​Richmond Park Cycle Routes: Deer, Gears, and Glorious Views

Richmond Park, located in the southwest of London, spans 2,500 acres and is the largest Royal Park in the capital. Its road and mountain bike routes offer both seasoned and beginner cyclists a diverse terrain for an enjoyable day out. In this guide, we’ll explore the different Richmond Park cycle routes, challenges, and tips for making the most of your ride around the park.

A Brief History of Cycling in Richmond Park

Charles I established Richmond Park as a deer park and hunting ground in 1625. Just 12 years later the park was opened to the public (with restrictions) and has evolved into a haven for both wildlife and recreation over the last centuries. Cycling has been an integral part of the park’s culture, with bike enthusiasts flocking to the different Richmond Park cycle routes to enjoy the natural surroundings and riding challenges.

Natural Bliss

Richmond Park has a wild character to its surroundings. From wild woods to grassland, laid out gardens and ponds, it has a lot to offer. The park is home to around 600 deer, grazing on its grounds. Depending on the time of day they have their favourite spots. If you’re lucky you’ll spot a few. Saying that, be careful on the road or on the trail. Deer might cross without looking left and right and giving you right of way. That’s why it’s not recommended to cycle in the park after dark, just for safety reasons.
The park has a lot to offer. It changes completely throughout the seasons. So, make sure you try Richmond Park’s cycle routes at various times of the year to get a different riding experience each time.

Where to Get into the Park: Gates of Richmond Park

So how do you get to the park? Hmm… By bike?

There are several gates that serve as access points to the various Richmond Park cycle routes:

• Richmond Gate: Located in the northwest, offering direct access from Richmond town.​
• Sheen Gate: Situated to the north, connecting you to East Sheen.
• Roehampton Gate: Found on the northeastern side near Roehampton, super popular among cyclists for the cycle-friendly Roehampton café inside the park.
• Robin Hood Gate: Located in the southeast, near the A3 road.​
• Kingston Gate: On the southern tip of the park, providing access from Kingston.​
• Ham Gate: On the southwest side of the park, connecting Ham.
• Petersham Gate: A pedestrian-only gate near Petersham.​

As a cyclist you can start your ride at any of the gates, depending on the route you want to take, and which challenges you want to tackle first.

Park Opening Hours

Speaking of gates: the park is open most of the times throughout the year. The vehicle gates open at dawn and close at dusk – they do have different opening and closing times in Summer and Winter, so check the Park’s official website. The pedestrian gates (which your bike will fit through, unless it’s a cargo bike) are open 24/7, except during cull seasons in November and February for 6 weeks when they are locked from 8:00pm to 7:30am.

Cycling Routes: On the Road

The main loop is a well-loved circuit among road cyclists of roughly 6.7 miles (10.8 km) and the backbone of Richmond Park’s cycle routes. It’s a tarmac route that provides a balanced mix of open straights for speedwork and a few steady inclines to keep things interesting. Perfect whether you’re in training mode or out for a weekend spin.
Riders can choose to cycle in either direction: clockwise or counter-clockwise. Each route has its quirks. Going clockwise, entering at the Roehampton Gate, you’ll hit the long drag up Sawyers Hill early, testing your legs within the first mile. But switch things up and head counter-clockwise, and you’ll face the sharper climb up Broomfield Hill, which some say is the park’s cheekiest ascent. There’s no wrong choice really. It just depends on whether you want a slow burn or a short punch in your ride. Either way, you’ll have fun descending those hills!
The surface is generally smooth and well-maintained, with clearly marked lanes and fellow cyclists often out in droves (especially on weekends). It’s also a popular Strava segment, so if you’re the competitive type, you might find yourself pushing for a personal best without even meaning to. The current record of the main loop is 13mins 35 seconds by professional cyclist David Millar. An average person would likely take around 30mins. Show-off.
There are a couple of scenic cut-through routes near Pen Ponds Café, one leading west toward Ham Gate, and another heading north past the Royal Ballet School. Perfect if you’re looking to switch things up or fancy a shorter loop with a change of scenery.

