5 of the most exciting summer cycle routes

For riverside cycling: Wandle Trail, London

Escape the busy side of the capital on this riverside route south from Wandsworth. True, you’ll only get as far as Croydon, but the Wandle Trail takes in 10 south London parks and green oases on largely traffic-free paths. The trail is 12 miles long and takes about 2 hours to complete. From the southern bank of the Thames, the trail follows the route of a Thames subsidiary, South-east towards Croydon, taking in numerous green spaces and hidden parts of the city. The start and finish are easily accessible by public transport.

Take a break:

The Dog & Bull, one of Croydon’s oldest dens and a firm favourite with the market traders, is perfect for a celebratory pint or two.

Sightsee:

• Wilderness Island is a natural haven for dozens of bird species, including woodpeckers and tufted ducks.
• Merton Abbey Mills, a former textile works that once housed William Morris’s factory.