River Wandle and optional wine tasting cycle tour

NOTE EVENTS ARE NOT EXCLUSIVE TO MEET UP SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE FEW ATTENDEES SHOWING
Summary:

Meander along the banks of what used to be ‘Britain’s hardest working river’. Cycle past historic water mills, through green parks, and local nature reserves. Then leave the river for quiet country roads through the North Downs, over the dramatic Epsom race course, before reaching Denbies Wine Estate for an optional tour and taste of their finest work.

Distance: 25 miles

Terrain: Flat for first half, rolling countryside later on

Path/Road: A mixture of riverside path and quiet country roads

Physical difficulty: Easy to moderate, 3.5 hours cycling at a slow pace. As you will be on the saddle for a few hours padded shorts or a gel seat cover will be useful for those not used to it.

Duration: 10am – 4pm

Cost: £20 (additional £10 for wine tasting payable on day)

Itinerary:

The River Wandle stretches from its source in Carshalton to the Thames in Wandsworth. We cycle all 14 miles along the river bank, past a few of the water mills that remain from its industrial heyday. The path winds along the river, over bridges, through local parks and nature reserves. You can enjoy the local flora and fauna along this typical chalk stream.

Reaching the river’s source we pick up a National Cycle route and head into the North Downs. Beautiful countryside will pass you by before stopping for a well earned pub lunch. An unexpected highlight is the cycle path runs through the middle of Epsom Racecourse, but we'll have to detour around on race day!

The final leg takes us to Denbies Wine Estate where we you can enjoy the shops and cafe. There is an option to partake in the ‘Classic Wine Tasting Experience’. This 45 minute experience includes a film on the history of Denbies, a train tour through the working winery on their indoor people mover, and a guided tour through their atmospheric cellars where you will try 3 specially selected wines. As they have just won an award for world’s best wine in the ‘Still Rose’ category you could be in for a treat!

Upon reaching Dorking we’ll head back on the train to return the hire bikes or feel free to find your own way home.

Bike hire: Go Pedal - Clapham - £20 day (not included, contact us if you need to hire)

Start and finish:

Start at Wandsworth Town train station.

Finish at Dorking train station.

Direct trains back to Clapham Junction. If you need to return to Wandsworth Town station you can cycle the one mile from here or take a train.

Included:

Fully guided tour

Entry to Denbies Classic Tasting Experience (if paid for)

Places of interest pointed out

Basic tool kit carried to undertake minor repairs

Accident insurance cover

Trained first aider

Refund policy:

Contact us to cancel 2 weeks before event 100% refund, 1 week 50%, 2 days 25%, less than 2 days 0%