River Wandle; Nonsuch Beginners Short Ride 25 February

 

by Roger

The ride had to be fairly short (about 12 miles) in order to get back to Cheam in time for the start of the AGM, so eight of us set out promptly from Nonsuch in weather that varied from “Bracing” to perishing cold.

We took the usual route to Sutton, round the back of the Mansion and out through the main park gates and crossing Cheam High Street, along Love Lane and down Quarry Park Road to James Road then left and along Collingwood to the nether regions of Sutton Bus garage and eventually to The Green and crossing Stayton Road to explore a footpath off Hallmead and eventually emerged opposite All Saints Church.

Along All Saints Road to Aultone way and up into Rose Hill park  and on the newly resurfaced cycle track emerging at the cycle crossing next to St Helier and to the Wandle trail via   Robertsbridge  and Revensby Roads and the path through Poulter Park.

We followed the trail and emerged out onto Mill Lane then into Carshalton Park slipping through the narrow alley by the crazy golf to emerge in Carshalton High Street and a coffee stop. We were made very welcome at the “Spilt Milk” Cafe the proprietor making room for us all and quickly serving us excellent coffee and Cakes.

Paul, Anna, Karen, Colin, Rob, Roger & Maggie at Spilt Milk

With one eye on the time, we set off promptly heading for the foothills of the Surrey Alps. Crossing Carshalton High Street we crossed to Talbot road, used the path next to the dry river bed to gain access to Carshalton Park road and then slowly climbing up to veer left in order to turn up Wales Avenue.

It is here that one discovers the delight of a road that at first sight seems as only as steep as a ski slope, but with roads crossing at right angles causing us to stop and carefully cross each one, before standing yet again on the pedals. We crawled up to Fairview and crossed the railway at Kings Lane and Hillcroome Road until at last the route began to ease and we entered Langley Park Road then Cavendish Road and through to Mulgrave and under the railway bridge to the cut through to the Pelican crossing outside Cheam park. From there it was a short ride to the Prince of Wales on Cheam High Street arriving at the pub at exactly 16.30 as planned to be met by Nigel.  An interesting ride and not as steep as it seems at first glance.