For the London motorcyclist, the dream is often getting out. Escaping the congestion, the ULEZ cameras, and the relentless stop-start traffic is the whole point of owning a bike. Luckily, the Home Counties – Surrey, Kent, Hertfordshire, and beyond – offer a surprisingly rich network of quiet B-roads, flowing sweepers, and classic biker haunts, all within an hour’s ride of the M25.
This is perhaps the most famous and accessible route for London riders, offering immediate scenic satisfaction just south of the capital.
The North Downs provides a ribbon of winding asphalt running across the chalk hills of Surrey. The focus of the ride is Box Hill, a national trust beauty spot near Dorking that serves as the unofficial weekend meeting point for bikers and cyclists.
It’s the ultimate half-day route. You can be out of London traffic, tackling great corners, grabbing lunch, and back home before the evening traffic sets in. It provides an immediate and satisfying release from city life.
The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), situated to the West and Northwest of London, offers rolling countryside and beautifully maintained rural roads that feel a world away from the city.
Start near Hemel Hempstead or Tring and dive straight into the B-roads that wind through the hills towards Oxford. The star of this loop is the B489.
The Chilterns is less congested than the immediate Surrey Hills and offers a more relaxed, but equally engaging, day of continuous riding rhythm away from heavy traffic.
To the southeast, the ‘Garden of England’ (Kent) offers a mix of winding backroads and the refreshing sight of the sea.
This route focuses on escaping London and using the quieter inland roads before making a dash towards the coast.
It offers the best touring feel close to London. It’s a proper run-out where you can make good time, enjoy the countryside, and feel like you’ve actually gone somewhere beyond the commuter belt.
Leaving London requires specific preparation to ensure your day is seamless and fun:
Enjoy the escape – These routes prove you don’t need to cross continents to find fantastic motorcycling roads; you just need to know which exit to take off the M25!
No corner of the UK is too far for the delivery team and it’s partners at Mallory Motorcycles. We proudly deliver to all major cities, towns, and even remote areas across the entire nation, including:
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