Brunel and the Brent GPX Route

One quiet West London river, one perfect little church, and a viaduct built by the most famous engineer of the Victorian age.

Ride Details

• Ride Level: Easy / Green
• Distance: 19km / 12 miles
• Terrain: 87% off-road on well-made gravel paths and canal towpath
• Bike: Any bike
• Includes: GPX file and printable Ride Guide

The Route

Starting at Ealing Broadway (or Brentford, for anyone coming from south of the river), the route crosses the manicured Walpole Park and through Lammas Park, passing under the M4 to join the Grand Union Canal.

Follow the Grand Union towards the first Hanwell Lock, where the route picks up the River Brent for the next five miles on well-made, easy-riding gravel paths. Look out for the Egyptian-style columns of Wharncliffe Viaduct, carrying the Great Western main line high over the Brent Valley.

At mile 8¾, the route detours to the adorable Perivale Church, a tiny 12th-century white clapperboard building that's a reminder that Perivale was, not so long ago, distinctly rural.

Finally leave the Brent, climb through Fox Wood, and descend back into Ealing.

Brunel's Viaduct in Disguise

Wharncliffe Viaduct carries the Great Western main line over the Brent Valley on eight brick arches dressed up with Egyptian-style pilasters, very much Brunel's touch. Built in 1837, it's one of the earliest major structures of his career, and it's named after Lord Wharncliffe, who chaired the parliamentary committee that approved the railway's route through Hanwell. Almost two centuries of trains later, it's still doing exactly the job it was built for.

Along the Way

Places to Visit:

5 miles: Wharncliffe Viaduct

8¾ miles: Perivale Church

Places to Eat:

Ealing is well stocked with cafes and pubs, start or finish wherever suits.

Finish

Finish back in Ealing, muddy or not depending on the season, with plenty of options nearby for a proper sit-down.

Start and End Points

Start/Finish: Ealing Broadway or Brentford.

Ride Details

• Distance: 19km / 12 miles
• Climb: 120m / 390ft
• Percentage off-road: 87%
• Trail surface: Natural, gravel, cycle paths and single track
• Technical Grade: Green — Easy
• Mudometer: All seasons, well-made gravel paths

Is this ride for me?

A flat, easy ride that's over quicker than the scenery suggests. Budget two to three hours if you're stopping at the church and the viaduct rather than just riding through — it's a great family day out, and easy to shorten if you need to.

Read more about our grades here.

Is my bike OK for this ride?

Any bike fitted with all-terrain tyres will manage this comfortably.