Tour: Harwich Ferry Practice

This post describes a 2-day cycle tour from Wivenhoe to Harwich (staying overnight in Felixstowe) and back to Clacton-on-Sea. Just add a start date and book your hotel in Felixstowe. At the time of writing the Harwich Premier Inn didn't have availability but that may be an option in the future. The distances and timings provided below exclude any riding in Felixstowe such as the 3km (10 minute) ride from Felixstowe Harbour to the Premier Inn. Specific timings assume a Sunday-Monday tour so your train times may be different. 

Start Point: Wivenhoe Station (Greater Anglia)

Alternative Start: Clacton-on-Sea Station (Greater Anglia)

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

Meetup Time: 09:50

Start Time: 10:00 (or 11:30 approx. from Clacton-on-Sea)

Route Day 1: Wivenhoe to Harwich 

Route Day 2: Harwich to Clacton-on-Sea 

No. Days: 2

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

Day 2: 48 km

Overnight: Individuals book their own accommodation in Felixstowe such as the Premier Inn. Alternatively, individuals could stay overnight in Harwich or, subject to trains, travel home and back again.

High level sense check:

Day 1 starts at 10:00 and you need to arrive by 16:00 to catch the 14:10 Harbour ferry to Felixstowe. This means an overall average speed of 10km/h with breaks included. Keep rolling.

Day 2 starts at 10:45 with a plan to arrive at Clacton-on-Sea by 15:45 to get a snack and catch the 17:22 train back to London. This means an overall average speed of 10km/h with breaks included. Then you have time to revisit Clacton-on-Sea. 

Hotels 

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

Average Speed: 10mph

Stops: Every 15 miles approximately. As this is designed to be a comfortable tour extra stops are possible and even encouraged though part of the schedule means getting the 16:10 foot ferry across to Felixstowe which is the last ferry of the day.

The Day 1 Stages:

Stage 1, Wivenhoe Station to Clacton-on-Sea (22km) where a café stop is suggested along the sea front and where you pickup people starting at Clacton-on-Sea. 

Stage 2, Clacton-on-Sea to Little Oakley (28km) where there is a pub (Ye Olde Cherry Tree) for a brief stop. You could eat here if taking the Harwich to Hook of Holland crossing. 

Stage 3, Little Oakley to Harwich (10km) takes you 5km to the Mayflower Pub near the Stena Line ferry terminal and optionally has a detour to the ferry terminal entrance. It then does the extra 5km to the Harbour ferry in Harwich Town where we take the 16:10 crossing to Felixstowe. It is suggested that individuals book the crossing in advance unless yoyr ride leader has done that. The 16:10 crossing is the last one of the day. As the first train out of London isn't until 08:30 timing is tight to try for the 15:10 crossing. 

Stage 4, Felixstowe Harbour to the hotel.

The Day 2 Stages:

Stage 5, the hotel to Felixstowe Harbour.

Stage 6, Harwich Harbour to Manningtree (24km) where individuals could take the train home. If using this as a route to return from a Netherlands trip it is a good breakfast stop.

Stage 7, Manningtree to Clacton-on-Sea (24km).

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:

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. 

This Kit List provides suggestions 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.

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

Day 1 (Sunday):

07:14 Leave Northwick Park 

07:52 Arrive Liverpool Street station 

08:30 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 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

17:22 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. 

Croxley Green to the Chiltern Velo Cafe

Ride type:

Guided Ride

Ride suitability:

Challenging

Ride title:

Croxley Green to the Chiltern Velo Cafe 

Start Postcode:

WD3 3DY

Elevation:

GPX reference:

Komoot Route

Introduce your route:

This ride is suitable for experienced riders who can maintain an overall average speed of 10 mph over undulating terrain. 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 roads on this route with hills and short sections of main road with fast moving traffic.

Stops on the way:

We stop for drinks and snacks at the renowned Chiltern Velo Cafe at Hawridge Common. We will also make short stops for drinks and snacks on the way though for a ride of this duration it is useful to be able to drink while riding.

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 route starts at Croxley Station and uses the busy main road to Rickmansworth Station for an optional pickup. Remember that the Metropolitan line branches after Moor Park Station so if train times don't work out for you try Rickmansworth Station or cycle from Moor Park to Croxley. Back on the bike, we head directly out via Chorleywood,  Chenies and Chesham to the excellent Chiltern velo café. The return is via Ashley Green, Bovingdon, Chipperfield, Sarratt and Loudwater. This ride benefits from being generally uphill on the outward leg and downhill on the return. 

