Breeze to Coombe Wood Gardens

A short ride from Beckenham along mainly quiet residential roads, a bridleway alongside a golf course, and unexpected stretches of gravel paths through pretty woodland, leads us to the delightful Coombe Wood Garden. It is not all easy-peasy though, as there is a certain amount of undulation in the route. This, combined with the potentially tricky off-road element of the terrain, some difficult junctions to negotiate, and a couple of short distances on busy roads, means it is not really a ride suitable for beginners.
The ride begins at the Bowie Bandstand in Croydon Road Recreation Ground, next to the Beckenham Beacon. Our route takes us through West Wickham and Spring Park and our return route is via Lloyd Park and Shirley Oaks.
Coombe Wood gardens are beautiful at any time of year. The gardens were laid out as a series of 'garden rooms', with a rock garden by an existing pond, and a terrace garden that was once a Fernery. Over the years the gardens have evolved, to include a rose garden, mixed borders and a winter garden of heathers, conifers and shrubs.  If the weather is on our side, we will allow time for a short wander through the gardens.
There will be a coffee stop at the lovely Coach House Cafe in the grounds of Coombe Woods. There is cycle parking within the grounds. You should bring a lock as we may leave the bikes unattended while we visit the gardens and the cafe.
Please ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions and that your bike is in good working order. This ride is not suitable for road bikes.

Please make sure your details on your profile are up-to-date, in particular that we have a phone number for you. If you don’t have a mobile put your home number in the mobile phone box.
Any problems call Jacqui Turner 07456840924