Croydon, Isabella Plantation picnic loop

A picnic in the must-see-beautiful Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park. We ride from Queens Gardens and back there, first along the Wandle Trail, then through Merton Park to Raynes Park, where we will stop at the big Waitrose for a chance to buy picnic food and drinks. Then through Wimbledon Common on a lovely path beside Beverly Brook before crossing into Richmond Park to Isabella Plantation. If the weather is not good for picnicking we will choose before Waitrose whether to eat out or in. If eating in we will not stop at Waitrose but we will ride through Richmond Park then eat in the Deer Cafe Bistro in Norbiton. The way back goes through Mitcham Common.

Starting at 10am in Queens Gardens, taking 25 minutes for the Waitrose shop, we reach Pegs Gate of Isabella Plantation (where there is bike parking) at 13.5 miles. We should arrive at 12:10 (trying to be realistic). Leaving at 2pm, we can cover the second half of 14.5 miles in less than 110 minutes, arriving at Queens Gardens no later than 3:50. If we skip the picnic to eat in Deer Cafe owing to weather we will get back much sooner.

Bring the minimum you would need for a picnic – a plate, cutlery, perhaps a cloth to spread. A pannier or backpack to carry food and drink. Please bring a spare inner tube. It is 4.4 miles from Waitrose to Isabella Plantation.

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