Bill Kent, Adam Domaingue, Bill Martin and myself met at Nonsuch Cafe at the usual time. A vastly different day to the previous Saturday’s decidedly soggy ride. Today was bright, sunny with just a hint of Autumn in the temperature, which was hovering around 18°C.
I was in the saddle for leading today, and so our route cut through Ewell onto the Hogsmill, skirted the outside edge of Horton Country Park, crossed over the busy A24 at Chessington South Station and climbed towards Barwell Farm. At the back of the farm we crossed the A3 heading for Claygate Common, Thames Ditton and then a trail along the back of Hersham Golf Club. The ride was peaceful and the temperature was rising to a very respectable 21°C, which bode well for our outdoor tea stop arrival. After crossing under the railway embankment near Hersham Station we traversed another track alongside a traditional allotment site before a short turn on a side road had us towpath side of the Thames for the last quarter of a mile to the elevenses stop.
Wild Brunch was busy, but the staff were efficient and so a very enjoyable stop watching the expensive plastic ‘Tupperware’ boats go puttering by on the river.
Today’s map courtesy of Adam, because my Strava decided to record only three miles of the thirty-four for no apparent reason!
The route back was north side of the Thames taking in Kempton, Hampton and across a very scorched Bushey Park with the local deer still hiding under trees in the shade, or maybe away from the not-so-smart who like to try and play with the wildlife! Still getting warmer we crossed Kingston Bridge and entered the best camouflaged cycle path in Kingston that traverses the market area.
For this walking pace with continuous bell sounding was required to alert the shoppers and mobile phone lovers. We exited without incident and rejoined the Hogsmill for the last few miles through ripe (sewer works cycle path) Berrylands and continued to Worcester Park before returning to Cheam.
I estimate thirty-four miles for me, a very pleasant morning’s exercise.