• Richmond Park
• Waterlinnk Way

Richmond Park Ride

Jean and John led and back-marked a group of 12 riders with Jamie assistng with some marshalling. Here is Jean’s report.

We progressed through the parks – Dulwich, Clapham Common, Wandsworth Common – down the long hill that is Magdalen Road to Earlsfield – then Wimbledon Park and alongside Wimbledon Common to get to Richmond park Roehampton Gate in about 1 hr 20. Then a further 20 minutes inside the park towards Richmond Gate – with all the mad-keen Saturday cyclists doing their laps on their carbon fibre bikes ? but with the luxury of that part of the road being closed off to motorists. ( in fact we saw a couple of drivers being issued tickets – for straying beyond the permitted road area). Nice not to be in the wrong for once.

We reached Pembroke Lodge at 11.45 where various groups either had a hot lunch or a sandwich overlooking amazing views on the verandah at the back – looking out West – or a few stayed at the cafe out front. We left at 12.30 for the ride back – a little less hilly – except for Magdalen road where one rider had gears not fully working and so it was quite a climb for her. Back to Dulwich park in sunshine for 2.15 – a few having peeled off en route. We stopped just to point out Herne Hill Vélodrome – who run great track – taster sessions for all levels and all ages. About 25 miles round trip.

The Whole Waterlink Way

10 riders met at Peckham Square for a ride designed to showcase the Waterlink Way. Bruce (i.e. me) led off just after 10am. Started up Rye Lane, then climbed up past Peckham Rye Park and through Nunhead to the high point on the foot bridge over the railway off Brockey Way. From there down to Ladywell Fields at Ewhurst Rd. Headed south past Catford Bridge Station and joined the greenest section of the Waterlink Way to Southend Lane a distance of just over a mile. As Shelagh said on WhatsApp: “Cycling along the Waterlink Way you forget you are in a city”.

We turned back and enjoyed a leisurely ride back in the sunshine. Then we continued through Ladywell Fields, took the bridge with the spiral ramps over the railway and stopped at the Good Hope Cafe for a break. Next section, continuing on National Route 21, was distinctly urban but improved through Brookmill Park. Eventually we reached the Thames close to Cutty Sark and turned westwards using Cycleway 4 through Deptford, then south to Folkestone Gardens and Brdighouse Meadows. Final section is again all streets back to Peckham. Finished around 1pm after an easy 3 hour circuit. Enjoyable cycing in excellent weather.

Google map of route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1evRH6uw3lByyIjmMxnVsEyyMoSMp27g&usp=sharing

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