Tour: Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea

This post describes a 3-day cycle tour from Chelmsford to Clacton-on-Sea (staying overnight in Colchester and Felixstowe). Just add a start date and book your hotels in. Specific timings assume a Monday to Wednesday tour so your train times may be different. 

Start Point: Chelmsford Station (Greater Anglia)

Alternative Start: There is an option to meet later in the ride by taking the train to Witham 

Finish Point: Clacton-on-Sea Station (Greater Anglia)

Meetup Time: 09:50

Start Time: 10:00

Route:

No. Days: 3

Day 1: 60 km (38km if starting from Clacton-on-Sea)

Day 2: 48 km

Day 3: 

Overnight: Individuals book their own accommodation in Colchester such as the "Colchester A12 Premier Inn" to the north of the town and Felixstowe Premier Inn. 

Ferry:

The Harwich to Felixstowe foot and cycle ferry is £8.10 one-way with a bicycle. The booking site allows up to 12 bicycles in the booking drop down list which suggests a level of capacity. Your ride leader may do a block booking so check with them before booking.

The Harwich Harbour Ferry can be pre-booked and there are options to cancel or change the booking. At the time of writing (May 2026) you can update your booking up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations are only allowed up to 14 days before departure.

Hotels:

Colchester A12 Premier Inn 

Felixstowe Town Centre Premier Inn, in 2026 a room on a Tuesday night was £43 though prices vary. 

Other independent and chain hotels is available, though few are as clear as Premier Inn regarding bikes; Premier Inn is bike friendly. 

Evening Meal:

Colchester has the full range if you want to go in to town otherwise look locally. 

Felixstowe has the full range of eateries in the town centre in walking distance of the Premier Inn. The clue is mostly in the name here.

Blue Naan does Indian cuisine and has vegetarian options. It operates a dry bar and has various non-alcoholic drinks such as zero-beer.  A 13-minute walk from the Premier Inn. Open until 9:30pm Sundays. 

Fish Dish serves fish and chips. Grilled fish is available though the vegetarian options are limited to various halloumi dishes (starters and salad) and penne based mains. A 5-minute walk from the Premier Inn. Open until 8:30pm Sundays. 

Loca Bar and Restaurant has a varied European menu including more vegetarian dishes than you usually get, specifically more than one. A 10-minute walk from the Premier Inn. Open until 7pm Sundays which doesn't offer much time to wash off the trail dust before eating.

Café Bencotto serves Mediterranean cuisine including pasta, pizza and other interesting mains. It also has a plant-based menu. A 20-minute walk from the Premier Inn. Open until 9pm Sundays. Café Bencotto operate a walk-in policy. 

Average Speed: 10mph

Stops: Every 15 miles approximately. As this is designed to be a comfortable tour extra stops are possible and even encouraged.

The Day 1 Stages (56km):

Stage 1, Chelmsford Station to Wickham Bishops (24km) where a café stop at the delightful Mrs Salisbury's is suggested.

Stage 2, Wickham Bishops to Tiptree (8km) where you could stretch your legs to take in the town or stop for coffee if you rolled through Wickham Bishops. 

Stage 3, Tiptree to Colchester (24km) takes you through Colchester to the Premier Inn by the A12.

The Day 2 Stages (64km):

Stage 4, Colchester to Hadleigh (20km).

Stage 5, Hadleigh to Ipswich (20km)

Stage 6, Ipswich to Felixstowe (24km)

The Day 3 Stages (64km):

Stage 7, Felixstowe to

Stage 8

Stage 9, Wivenhoe to Clacton-on-Sea 

It is suggested that individuals book the crossing in advance unless your ride leader has done that. The 10:30 crossing is the first one of the day. https://theharbourferry.co.uk/

Suggested Café Stops:

See Stages above though the plan is to do café stops on an ad hoc basis.

Shorten the outward route using the train:

Start at Clacton-on-Sea. 

