Easy Ride to The Horton; from Nonsuch Park 26 July

by Roger P

On a warm Saturday afternoon that had a threat of rain about it, there was the usual melee around the Mansion as friends met and chatted, querying – “where do we go today”. While those who had read the list suggested the long ride go to Wimbledon Park or Nork and Banstead. Neither of these held any charm for me so I was relieved when “The Horton” was suggested as a short ride.

I had driven to a concert at The Horton last year and realised it was very easy to get to from  Horton Lane, but I considered there must be a more interesting route avoiding fast main roads, so a few weeks earlier,  I had  dredged my memory to piece together a route from scraps of remembered rides and set out to explore an offroad  route and quiet streets that would take us somewhere near “The Horton”. 

We did in the end find it after much exploring of dead end streets and crescents and closes and rewarded ourselves with a coffee and cake. More importantly we had recorded our confused wanderings on” Bee Line”, in the hope we could at least use it next time to plot a route through the housing estates.

Now, eleven intrepid explorers, including one or two brave souls who had survived the previous attempt to find The Horton, decided to risk coming with me. We exited Nonsuch onto the A24 and turning right at Bourne Hall carried on up over the railway line and on to Chessington Rd.  I remembered that the key to finding the entry to the bike track through Chessington Road Recreation Ground was to look for the pedestrian crossing immediately before it, and sure enough just past it on the left was  a  close marked Bakers Field and alongside it the path that eventually, after crossing Hook Road, the track develops into a shared bike and pedestrian pavement alongside Chantilly way.

Cycling alongside Chantilly way, the left turn to Longrove Road can easily be missed, but this short road leads directly to the roundabout at the entrance of Longrove Park.  The path divides soon after entry.  We took the left fork onto the designated bike route around the edge of the park which had the advantage of being well away from the skate park and playground and associated pedestrians and dogs.

The route exits the park via the gate at the far end and continues alongside the site of what was once the mental hospital complex now replaced and repurposed by new housing developments.  What is visible today is only a small part of what had been a place where tens of thousands of patients lived out, all too often, their whole lives.

 As the long stay mental hospitals were phased out in the 1980’s many of the  buildings  were demolished and their extensive grounds were sold off for development and became a golf course,  parks and open spaces interspersed with a mix of  substantial hospital accommodation redeveloped into high quality apartments and housing  with low rise housing packed into in a mix of crescents and closes all looking remarkably similar and linked by service roads and roundabouts.

The cycle track from the park passes the Abbots Avenue playground, ending at one of the many roundabouts. We paused here to consider our next move. Instinct and previous attempts to work out the location of The Horton indicated that it was to our right and slightly behind us.

We decided to defer to technology and” Bee Line” was consulted which confirmed the general direction of the target, so we turned into Cavell Way looking for a road through the estate that would take us to Horton Lane.  After only one dead end we did find a way through to Abbots Avenue once more and soon after had sight of the roundabout by Horton Crescent. As we drew nearer signage pointed us to Haven Way and the fenced compound containing the repurposed chapel that is “The Horton”.      We entered the compound and secured the bikes at the newly installed cycle racks there.

Those who had never visited “The Horton” were captivated by its transformation from what had been the main place of worship for the massive hospital complex into a café, display space and performance area.  

The café does good coffee cakes and even hot meals and customers can make use of the superb facilities or sit at a café table and admire the sensitivity the buildings preservation and the simplicity of its sympathetic transformation complete with original organ pipes, pulpit and tiled floor.

We sat outside where it was cooler and enjoyed coffee and cakes while one or two of us popped back indoors to read the information panels about the history of the one time mental hospital complex and learn about the patients and why so many mental health colonies were created around Epsom and Chessington.

Taken by Paul

The return ride was both quick and easy. Turning right out of The Horton’s car park we retraced our steps to Abbot’s Road and entered the cycle track at Horton Lane. There followed an easy downhill ride down to the Hook Road roundabout. We took advantage of the pedestrian controlled crossing to get to the cycle track alongside Hook Road until it intercepted the track from Chessington Recreation field. We turned into the track and retraced our route to the exit marked” Bakers Field” at Chessington Road and retraced our route back to Nonsuch via Spring Street and the A24.

 A comfortable and easy short ride of not quite ten miles.

The Great Escape; Cretaceous Park Beginners to Elmers End 19 July.

