Cycle Ride: Chelsea to Crystal Palace

Historical cycle ride from Chelsea harbour to Crystal Place Park featuring a tour through the most contemporary riverside developments, parks and commons of South London and hidden corners of Victorian & Georgian London. Around 25 miles, suitable for all cycles as on good cycle tracks and quiet side roads.

We will explore Cheyne Walk with its “Blue Plaque Heaven” of artists, then cross Thames via the aesthetically stunning Albert Bridge into Battersea Park to stop at the newly opened riverside cafés serving the Power Station development. Then circling the bucolic delights of the US embassy with its inviting moat. The Wandle trail passes the famous Merton Abbey Mills, workshop of William Morris and now an arts centre with cafes and exhibitions. We will explore the National Trust estate at Morden Hall with its Snuff mill and landscaped gardens. Our route finishes at the Crystal Palace Park where we can enjoy late afternoon teas on the Grand Terrace overlooking London from the South.

We will use the excellent orbital Overground railway for part of the tour, end section on high viaduct for views over London. There will be opportunity to see and photograph significant railway architecture on the route with several outstanding mid Victorian era stations. We will also ride along the tram link to take in the light railway features. Spare cycles available. £3 for meet up fees. A good knowledge of English History required for event.

refreshments: cafes and pubs on route

travel: Overground to start and from finish. Close to stations along route.

start: 10.30am, Imperial Wharf Station, Chelsea, SW6 2ZH . Meet at coffee kiosk by entrance.

end: 5pm, Crystal Palace Station, postcode, SE19 2AZ