- Canada Water-South Bank – Deptford
- Peckham to Yurts Café, Limehouse
Canada Water-South Bank – Deptford
Storm Eunice on previous day led to a relatively small group of 5 riders at Canada Water. In fact the conditions were not too bad for mid February. There was still a stiff breeze, but no rain at this point and quite bright. Bruce leading, we set off on a ride to showcase recent cycle routes, notably Cycleways 14 and 10. Picked up C14 at the bridge over the Albion Channel and continued on a route largely following NR4, the Thames path. Passed the Salter Statues and Brunel Tunnel and at Dockhead briefly joined the segregated Cycleway 4. Diagonal cycle crossing continues C14 which runs past Guys Hospital and along Union St to Blackfriars Rd. Here left C14 and briefly joined segregated C6 towards Blackfriars Bridge. Just before the bridge turned left on to Upper Ground and then diverted through Gabriels Wharf to the riverside. The refreshment stand (converted Airstream Caravan) provided coffee, plus excellent churros for the ride leader.
Suitably refuelled we headed for Cornwall road and joined C10. At the Old Vic diverted to Waterloo Millennium Green. This was full of statues of lions that comprise the Born Free Forever installation. Full size bronze statues, looking it must be said a bit lost against the background of large buildings and traffic. This exhibition will be on Millennium Green until the end of March after which it tours the UK. From the Lions followed C10 for a longish stretch (3.5 miles) to Deptford. C10 was the first of the Quietways and the route flows nicely (it was designed by Sustrans). The part from Willow Walk to Surrey Canal Rd is particularly good. It uses the alignment of the long-gone goods railway line to Bricklayers Arms. The replacement pedestrian/cycle bridge over Rotherhithe New Rd was the result of a long campaign by Southwark Cyclists and Sustrans. The bridge leads to an excellent path created for the Quietway that runs alongside the Millwall Football stadium. C10 eventually reaches Greenwich but we left it shortly after Folkstone Gardens. Crossed the busy A200 (Evelyn St) at the KFC where a new crossing, long needed, is under construction as part of the Cycleway 4 work. Unfortunately the crossing is still some way from operational so we had the usual quick dash to safety. Completed the ride along the Linear Canal Path (complete with sheep…), South Dock and Greenland Dock. At this point the rain started and rather dampened the good spirits raised by the ride! Route at https://bit.ly/30lzAza.
Peckham to Yurts Café, Limehouse
With Amanda leading, the 9 riders at Peckham Square headed down the Canal Path and via quiet streets to Tower Bridge. Through St Katherines to Ivory Dock where the elephant frieze was identified. Next the “secret” canals route past Tobacco Dock and Shadwell Basin to Limehouse and the Yurts Café. After suitable refreshment headed round the Isle of Dogs to Greenwich. Three people left at Greenwich while the rest took Cycleway 10 and quiet streets back to Peckham in the rain that had now started. Riders voted the Ivory Dock to Limehouse stretch the best part of the ride.
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