NLD7: North London's Scenic Epic

If you want a route that truly captures the essence of North London gravel, NLD7 is the one. Mapped by North London Dirt as the newest addition to their series, it starts and ends in the city and links some of the most scenic riding the area has to offer, from quiet country lanes to winding forest paths and open stretches of countryside. It is an epic day out that rewards a full set of legs and an early start.

The balance of surfaces is what makes it work. Roughly a third of the loop is off tarmac, so the paved lanes give your legs a chance to recover between the off-road sections where the real fun begins. Expect everything from fast, flowy gravel to more technical climbs and descents, with plenty of points along the way to stop and take in the views, and a healthy dose of climbing that adds up steadily over the day.

This is a route for a capable gravel bike and a rider who likes to cover ground. Barry did not get to ride this one himself, as he was under the weather by the time it came around, but the crew's mapping is so dialled that he still points people toward it as the standout of the bunch. This route is one of the picks from Barry Lachapelle's London gravel guide.

The variety is what keeps it interesting, carrying you from the city outskirts all the way to the rural high points and back. Whether you live here or are just passing through, it is a proper taste of what North London gravel can be, and it is the route Barry points riders toward when they want the full sweep of the region in one outing.

Plan for a long one and pack accordingly. The loop format means you finish back in the city where you started, and the mix of lanes and gravel makes it as much a tour of North London as it is a workout. Stock up on food and water before you leave town, because the quiet lanes in the middle pass few shops, then aim for late spring through autumn, when the country lanes are dry and the forest paths are at their best.