Shorten the return route using the train:

Return from Manningtree. 

Suitable Bikes:

Any, though bare in mind the distance and pace. A heavy eBike might not be suitable for the foot ferry so check, and eBikes aren't permitted on London Underground or London Overground trains. 

Surface:

Mostly tarmac, though there may be gravel, rough surfaces and potholes on lanes.

Mechanic:

None

Support Vehicle:

None

Broom Wagon:

None 

No Drop Ride:

Yes, no-one gets left behind, though note the rider requirements.

Rider Requirements:

Be responsible for your own safety 

Follow the highway code

Arrive with a well maintained bike 

Carry equipment to repair a puncture or two

Dress/pack for the forecast conditions 

Be comfortable maintaining 10mph for about 15 miles of continuous cycling on the flat

Be self-sufficient with regards hydration and fuelling; ask for a stop if you require one.

Kit List for a short break

Organiser Tips:

Premier Inn and some other chain hotels typically do lower Sunday and Monday night rates, higher Saturday rates. Check café opening times for your chosen dates. Premier Inn allow bikes in rooms. 

The Kit List for a short break provides suggestions for extra items though consider the weather and the nature of the ride.

Rider Tips:

Pack light. Packing should be the same as for a day ride plus any overnight essentials. Seriously, pack light. If you have any questions ask the organiser. 

In contrast to shorter rides the person navigating may not be familiar with the whole route, there may be roadworks and diversions so be aware and look after your own safety.

Premier Inn allow clean bicycles in rooms though some don't have lifts so phone ahead and request a ground floor room if this might be an issue for you. Keeping your bike in your room means you don't necessarily need your heavy Gold Secure bike lock.

With only about 250m of ascent each day this isn't a hilly tour.

Day 1 (Sunday):

07:14 Leave Northwick Park 

07:52 Arrive Liverpool Street station 

08:38 Take the Wivenhoe train

09:47 Arrive Wivenhoe Station

10:00 Leave Wivenhoe 

11:30 Arrive Clacton-on-Sea for coffee

12:30 Leave Clacton-on-Sea

14:00 Time for a 20-minute break

15:30 Arrive Harwich Harbour Foot Ferry 

16:10 Take the last ferry to Felixstowe; pre-book this with bicycles 

Day 2 (Monday):

10:30 Take the first ferry to Harwich 

10:45 Leave Harwich 

12:45 Arrive Manningtree for lunch

13:45 Leave Manningtree 

15:45 Arrive Clacton-on-Sea for ice-cream

17:04 Train to London

18:30 Arrive London 

From 19:00 Metropolitan Line home

Option to alight at Stratford for London Overground 

Route Guidance:

Use the cycle paths that take you round the busy roundabouts near the ferry terminal. 

Kenton to Richmond Park

Ride type:

Guided Rides

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Steady

Ride title:

Kenton to Richmond Park 

Start Postcode:

HA3 8AX

Elevation:

GPX reference:

Komoot route

Introduce your route:

New riders are welcome. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so if anyone is struggling we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary. If you have questions or concerns speak to the Ride Leader or contact them before the ride. We ask that you read the full details of the ride including the distance and terrain to ensure the ride will be enjoyable for you. There are options to join the ride at Moor Park Station or finish at Watford Station. This is a fantastic route when the bluebells are out in mid-April.

Kind of roads you'll be riding:

We will use a mix of roads and cycle paths on this route with some hills and short sections of main road with fast moving traffic.

Stops on the way:

This ride goes to Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park where there is a café by Peg's Pond Gate and elsewhere in the park.

What to bring:

Please check your bike at home before the ride leaving yourself time to remedy any issues such as brake adjustments and repairing punctures. Bring a spare inner tube of the correct size and valve type for your bike, the tools to repair a puncture, a bike lock, water and a snack. It is advised that you bring money for the café or unexpected circumstances such as taking the train home. Please be mindful that not everywhere takes cash payment.

