By bicycle from City of London to Catford

This ride takes you from the historic heart of the City of London down to the lively neighbourhood of Catford in southeast London — just over 16 km, mostly sticking to smooth, paved surfaces and plenty of dedicated cycleways. You’ll pedal out through the financial district, dodging early morning suits and the occasional delivery van, before gliding south into quieter, leafier boroughs.

About half the route uses cycleways, so you can relax a bit and soak in the scenery: look out for glimpses of the Shard and the Thames early on. With just a few gentle inclines (max elevation’s only about 30 metres!) and more descent than ascent, it’s a pretty friendly route for most cyclists.

When you roll into Catford, you’ll spot its famous oversized Catford Cat sculpture watching over the high street. The area’s known for its thriving food markets and local indie shops—a perfect spot to grab a coffee and a snack before heading off on your next adventure. Happy riding!