Cycling Routes: Off-road

For those who prefer knobbly tyres and a bit of grit, Tamsin Trail is the go-to Richmond Park cycle route. This 7.35-mile (11.8 km) off-road loop hugs the park’s perimeter, offering a more natural, rugged cycling experience.
The trail itself is a mix of gravel, dirt paths, and occasional loose stone, winding through ancient woodlands, grassy clearings, and open heath. It’s ideal for mountain bikes, hybrids, or gravel bikes – essentially anything that can handle a few bumps and the occasional muddy patch (especially after rain). While the route isn’t technical in a trail-centre kind of way, it keeps you on your toes with gentle twists, short climbs, and uneven surfaces that reward focus and control.
One of the best things about the Tamsin Trail is how close it brings you to the natural beauty of the park. You’ll pass herds of deer and ride beneath old oaks. It’s also a quieter ride, away from the busier roads – ideal for anyone who wants a bit of peace with their pedalling.
Whether you’re using it as a cross-training route, introducing a friend to mountain biking, or just getting in some soul-cleansing miles in nature, the Tamsin Trail is a gem. Just don’t forget to yield to walkers and dogs – it’s a shared-use path, after all.

Challenges: Hill Training

Richmond Park isn’t just a picturesque loop – it’s a playground for cyclists looking to push themselves. Its layout and terrain are ideal for building strength, stamina, and climbing legs, with a handful of notable hills that demand respect (and maybe a couple of gears down).

• Broomfield Hill: Arguably the park’s most notorious climb. It’s short, sharp, and a real lung-burner. Starting near Robin Hood Gate going clockwise, it creeps up before suddenly punching you with a steep incline that forces you to dig deep. Perfect for hill repeats or testing your lactate threshold if you’re feeling brave.
• Dark Hill: Don’t let the poetic name fool you, this one is a little brute. Found near the Kingston Gate going counter-clockwise, it’s a winding, tree-covered climb with a gradient that spikes suddenly, giving you just enough time to question your life choices before it evens out. Great for short, intense efforts.
• Sawyers Hill: Often underestimated, this climb feels more like a long drag than a steep wall (coming from Roehampton Gate, going counter-clockwise). But after a few loops, you’ll definitely feel it in your legs. It’s an ideal climb for sustained power efforts and interval work – plus the views across the park are a great excuse to stop (or pretend to check your gears).

Together, these climbs make the Richmond Park cycle routes an excellent training ground whether you’re prepping for a sportive, building your climbing endurance, or just looking to earn your post-ride coffee. Mix them into a loop or hit them back-to-back for your own DIY hill session.

Other Types of Training

On top of hill training, there are other ways you can get your gear in full swing.

• Interval Training: The mix of hills and flat stretches make Richmond Park perfect for structured intervals. Attack a climb at full effort, then use the next flatter section to recover. Rinse and repeat. This method is brilliant for improving cardiovascular fitness, strength, and recovery time – all while soaking up the park’s glorious scenery.
• Time Trials: The 6.7-mile (10.8 km) main loop is a dream for those chasing personal bests. Many riders use it for time trials – setting the stopwatch at the start of a lap and pushing for consistent improvements with each loop. It’s a great way to monitor progress, improve pacing, and add a bit of healthy competition (even if it’s just against yourself or your last Strava upload).
• Endurance Rides: Need to build up mileage? Richmond Park’s main loop is ideal for endurance sessions. String together multiple laps to rack up the distance while staying close to amenities and exit points. It’s a safer and more engaging alternative to monotonous turbo trainer sessions – and there’s always the chance of a deer crossing to keep things interesting.

With a bit of planning, you can turn Richmond Park into your personal outdoor training lab – just don’t forget to nod at fellow riders. It’s practically the local rule of the road.

Are you ready for a ride in Richmond Park? Its cycle routes offer a harmonious blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and diverse cycling challenges. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely ride amidst serene landscapes or an intense training session tackling steep hills, Richmond Park provides an experience that caters to all cycling enthusiasts. 

TEAMMC Cycles organises rides during the week, and sometimes in Richmond Park. If you want to ride out with a friendly bunch of cycling enthusiasts, get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to hear from you.

🚴‍♂️ Happy Cycling! 🚴‍♀️