Consider the duration of the ride, the time of day you will be riding and the weather forecast. Dress appropriately ensuring no loose clothing or long laces that could get entangled in bike parts.

Route description:

The total amount of climbing is 320m. Starting at Kenton Recreation Ground we go over Horsenden Hill, West Ealing and East Sheen before starting a lap of Richmond Park ducking in to tge centre fir Isabella Plantation. The return takes a different route via Brentford, Hanwell, Greenford and Harrow before arriving back at Kenton Recreation Ground. 

Starting point description:

We will meet at the pump track in Kenton Recreation Ground. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the published start time to allow for introductions, bike checks and any briefing; this ensures a prompt departure at the stated time. The pump track is one hundred metres into the park from the car park which is at the end of Carlton Avenue. There is parking on local streets though do look for any parking restrictions.The nearest stations are Kenton (Bakerloo/Lioness) and Northwick Park (Metropolitan). Neither has step-free access. Postcode HA3 8AX. what3words ///fleet.jeeps.sends

Ride distance (miles):

37

Riding time (minutes):

280

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Steady

Overall duration (minutes):

360

Ride Leader notes

Suggested stops 

Claude Monet cycle tour

This post suggests a mixed tour for cyclists and non-cyclists taking in the Claude-Monet garden at Giverny in Normandy. The garden is a short shuttle bus (the "petit train") away from the Vernon-Giverny SNCF Station which is located in the nearby town of Vernon.

Remember that the Claude-Monet Garden is a popular destination so pre-planning and booking is essential. 

Vernon has attractions such as the medieval Le Vieux Moulin (Old Mill), the Château de Bizy, the Musée de Vernon, and cycling or walking to Giverny along the Seine.

Monday 7 September 2026, cyclists can take the Brittany Ferries 20:15 overnight sailing from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo being conscious that there is no Tuesday sailing on this route. They then spend eight days cycling an "L" shaped route of 424km to Vernon via Chartres meaning a modest daily average of 53km; the distance does not include diversions for accommodation though it gives an option for a day off in Chartres. Going via Chartres takes three days longer than the five-day direct route to Vernon but has the advantage of seeing the Cathedral Notre-Dame in Chartres and you stay in the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche for longer where there is fine cycling; much like the Chilterns in England. 

Cyclists have the option to take the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry to shorten the route to Vernon which is only 148km from Dieppe. Cyclists can also take Le Shuttle from Folkestone to Dover then cycle from Dover to Vernon which is 280km.

Tuesday 15 September 2026, non-cyclists take the 08:01 Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord arriving 11:29. They then transfer to Gare Saint-Lazare using RER line E (7 minutes) or a 35 minute walk. A slightly longer walk pushing further north takes you through the Quartier Pigalle. Then it is around 50 minutes from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon-Giverny Station which is located in the town of Vernon close to Giverny. The 15:12 train allows time for lunch in Paris and the transfer to Gare Saint-Lazare. Tickets can be bought in advance using the SNCF connect app available for download on the Play Store or via the SNCF connect website.

Tuesday 15 September 2026, cyclists arrive in Vernon around 15:00 to a hero's welcome and possibly in time to check in to the accomodation and meet non-cyclists at the station. 

Stay in Vernon for 7 nights. A holiday home rather than an apartment may offer the best hope of secure bike storage and will cost around €1,200 for two couples subject to dates and property. Though Gîte de France offer great holiday homes they are in the countryside. Hôtel Normandy in Vernon offers a Spa (residents and non-residents) and secure basement bike storage though do check. Also do look at prices and the free cancellation available through booking sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com. 

There are walks along the river Seine and the railway offers easy access to explore other towns and even visit the restored Notre-Dame in Paris. The 6km walk from Vernon to Giverny could be done on the return from the Monet Water Garden. 

The Parc Naturel Régional du Vexin Française is just North-East of Vernon and will provide good cycling. 