Starting point description:

We will meet outside Croxley Underground Station which is on the Watford branch of the Metropolitan Line. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt departure. There is a station car park and parking on local streets though do look for any parking restrictions. If there are limited Watford trains you can alight at Moor Park station and cycle to the start through Croxley Common. Some rides pass Rickmansworth Underground Station so you could request a pickup there. Postcode WD3 3DY. What3words ///works.trees.deck

Ride distance (miles):

38

Riding time (minutes):

240

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Challenging

Overall duration (minutes):

360

Croxley Green to Aldbury

Kenton to the Ice Cream Farm

Ride type:

Guided Rides

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Steady

Ride title:

Kenton to the Ice Cream Farm

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. 

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 section of downhill with potholes where extra care is required. 

Stops on the way:

We stop for drinks, snacks and ice cream at the excellent Lewis of London (the Ice Cream Farm) which sits between Barnet and Borehamwood. 

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 like hills or want to get more ascents under your belt. The total amount of climbing is 430m. Starting at Kenton Recreation Ground we pass the Park Life café (where you could request to join the ride) then up Brookshill and on to Bushey Heath. Onwards to Letchmore Heath, down into Radlett and up Shenley Hill to Shenley where we ride country lanes to the Ice Cream Farm. The return is via Borehamwood, Edgeware, Stanmore and Belmont Circle 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):

28

Riding time (minutes):

210

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Steady

Overall duration (minutes):

300

Ride Leader notes

If using voice navigation there are some areas that could cause confusion as the voice navigation isn't always clear on this particular route.

• At the end of College Avenue you turn right onto the High Road at Harrow Weald.
• When on Radlett High Street you turn right at the first roundabout heading up Shenley Hill.
• When on Hartforde Road after Borehamwood it is an easy left onto Brook Road then it is the next right (after 80 metres) onto Stratfield Road. 
• When you are on the Edgewarebury Lane and have crossed the Edgware Way dual carriage there are two turnings right into Fairview Way which is a crescent. You want the next right as the road bends left, which is Percival Road.

Suggested stops 

• After the turn off onto The Rutts at Bushey Heath there is a suitable stop to brief riders on the harsh road bumps on the decent of Little Bushey Lane
• After Letchmore Heath you have a short climb along a lane and at the top there is a place to regroup and have a drink.
• At Belmont Circle the route goes round the roundabout to the last exit so consider the group and stop for a briefing if appropriate. There is a car park before the roundabout you can pull into.

Leading Rides

Introduction

This post provides some pointers for planning and leading bike rides. In no way does this replace formal training though it can be used as an aide memoir.

Route planning

Before you start planning a route consider your audience. The only constant is the all important coffee stop and the social aspect.

• Beginners who enjoy 5 to 10 miles riding on flat mostly traffic-free roads and cycle paths
• Confident cyclists happy with 10 to 30 mile rides
• Riders who enjoy cycling as a way to explore and see sights of interest
• Cyclists who prefer a good bike ride on open roads where they can cycle two abreast with minimal stops

Planning routes is time consuming so make use of resources.

• Paper maps can play a useful role if you want to get a big picture view 
• The cycle.travel website and app will create routes for you including circular routes for whatever distance you require
• Komoot, RideWithGPS, Strava and similar apps have route planning functionality
• British Cycling has a library of routes

The "Epic Ride Weather" app is useful for longer faster rides and racing, where you may wish advance information on how weather conditions will affect your ride. If you have a brisk tailwind on the outward leg and a strong headwind on the return you may wish to opt for a later café stop or change how you manage pace.

The briefing

• Welcoming riders as they arrive allows you to check for lose laces, soft tyres and missing water bottles
• Swapping bikes for a bike check lets people inspect different bikes and technologies though you can't force anyone to hand over their bike
• You do need to cover the bases and if you feel the group is experienced you can skip the bike check but only if you get confirmation from riders that they have checked their bikes

Image by Freepik

Leading a ride

There are different ride leadership approaches (or systems) depending on whether you have one, two, three or four ride leaders. If you are leading as a team then it is just that, a team; this is especially true when leading as a team of three or four because the roles on the road rotate at every junction to be managed.

Do treat every give way line on the road as a junction and manage it in that way. This includes going straight at a mini-roundabout with no cars in sight. It is only the left hand turn off a main road to a minor road where you have right of way and you can take the left turn.

Junctions are where problems could occur or the group might split. Applying the rule of slow in and slow out helps greatly. Slow in allows the group to bunch up at the junction and slow out prevents separation and allows the ride leader to check for any split.