Over fifty years ago, when we were first married, Maggie and I used to live on Crystal Palace Park Road and I wrote to the council then that the security arrangements at Crystal Palace Park were completely inadequate for the beasts kept there.  They seemed to think I was some kind of fruitcake when I told them their so-called-extinct Dinosaurs were playing possum and you could see by the fact that they were millimetres out of the previous day's position that they became active at night and those puny fences would never keep them out should they get adventurous.  Even the Raving Loony Party candidate of the time would not give me the time of day.  

Well, the councillors have moved on, the Raving Loony Party would no longer be PC, and Maggie and I moved away a while ago.  But when you have been living nocturnally one hundred and fifty thousand times longer than Dracula, fifty years is not even an instant, and this week my apocalyptic prediction has materialised.  The dinosaurs have escaped.  The horror can be seen on Anna's face as she fails to differentiate between a herbivorous monster and a carnivorous one.  Anyway, she might be right.  It's a little-known fact that Stegosaurus killed as many humans as did Tyrannosaurus.

We could not get out of Cretaceous Park fast enough, Dominika, Maggie, Anna, Roger and me.

It's behind you, it's behind you

It had been throwing it down most of the morning but we had a dry run in reasonably pleasant though increasingly muggy weather, using the Greenwich route of last week to get to Elmers End, and the Addiscombe Park and Lloyd Park route to get back.  No monsters in those places.

A modest, enjoyable ride.

But steer clear of Beddington; the fences there are no better than those at Crystal Palace.

The Greenwich Concerto. All Day Ride 12 July 2025

This year’s Greenwich Ride was conducted in a heatwave though in the morning especially there was a deceptively refreshing breeze.  We had a few last minute drop-outs (Frank, get well soon after your spill) but a couple of late joiners, too.  There was plenty going on elsewhere (a Way of the Roses ride just starting, a Guernsey trip just ended) and some were put off by the heat forecast, but we had a turnout of sixteen riders and rode in three groups.

Group 1 leader Julie writes

The first group set off promptly from Beddington Park in an attempt to get ahead of the intense heat of the day. In my group was Linda, Sue B, Rob, and Stuart who was my back marker. Ayla cafe was delightful as was the lunch stop at the floral Dog and Bell in Deptford. Linda enjoyed the nostalgic ride through Wandsworth passing her childhood school and tennis club. Everyone enjoyed the ride despite the heat. Linda and I were the last ones standing as we stopped for tea at MED cafe in Merton Abbey Mill before heading for home and a cool shower

Group 2 leader Tim writes

Mad dogs and Englishmen (and CTC cyclists) go out in the midday sun !

The recent heatwave and forecast of further high temperatures did nothing to deter a good number of eager enthusiasts to gather at Beddington Park to start today’s adventure to Greenwich.  

My group consisting of Ian, Sharon, Jackie, Alyson and back-marker Andy headed out towards the metropolis of Croydon then out on calmer treks through suburban streets and green spaces to our first pitstop of the day at Ayla cafe in Kent House. Suitably refreshed we headed out via Catford and Lewisham then made our ascent to Blackheath and across to Greenwich Park to admire the clear and spectacular view of the city across the river. There was quite a carnival atmosphere amid craft stalls and live music.  

After a few customary photos we headed down to Greenwich to admire the Cutty Sark by the riverside. Following the river we soon reached our lunchtime stop at the ‘Dog and Bell’ at Deptford. Good food was promptly served as we sat outside surrounded by an impressive floral display. 

Our afternoon ride took us further along the river and parkland at Rotherhithe then Bermondsey, London Bridge and a very crowded Borough Market. At this stage Ian peeled off to make his own way home by train and the group became temporarily split. Soon reunited we continued along the Southbank, across Westminster Bridge and through Parliament Square to follow a well marked cycle path to Battersea Bridge and into the park.  The shade of the trees and relaxed atmosphere made for a good opportunity to rest and recharge our batteries. The final leg took us via Clapham, Wandsworth and Earlsfield where we picked up and followed the river Wandle to our final destination at Merton Abbey Mills. 

Thanks to everyone who made today’s ride a success and enjoyable experience both in planning and execution. It’s always a pleasure to lead a ride with cyclists who are keen, enthusiastic and good company. A good day had by all !

Group leader Paul writes

The Annual Greenwich Concerto is in five movements.  For my quintet, bringing up the rear with Paul G, Justine, Ken and Maggie, the first movement from Beddington to Kent House, was Allegro Moderato, though apparently not quite moderato enough, because we caught Tim’s sextet, riding  Adagietto, at Kent House Station.