Tuesday 22 September 2026, non-cyclists make their way to Paris Gare du Nord to catch the 18:02 Eurostar arriving back in London for 19:39 missing the London rush hour and allowing time for eating in Paris.

Tuesday 22 September 2026, cyclists make their way to Dieppe which is a 148km 2-day ride along part of the Avenue Verte. Two nights in Dieppe provides a one-day buffer for catching the ferry and time to explore Dieppe and its environs.

Friday 26 September 2026, cyclists catch the 11:30 DFDS ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven which is a four-hour crossing followed by a train back to London arriving around 7pm to miss rush hour.

Isle of Wight Randonnee

The Isle of Wight Randonnee is a 100km circular route around the IoW with a shorter option also provided. The event is free to enter with donations suggested and a number of checkpoints which also act as start points so the 3,000 entrants can be staggered. It is not competitive and runs 9am to 6pm. In theory you could treat it as a day trip from London if you are fast enough though I have not worked out the train and ferry timings for that.

The graphic below shows the extra miles getting to a start at Wooten.

The organisation running the event is now the Mountbatten Isle of Wight charity and information - including registering interest - can be found at https://www.mountbatten.org.uk/randonnee2026

You can stay at the cycle-friendly Premier Inn at Newport which means a 25 minute cycle to Wootton or East Cowes for one of the starts; subject to confirmation there are 5 starting points, East Cowes, Wootton, Bembridge, Ventnor and Freshwater/Yarmouth.

A PDF of the previous route can be found at:

https://www.cycleisland.co.uk/images/map_1.pdf though check the latest information from Mountbatten IoW and, critically, what direction is being taken.

There are options for getting to the Isle of Wight:

Take the train to Southampton then the Red Funnel ferry to East Cowes; these run every hour and the crossing takes an hour. 

Take the train to Portsmouth Harbour then the ferry to Fishbourne; these run every 40 minutes and the crossing takes 45 minutes. Portsmouth Harbour to Ryde is also possible. 

Harrow to the Tasty Bean

 

Ride type:

Guided Ride

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Steady

Ride title:

Harrow to the Tasty Bean

Start Postcode:

HA1 4QW

Elevation:

The beginners version out-and-back:

The improvers version using a busy undulating main road on the return:

GPX reference:

The beginners version out-and-back:

Komoot route

The improvers version using a busy undulating main road on the return:

Komoot route 

Introduce your route:

New riders are especially welcome. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so if anyone is struggling we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary. If you have questions or concerns speak to the Ride Leader or contact them before the ride. We ask that you read the full details of the ride including the distance and terrain to ensure the ride will be enjoyable for you. 

Kind of roads you'll be riding:

We will use a mix of roads and cycle paths on this relatively flat route which does have short sections of main road with fast moving traffic. There is a second version for confident riders with a longer section of main road with fast moving traffic.

Stops on the way:

We stop for drinks and snacks at the excellent Tasty Bean Café in Oxhey Activity Park. 

What to bring:

Please check your bike at home before the ride leaving yourself time to remedy any issues such as brake adjustments and repairing punctures. Bring a spare inner tube of the correct size and valve type for your bike, the tools to repair a puncture, a bike lock, water and a snack. It is advised that you bring money for the café or unexpected circumstances such as taking the train home. Please be mindful that not everywhere takes cash payment.

Consider the duration of the ride, the time of day you will be riding and the weather forecast. Dress appropriately ensuring no loose clothing or long laces that could get entangled in bike parts.

Route description:

This is the ride for you if you don't like hills. Starting at Harrow Recreation Ground we pass through Headstone Manor before taking the busy Oxhey Lane towards Carpenders Park. We pick up the NCN route 61 to the Oxhey Activity Park. We retrace our steps for the return. 

There is an option to take a longer section on the busy main road on the return but this will only get taken if the whole group wants this route. This return is via Watford Heath, Hatch End and again Headstone Manor Park. With only 110m of ascent it is reasonably flat but with the busy and undulating A4008 (Oxey Lane).