To signal riders through a junction ensure the rider responsible for the junction can get there early and uses a calm "Clear", not a frantic "GO! GO! GO!" and uses a big windmill arm whilst concentrating on the road. A clear hand out and "Stop!" if the road is no longer clear. Ideally the last rider will shout "Last rider approaching" and then a shout of "Last rider" as they pass the person manning the junction enabling that person to concentrate on whether the road is actually clear or not.

There are calls and signals the ride leaders or riders may want to use and it is worth clarifying these in advance as there is no international standard.

• "Easy!" as an instruction on pace. This could be from any of the ride leaders on the approach to a junction or from a rider who is finding the pace hard.
• "Single" with arm up and one finger up to signal single file
• "Double" with arm up and two fingers up to signal two abreast
• "Out" with left hand pointing behind back to signal a move to the right; this is usually used when moving out for parked cars
• "In" with right hand pointing behind back 
• "Elbows" to get riders in a tighter formation when riding two abreast. Useful for oncoming traffic or situations where there is less road width available
• "Pedal Ready" to get riders on their marks whilst waiting to roll
• "Rolling" indicates that the group is underway 
• "Inside", "Middle" and "Outside" with finger pointing for any potholes or other hazards. This works best if you are in a formal two abreast formation. Otherwise a call of "Hole" with finger pointing will work for less experienced riders
• "Shoulder please" might be used by a leader wanting to glance behind while maintaining their line; they would reach over and put a hand on their partners shoulder for balance 
• "Slowing" is an important command and one that needs to be transmitted through the group
• "Stopping" is important for junctions where a stop is required or if stopping for any reason
• "Car front" where there is a car ahead of the group
• "Car back" where there is a car behind probably wanting to overtake 
• The navigator can raise their hand for three seconds to get attention before signalling left or right, or to rotate their arm signalling a roundabout. Arm pointing forward can signal straight ahead at a roundabout

Concluding Note

You need to apply best practices appropriately and if a problem occurs could you justify your actions?

Kenton to the Flourish Bakery

Ride type:

Guided Ride

Ride suitability:

Local Rides Steady

Ride title:

Kenton to the Flourish Bakery

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 Flourish Bakery in the North Watford area. As they do excellent bread you may wish to have extra pannier space for the return trip.

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 the Flourish Bakery. 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 to 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):

24

Riding time (minutes):

180

Ride level (Easygoing, Steady, Challenging):

Steady

Overall duration (minutes):

230

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.

Organised Rides

This post lists a number of bike rides and contains some of the information required to advertise scheduled rides. It can be used to provide some of the text for British Cycling's Let's Ride platform or other sites. If using Let's Ride then have the necessary text, photo and .GPX file ready to copy in because at the time of writing the platform can clear text fields when updating the photo or .GPX file. Separate pages exist for each ride with the information presented as Let's Ride expects.

Image from Freepik

Index of Rides

• Kenton to the Flourish Bakery: Click here
• Kenton to the Ice Cream Farm: Click here
• Croxley Green to the Chiltern Velo Cafe: Click here
• Croxley Green to Aldbury: Click here

Standard Advisory Text

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. 

Arrive at least 10 minutes before the published start time to allow for introductions, bike checks and any briefing to ensure a prompt departure at the stated time. 

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. Money for the café or unexpected circumstances such as taking the train home is advised. 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 laces that could get entangled in bike parts.

The time for the ride is a best estimate by the Ride Leader. Sometimes this can be affected by factors such as the weather, mechanical issues and the queue at the café.

Start Locations

Start locations are often in parks so what3words references are provided as well as a postcode.

Pinner Rides

One of the entrances to Pinner Village Gardens (PVG) nearest the roundabout where Rayners Lane meets Marsh Road. Postcode HA5 5NS. what3words ///ranges.tame.boot

Harrow Rides

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 roads run next to the park. There is parking on some local streets though look for any parking restrictions. what3words ///toward.winks.sticks

Kenton Rides

We will meet at the pump track in Kenton Recreation Ground. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt departure. 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

Croxley Green Rides

We will meet outside Croxley Underground Station which is on the Watford branch of the Metropolitan Line. Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to ensure a prompt departure. There is a station car park and parking on local streets though do look for any parking restrictions. If there are limited Watford trains you can alight at Moor Park station and cycle to the start through Croxley Common. Some rides pass Rickmansworth Underground Station so you could request a pickup there. Postcode WD3 3DY. What3words ///works.trees.deck