The traditional coffee stop there was closed but this had become obvious during the recces so I had arranged with Ayla on Kent House Road, to ship in some more cakes.  Vitally and unlike our old haunt, Ayla is in the shade in late morning, and Violeta worked her socks off and succeeded in serving us quickly.

The second movement, The Ravensbourne, is Adagio, and majestic on a sunny summer’s day.  The easy cadence sets you up perfectly for Simon’s cadenza through Lewisham and then the closing crescendo up to Blackheath, and the magnificence of its concluding cabaletta.  As Wordsworth wrote from a different vantage point two and a quarter centuries ago, Earth has not anything to show more fair than the view that General Wolfe, the hero of Quebec, now gazes upon in perpetuity.  The music festival there on Saturday did nothing to detract.

The Third movement, really nothing more than an Intermezzo in brisk Vivace, takes you past St Alphege (where Wolfe is buried) and the Cutty Sark and Peter (Little Head) the Great to the Dog and Bell in Deptford, one of the great pubs.  On a good day with kitchen-produced food and decently-priced ale some would say the D&B is the sixth movement of the concerto.  Jackie’s cheeseboard was a wonder.  I am no Wordsworth and will let the flowers speak through Sue’s camera.  We lingered, partly because Tim and his sextet would have lingered until nightfall had I not caught his eye with a bit of signalling and they were supposed to be ten minutes in front of us.

Andy doesn't get his thumb in his photos!

A wondrous cheeseboard

"........and another thing about the Brompton."

The fourth movement  is in three parts, the balletic dance through the shaded gardens that were once Canada and Russia Docks, the Vivacissimo along the river to Battersea, and these two separated by the chaotic homage to Stockhausen that is cycling through Borough Market on a summer Saturday.  So difficult to play that the sextet broke up and we came across their remnants busking in Southwark.  Tim appeared to be phoning his agent.

In many ways, after such inspiration, the final movement, the fifth, can turn into a bit of a plodding deciso, but the finale is rescued by the peaceful diminuendo of the Wandle Trail.

Well played, my quintet; thanks for back marking, Maggie.  A satisfying pleasure to have performed with you all.

And special thanks to Julie and Tim for giving up the time for recces and leading.

All Day Ride to Greenwich, order of play

 Here are the groups for Saturday's ride.

The forecast temperatures are high, though there will allegedly be a north easterly breeze. 

Please cover yourself in sun cream, bring plenty of water as well as a spare inner tube, cover your head and remember all day to wait in the shade, not in the sun.

Because of the heat we are not returning through Camberwell and Brixton, but along the river.  Much of the morning route, and all three victualing stops, are in shade.  Leaders please stop for drinks breaks.

If anyone is overheating, there is an opportunity to get a train home from London Bridge (three quarters of an hour after lunch), Blackfriars, or Waterloo.  Just tell your leader and they can point out the stations, which are very close to the route.

Tim Gibbons will leave North Cheam crossroads at 9.15 promptly to lead those meeting there to Beddington Park.  Lorraine, Stuart and Dawn have each told me they will start from Cheam but you don't need a ticket, Tim will lead anybody who has gathered and wants to be on the ride.

My understanding is that everyone else is making their own way to Beddington Park Pavilion Cafe from where the ride departs.

Coffee will be at Ayla on Kent House Road (about 1 hour).  Lunch at the Dog and Bell in Deptford (a further 1.5 hours including a stop at the Greenwich Observatory).  Tea at the hut in Battersea Park (1.5 hours after leaving lunch).  Those that need should also be able to get a drink at MED in Merton Abbey Mills, the finish (a final 1 hour), before going home.

Group 1 led by Julie 07803 005516, depart 10am

Bernadette (joining en route)

Linda

Sue B

Rob

Group 2 led by Tim G 07756 961505, departing at +10mins

Ian P

Andy C

Sharon

Jackie

Lorraine

Group 3 led by Paul J 07718 753234, departing at +20 mins

Maggie

Ken

Stuart

Alyson

provisional Dawn + Kirsten

The route is here.

Greenwich Ride 2025 final route 33.1 mi, +957 ft. Bike ride in London, England

Thanks everyone; see you tomorrow

Paul & Maggie

Invitation to join the 2025 All Day Ride to Greenwich

 The 2025 All Day Ride to Greenwich is next Saturday, 12 July.

