177 & then Billet Rd). I'd also consider taking Blackmore Road to get you from Blackmore to Writtle...the A414 is'nt to bad a road outside of peak commute hours (8-9am/5-7pm). Afraid I haven't ridden on the B1389 out of Chelmsford. Aside from that, the rest looks ok, it just depends how many miles you want to ride. Once you get to Havering-atte-Bower its all lovely country side though.

Good luck and be careful on the British roads!

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