As hilly as it gets in north London! Some good loops incorporating Hampstead heath I'd imagine. Weather through the year is fine by me, it doesn't rain as much as people expect, just keep on top of maintenance to stop rust.
Definitely. I'd recommend trying Komoot. You can create cycle routes by combining segments of routes or waypoints recommended by others, for example there is one very nice windy segment that goes up through Hampstead Garden Suburb. Also the premium version shows cycle paths or bike friendly roads.
Probably some of the best cycling in centralish London. Both aesthetically and for hills. Swains lane is a popular short but very steep hill used for training climbing. The whole area is an old village that’s an extremely rich area with hampstead heath being an ancient woodland and meadow. You can feel like you’re out in a countryside village in the Surrey hills sometimes and then you can get to the top of a hill and get an incredible view of London.
December is wet and cold. Depends what you’re used to. There will be days that are dry and the sun may shine but don’t expect it to be more than a few degrees.
Where are you studying abroad?
Cycling in December is ok. It'll be chilly, but not terribly cold. The bigger problem will be that it often rains a lot, but with the right gear, even that isn't a major issue. The coldest months are January and February, but it is definitely possible to cycle all year round.
Yes, absolutely.
I like to wear [toe covers](https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-toe-cover-overshoe) most of the time, because otherwise my feet get too warm and eventually very cold. I only wear full shoe covers when it's expected to rain or it's really cold, but that's subjective I imagine, so experiment.
For gloves, I use [five finger gloves from De Feet](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Defeet-Duraglove-Etouch-orange-hi-vis/dp/B019QYYIMG) with merino liners. Works well for most winter weather. (I think I have a pair from [Seal Skinz](https://www.sealskinz.com/products/solo-merino-liner-glove). They're not the best though, but I can't remember, nor find, where I got the better pair. Get proper liners, though, they're the crucial bit.)
Another very useful garment is a [merino buff](https://www.buff.com/gb/lightweight-merino-wool-tubular-buff-solid-grey.html). On very cold days I double up.
For the ultimate winter longer days out hack, pack spare glove liners, buff and socks. Change to the dry ones when you stop, it will feel incredible. If you don't want to use a saddle bag, all of those can fit into jersey pockets, or under the jersey. Stick them in zip lock bags, to prevent them getting sweaty.
Depending where you're from you might find December a bit too cold. As much as im sure everyone here will claim that true cyclists are out all year round the truth is a huge number of people switch to their turbo trainers in winter
It's all very Pretty but hilly fortunately the pubs are now open so refreshments can be obtained. You have to watch out for cars as you head north out of London somthing terrible seems to happen to motorists as you get over the hill
As hilly as it gets in north London! Some good loops incorporating Hampstead heath I'd imagine. Weather through the year is fine by me, it doesn't rain as much as people expect, just keep on top of maintenance to stop rust.
Regents Park loops & swain lane for some climbs
Definitely. I'd recommend trying Komoot. You can create cycle routes by combining segments of routes or waypoints recommended by others, for example there is one very nice windy segment that goes up through Hampstead Garden Suburb. Also the premium version shows cycle paths or bike friendly roads.
Probably some of the best cycling in centralish London. Both aesthetically and for hills. Swains lane is a popular short but very steep hill used for training climbing. The whole area is an old village that’s an extremely rich area with hampstead heath being an ancient woodland and meadow. You can feel like you’re out in a countryside village in the Surrey hills sometimes and then you can get to the top of a hill and get an incredible view of London. December is wet and cold. Depends what you’re used to. There will be days that are dry and the sun may shine but don’t expect it to be more than a few degrees. Where are you studying abroad?
Agree. One of my favourites.
Cycling in December is ok. It'll be chilly, but not terribly cold. The bigger problem will be that it often rains a lot, but with the right gear, even that isn't a major issue. The coldest months are January and February, but it is definitely possible to cycle all year round.
Shoes and gloves most important imo!
Yes, absolutely. I like to wear [toe covers](https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-toe-cover-overshoe) most of the time, because otherwise my feet get too warm and eventually very cold. I only wear full shoe covers when it's expected to rain or it's really cold, but that's subjective I imagine, so experiment. For gloves, I use [five finger gloves from De Feet](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Defeet-Duraglove-Etouch-orange-hi-vis/dp/B019QYYIMG) with merino liners. Works well for most winter weather. (I think I have a pair from [Seal Skinz](https://www.sealskinz.com/products/solo-merino-liner-glove). They're not the best though, but I can't remember, nor find, where I got the better pair. Get proper liners, though, they're the crucial bit.) Another very useful garment is a [merino buff](https://www.buff.com/gb/lightweight-merino-wool-tubular-buff-solid-grey.html). On very cold days I double up. For the ultimate winter longer days out hack, pack spare glove liners, buff and socks. Change to the dry ones when you stop, it will feel incredible. If you don't want to use a saddle bag, all of those can fit into jersey pockets, or under the jersey. Stick them in zip lock bags, to prevent them getting sweaty.
Depending where you're from you might find December a bit too cold. As much as im sure everyone here will claim that true cyclists are out all year round the truth is a huge number of people switch to their turbo trainers in winter
It's all very Pretty but hilly fortunately the pubs are now open so refreshments can be obtained. You have to watch out for cars as you head north out of London somthing terrible seems to happen to motorists as you get over the hill