Starting point description:

We will meet by the Seva Park Café in the middle of Harrow Recreation Ground. There are multiple access points to the park including one off Cunningham Park, Harrow HA1 4QW. The park has a free car park accessed off Roxborough Road where that road runs next to the park. There is parking on some local streets though look for any parking restrictions. what3words ///toward.winks.sticks

Ride distance (miles):

14

Riding time (minutes):

100

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Steady

Overall duration (minutes):

160

Ride Leader notes

Before navigating the underpass at Carpenders Park you can pull in to brief riders new to the route on the four bollards and downhill ramp that has to be navigated.

On the return you can brief riders at the top of the hill on Oxhey Lane before the golf course on the right hand turn. You need a confident rider at the back to move in and block traffic.

Kenton to Chipperfield

Ride type:

Guided Rides

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Steady

Ride title:

Kenton to Chipperfield

Start Postcode:

HA3 8AX

Elevation:

GPX reference:

Komoot route

Introduce your route:

New riders are welcome. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so if anyone is struggling we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary. If you have questions or concerns speak to the Ride Leader or contact them before the ride. We ask that you read the full details of the ride including the distance and terrain to ensure the ride will be enjoyable for you. There are options to join the ride at Moor Park Station or finish at Watford Station. This is a fantastic route when the bluebells are out in mid to late April.

Kind of roads you'll be riding:

We will use a mix of roads and cycle paths on this route with plenty of hills and short sections of main road with fast moving traffic. There is one kilometre of compacted gravel on the Ebury Way. There is a steep hill coming up out of Rickmansworth though generally it is up hill going out and downhill on the return. Though there are 'only' seven hills a couple are quite hard. 

Stops on the way:

This ride has options as you could do a two-stop strategy by using the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Cassiobury Park.  Chipperfield rather than the out and back to Bea's in Kings Langley. The standard route takes you from Chipperfield to Bea's Coffee Barn near Kings Langley then back to Chipperfield though individuals could reduce the distance and hills by stopping at Tia's.

What to bring:

Please check your bike at home before the ride leaving yourself time to remedy any issues such as brake adjustments and repairing punctures. Bring a spare inner tube of the correct size and valve type for your bike, the tools to repair a puncture, a bike lock, water and a snack. It is advised that you bring money for the café or unexpected circumstances such as taking the train home. Please be mindful that not everywhere takes cash payment.

Consider the duration of the ride, the time of day you will be riding and the weather forecast. Dress appropriately ensuring no loose clothing or long laces that could get entangled in bike parts.

Route description:

This is the ride for you if you want to get more ascents under your belt. The total amount of climbing is 410m over 7 climbs with 2 of these being steep. Starting at Kenton Recreation Ground we go through Harrow Recreation Ground then tackle the Northwood Hills 'rollers' before making our way to Moor Park Station. Then it is on to Loadwater after a short stretch on the busy A404, Sarratt, Chipperfield then Bea's Coffee Barn on the outskirts of Kings Langley. The return takes us back into Chipperfield then on to Cassiobury Park via the quiet but rough Rousebarn Lane. Then we pass Watford Station, and after a short spell on the Ebury Way we come back via Carpenders Park, Hatch End, Headstone Manor and Harrow Recreation Ground before arriving back at Kenton Recreation Ground. 

