Some of the best bike rides near Amersham combine quiet Chiltern lanes, signed cycle routes, traffic-free family trails and woodland mountain biking. Whether you want an easy afternoon spin or a hillier adventure, there is a good local option within riding or short driving distance.
Amersham sits on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, which means local rides can be beautiful but surprisingly hilly. The right route depends on your fitness, bike, confidence in traffic and the weather.
Below are five useful starting points rather than turn-by-turn navigation. Check the latest map and access information before leaving, and only cycle on roads, cycleways, bridleways and trails where cycling is permitted.
Which local bike ride should you choose?
- For a ride from Amersham: explore the Chiltern Heritage cycling circuits and nearby country lanes.
- For a signed longer route: follow a suitable section of National Cycle Route 57.
- For families and newer riders: try the mostly traffic-free Phoenix Trail between Princes Risborough and Thame.
- For woodland riding: use the Juniper Cycle Trail at Wendover Woods.
- For a relaxed local loop: plan a quiet-lane circuit through villages around Old Amersham and Little Missenden.
Distances can be shortened by riding out and back, starting at a different point or choosing only one section of a longer trail.
Five of the best bike rides near Amersham
1. Chiltern Heritage cycling circuits
The Chiltern Heritage cycling trails offer three circuits through the central Chilterns, and Amersham New Town is a practical base. They are a strong choice if you want a proper countryside ride with village scenery and plenty of Chiltern character.
Expect rolling terrain and some meaningful climbs. Choose a circuit that matches your available time, download or print the current route information and allow extra time for stops. A hybrid, gravel bike, e-bike or road bike with suitable gearing can all work, depending on the exact surfaces selected.
2. National Cycle Route 57 from Chesham
National Cycle Route 57 passes through the wider Chiltern area, including Chesham, and can be used for an out-and-back ride or as part of a longer day out. The route continues through hilly Chiltern countryside towards Great Missenden and Princes Risborough.
Route 57 uses a mixture of conditions and is not entirely traffic-free, so check the section and surface before deciding it suits your bike or group. It is best for riders comfortable with hills, navigation and occasional road traffic.
3. The Phoenix Trail
The Phoenix Trail links Princes Risborough and Thame along a largely traffic-free former railway line. Its flatter profile makes it one of the most approachable choices for families, newer cyclists and anyone wanting a sociable ride without a succession of steep climbs.
Ride the whole trail in both directions or turn around whenever the group has had enough. Shared paths can be busy, so keep your speed considerate, give people plenty of room and use a bell or friendly voice before passing.
4. Juniper Cycle Trail at Wendover Woods
For an off-road option, Forestry England’s Juniper Cycle Trail at Wendover Woods is an intermediate route with climbs, descents and flatter woodland sections. Flint, roots, mud and off-camber ground can make it more technical than its distance suggests.
Use a suitable mountain bike, wear a helmet and ride within your ability. Conditions can change after rain, and Forestry England may alter access or diversions, so check the current trail status before travelling.
5. Old Amersham and Little Missenden lanes
A self-planned loop through Old Amersham and the villages around Little Missenden is ideal when you want to start close to home. You can combine quieter lanes with a café stop and adjust the distance to suit the day.
This is an area suggestion rather than one fixed signed route. Use the Buckinghamshire cycling and rights-of-way map to keep to suitable roads, cycleways and bridleways, and remember that ordinary public footpaths are not cycle routes. Expect hills, narrow lanes, bends and occasional fast-moving traffic.
Seven things to check before choosing your ride
- Distance: include the return journey, warm-up and any detours.
- Climbing: a short Chiltern route can feel harder than a longer flat trail.
- Surface: check whether you will meet tarmac, gravel, mud, roots or loose flint.
- Traffic: decide whether every rider is confident on the road sections.
- Access: cycle only where cycling is permitted and follow temporary closures.
- Weather: rain can make woodland trails slippery and exposed roads unpleasant.
- Facilities: check parking, toilets, water and opening hours before setting off.
Save the route offline or carry a paper map where phone reception may be unreliable.
What should you take on a local bike ride?
- A charged phone and saved route
- Water and an appropriate snack
- A spare inner tube or tubeless repair kit
- Tyre levers, a small pump and basic multi-tool
- A waterproof or extra layer for changing weather
- Lights if there is any chance of returning late
- Identification and any essential medication
For an e-bike, begin with enough battery for the planned distance and hills. Cold weather, high assistance, low tyre pressure and repeated climbing can all reduce range.
Prepare your bike before exploring the Chilterns
Check both brakes, tyre pressure, wheel security and the condition of the chain before leaving. Shift through the gears and listen for skipping, grinding or excessive noise. Make sure your saddle and handlebars are secure.
These simple checks matter on local hills: reliable brakes are essential on descents, while correctly adjusted gears make climbing easier. If the bike has been stored for months, recently developed a fault or is due a service, arrange the work before committing to a longer route.
Ride safely and look after local trails
Slow down around walkers, horses, dogs and children. Give clear warning before passing, leave plenty of space and be prepared to stop. On narrow lanes, ride predictably and avoid forcing unsafe overtakes.
Follow signs, closures and the Highway Code. Do not ride on public footpaths unless a separate cycling right exists. Avoid skidding or cutting corners on soft trails, take litter home and leave gates as you find them.
Ready for your next local ride?
Get your bike checked before you set off
The Mobile Bike Doctor can service and repair your bike before your next Chiltern adventure, from brake and gear adjustments to tyres, chains and general safety checks.
We cover Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chesham, High Wycombe and surrounding areas, with collection and drop-off available.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best family bike ride near Amersham?
The Phoenix Trail is a strong option because it is largely traffic-free and follows a relatively flat former railway line. Check current access and choose a distance that suits the youngest or least experienced rider.
Where can I go mountain biking near Amersham?
The Juniper Cycle Trail at Wendover Woods is an established intermediate off-road option. It includes climbs, descents, roots, flint and potentially muddy ground, so use a suitable bike and check the latest trail information.
Can I ride these routes on a road bike?
A road bike suits paved Chiltern lanes and suitable road sections, but not technical woodland trails. Check the published surface information for Route 57 and the heritage circuits before riding narrow tyres.
Can cyclists use public footpaths in the Chilterns?
Not as a general rule. Use roads, cycle tracks, bridleways, restricted byways and other routes where cycling rights exist. Check the current Buckinghamshire rights-of-way map when planning an unfamiliar ride.