We will travel up the popular and traditional route across South Norwood Country Park for coffee at Kent House.  Then along the Ravensbourne River to Lewisham, then the short climb up to the Black Heath, and from there the glide to the Observatory.  We descend to the Cutty Sark, then travel south of the Thames to lunch at the Dog and Whistle.  We continue up river through the Docklands, Borough Market, Westminster and Vauxhall to tea in Battersea Park.  Home via Clapham and Wandsworth Commons, Earlsfield and the Wandle Trail to the official finish (and more tea if you want it) at Merton Abbey Mills.  Everybody who needs it will be led back from there towards the start, or towards their homes.  

The final route will be available as a gpx file after the next recce on Wednesday.

Beddington Park to Merton Abbey Mills is 33 miles (55 Km).  On the afternoon route we pass the front door of London Bridge Station and within 800yds of Blackfriars and Waterloo Stations, so those who are too warm or too worn can get the train home from there.

We start from the Pavilion Cafe in Beddington Park at 10 am.  Those who live further west and have no A to Z will be picked up at 9.15 from the south east corner of the crossroads in North Cheam ( where Malden Road crosses London Road) and led to Beddington Park.

You are invited to join the ride.  If you wish to come please let me know on Paulandrewjames1949@yahoo.co.uk by midnight Thursday.  You will be sorted into groups of a size which can be safely led through the town centres and will cause minimal annoyance to park users and tourists we encounter.  Also I need to know numbers because the morning coffee stop is not a huge cafe and may need to get in adequate provisions the day before.

Finally, I could do with another leader.  Anybody who is on the leaders list, and planning to come, and can make the recce on Wednesday please let me know.

Paul (and Maggie)    

A long short ride on a cool hot day; Nonsuch to Molesey 5 July

If we thought the rain might put people off we were mistaken; despite the absence of regulars on several adventures of their own, we had thirteen turn up at Nonsuch Mansion.  Trouble was, we had only two leaders so the choice on offer was limited to two.  Steve W had come all the way back from South West Iberia to lead a ride (where else with Steve?) up Box Hill.  My original intention had been to follow the programme and offer a short ride to Merton up the route perfected by the (absent) Diane but I have never ridden that, and though Diane was kind enough to send Maggie the gpx route I am not confident about leading a route I have not recced and when one of the punters suggested Eight on the River at Molesey I jumped at the chance, and that was where we went despite having one Nonsuch debutante and one returnee from long term injury.  Stuart, Ian and Rob went with Steve and that left me with nine. 

We had to take a detour around the path works in Nonsuch Park but other than that it all went well at a steady Saturday short ride pace until Sharon had a puncture at the top of Ditton Hill, a fact of which I was informed only after we had got well past the bottom.  I needed the hill practice.  In fact, Sharon's tyre, re-inflated, held out until the Rowing Club.  Short staffed, slow (but pleasant) service and we had to sit outside because they were closing.  Still, outside on the terrace overlooking the river on a muggy day with a hot cup of tea and a nice cake was not at all unpleasant.

Despite two offers of repair by extraordinarily handsome men, Sharon opted to cycle to Balfes in Kingston to have her inner tube replaced, so there are only eight of us in the picture, taken by a press-ganged passer-by.

We made our way home by the Weston Green - Surbiton route and peeled off one by one as folk felt confident that they knew where they were.

A decent ride, nearly 50 Km door to door for Maggie and me, not too hot, not too wet.

Thanks everyone for your company. 

From our Northern Correspondent, 5/6 July

 

From Ian P

 

Last weekend I turned up at Mansion House cafe in Nonsuch Park where as ever the long ride lead by Steve was my first choice along with Stuart & Rob on their Pinarellos to go up Box Hill.

Clearly I have let some of my fitness go by not going out for a while. But we did make the NT cafe who unfortunately had stopped doing baked potatoes a few minutes earlier, so a sandwich, cake and mocha were all that I had. 🙄 I hope that Paul, Maggie and the short ride crew had more luck!

So in need of making up for that lack of fitness (next day) I went off in search of the elevenses stop for the C&M section who I have never ridden with, but saw their proposed stop was a suitable point to join them.

Unfortunately I ended up riding across Epsom Downs (yes, rough stuff on a Brompton!) having taken too early a right turn and riding with a random group of mountain bikers initially, before cutting through and ending up near Woodcote Park and dropping down into Epsom and eventually to Nonsuch and back home.