Thursday 30th July - Thames Bridges, Parks and Palaces

We will travel to London by the first off peak train to Blackfriars and then cycle west following the Thames towards Hampton Court. 

To begin with we use busy London roads - taking advantage of cycle infrastructure - then follow parts of NCN 4  and the Thames Cycle Route. The vast majority of the route is on paved roads and cycleways. There are a few short unsurfaced sections - but fine for anything except slick road bike tyres. 

We go through various parks and gardens including Battersea Park, Bushy Park, Richmond Park and the grounds of Chiswick House, Syon House, Ham House and alongside Hampton Court. 

We cross a total of 12 road bridges - including 2 closed to motor vehicles - and also use the footbridge at Teddington Lock. 

Once we reach Hampton Court, we take a direct route back to Kew Bridge via Kingston and Richmond Park. At Kew Bridge we pick up Cycle Superhighway 9 straight through to Kensington, then head north through Hyde Park and back to Kings Cross.

Cycles are not permitted on trains out of London until 7pm so this will be a full day out. We will stop at cafes in Battersea Park and Bushy Park for drinks and snacks in the morning/afternoon and Chiswick House  at lunchtime. 

You may wish to bring some extra food for on the way home - although there are plenty of places to pick something up at the station. 

As the lifts at St Pancras are being refurbished over the summer, we will catch a train back to Stevenage at Kings Cross. 

Please note: This ride will involve cycling on some busy roads in Central London. 

Contact Jill if you would like to join the ride.  

Link to Midweek ride page