Starting point description:

We will meet at the pump track in Kenton Recreation Ground. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the published start time to allow for introductions, bike checks and any briefing; this ensures a prompt departure at the stated time. The pump track is one hundred metres into the park from the car park which is at the end of Carlton Avenue. There is parking on local streets though do look for any parking restrictions.The nearest stations are Kenton (Bakerloo/Lioness) and Northwick Park (Metropolitan). Neither has step-free access. Postcode HA3 8AX. what3words ///fleet.jeeps.sends

Ride distance (miles):

37

Riding time (minutes):

260

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Steady

Overall duration (minutes):

330

Ride Leader notes

• You can reduce the distance by 5 miles for some or all riders by having coffee in Chipperfield and missing out-and-back leg to Bea's Coffee Barn. Averaging 11.5mph and a shorter Coffee stops makes this 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• It is useful keeping in a bunch and briefing people before the A404 busy stretch as that has the right hand turn and you need a confident back marker to stop the traffic.
• It is useful keeping in a bunch and briefing people before the Oxhey Lane busy stretch as that has the right hand turn and you need a confident back marker to stop the traffic.

Suggested stops 

• At the bottom of the walk up the path coming out of Rickmansworth as you then do the A404 with the associated right hand turn.
• At the top of the hill on Oxhey Lane just before the golf course as you approach Hatch End as you then do the right hand turn.
• Pausing at Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Cassiobury allows people to get a drink, use the facilities.
• With mew riders it is helpful to pause before the underpass near Carpenders Park to brief riders on the ramp and bollards after the underpass. 

Kenton to Bricket Wood

Ride type:

Guided Ride

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Steady

Ride title:

Kenton to the Bricket Wood 

Start Postcode:

HA3 8AX

Elevation:

GPX reference:

Komoot route

Introduce your route:

New riders are especially welcome. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so if anyone is struggling we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary. If you have questions or concerns speak to the Ride Leader or contact them before the ride. We ask that you read the full details of the ride including the distance and terrain to ensure the ride will be enjoyable for you. 

Kind of roads you'll be riding:

We will use a mix of roads and cycle paths on this relatively flat route which does have short sections of main road with fast moving traffic.

Stops on the way:

We stop for drinks and snacks at the excellent Café at Bricket Wood Station if it is open. Otherwise we might stop briefly at the Tasty Bean cafe on the way out and stop for coffee and cake on the return. 

What to bring:

Please check your bike at home before the ride leaving yourself time to remedy any issues such as brake adjustments and repairing punctures. Bring a spare inner tube of the correct size and valve type for your bike, the tools to repair a puncture, a bike lock, water and a snack. It is advised that you bring money for the café or unexpected circumstances such as taking the train home. Please be mindful that not everywhere takes cash payment.

Consider the duration of the ride, the time of day you will be riding and the weather forecast. Dress appropriately ensuring no loose clothing or long laces that could get entangled in bike parts.

Route description:

This is the ride for you if you don't like hills. Starting at Kenton Recreation Ground we pass through Harrow Recreation Ground and Headstone Manor before taking the busy Oxhey Lane towards Carpenders Park. We pick up the NCN route 61 to the Oxhey Activity Park and on to Bricket Wood. We initially retrace our steps for the return then use Hampermill Lane to reach the rear entrance to Moor Park Station. There are steps down into the station then we return via Pinner including a ride through Pinner Village Gardens.

Starting point description:

We will meet at the pump track in Kenton Recreation Ground. Arrive at least 10 minutes before the published start time to allow for introductions, bike checks and any briefing; this ensures a prompt departure at the stated time. The pump track is one hundred metres into the park from the car park which is at the end of Carlton Avenue. There is parking on local streets though do look for any parking restrictions.The nearest stations are Kenton (Bakerloo/Lioness) and Northwick Park (Metropolitan). Neither has step-free access. Postcode HA3 8AX. what3words ///fleet.jeeps.sends

Ride distance (miles):

29

Riding time (minutes):

210

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Steady

Overall duration (minutes):

270

Ride Leader notes

Before navigating the underpass at Carpenders Park you can pull in to brief riders new to the route on the four bollards and downhill ramp that has to be navigated.

When you start the return you can brief riders on the need to navigate a barrier on the approach to Moor Park Station where you must move over to the right of the road to pass being mindful of traffic. You can offer, or look for volunteers, to carry any bikes down the steps at Moor Park Station.