National Cycle Route 13: London–Purfleet

A flat, mostly traffic‑free roll from the City of London to Purfleet along the Thames. This stretch of NCN 13 strings together long, smooth cycleways with quiet back streets and just a few short busy bits. It’s largely paved and friendly for any bike, panniers, and families.

Expect a real London-to-estuary vibe shift: skyline views near the Square Mile, then out past docks and riverside industry to big‑sky marshland. Highlights include the Thames Path sections, Barking Creek, and Rainham Marshes nature reserve, with the QEII Bridge on the horizon as you near Purfleet. Shared spaces pop up in town centres, plus the odd cobble or small metal/wood bridge, but it’s easy going overall.

It’s basically flat (just a handful of gentle ups and downs), so great for steady sightseeing or a breezy commute. Watch for wind on the open marsh sections. Handy rail links along the way: City/Tower Hill at the start, Barking mid‑route, and Purfleet station at the finish.

Connections: ties in with London Cycleway routes in the city and links toward NCN 1 near the Thames. Perfect for a half‑day spin with coffee stops and river views.