All day ride to Harmondsworth - 17th August

Thanks to our ride leader Steph W for this report, and for a lovely day out along an historic and interesting route.

Setting off after lunch...l to r Bernard, Alice, Diane, Stephanie, Sabina,
Lorraine and Sue ( just behind Lorriane)
Photo by Helen outside Five Bells, Harmondsworth

Six cyclists left Nonsuch Park on Saturday and another 3 joined us at Kingston Bridge. We cut into Bushy Park before heading north to join the tarmac surface of the river Crane towpath. Entering Pevensey Nature Reserve we took an adventurous route through the former Feltham Marshalling Yards and through a tunnel under the railway to follow the Crane onto Hounslow Heath. The path was a little muddy after heavy rain the previous day! It is hoped that rights of way will be granted over this land to enable continuity between the separated bits of the River Crane path.

Shortly we were on a straight route west to the 14th century Tithe Barn at Harmondsworth, passing the proposed site of the 3rd runway on our left at Sipson.

Lunch was enjoyed in the garden of the Five Bells pub. Returning via Osterley Park we stopped for tea, ice creams and cake before returning through Twickenham and Richmond Park.

Thanks to all who came along, and especially back marker Helen and mechanic Godfrey.

~ Steph