EECC - Recconoitre Finding the source of the River Peck and Stratford feeder

The purpose of this ride is to reconnoitre the two EECC rides planned for 14 August.

In Roman times, Southwark's claim to fame was that it was the largest of a set of gravel islands which lay to the south of a very wide River Thames. London Bridge was built to provide access to this island, whose eastern seaboard was defined by Earl's Sluice. Earls' Sluice enters the Thames at Deptford Wharf and, prior to the 13th century, when the Effra was diverted to run west from Kennington to join the Thames at Vauxhall, it was fed from the River Effra. This map depicts the river flows of these two lost rivers.

From Stratford Velodrome our route heads to the Greenwich Foot Tunnel via the west side of the Isle of Dogs. At 6.5 miles we will walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel to get to Cutty Sark Gardens.

From Cutty Sark Gardens, our route takes us westwards along the Thames Path to find Earl's Sluice, which lies on the Deptford/Rotherhithe border. There is an historic bridge parapet and sewer outlet there now, opposite St George’s Square and stairs, visible on low tide ~11:32am. Earl's Sluice is one of London's lost rivers now, but we will next be seeking out the pipe where Earl's Sluice emerges from underground to cross a railway line (still needs to be located).

The River Peck, from which Peckham gets its name, is a tributary of Earl's Sluice. We will follow the path of this river up to Peckham Rye Park, where parts of the river emerge from underground culverts to form the river that runs through the park and we will seek out the Peckham Spring, which is a tributary of the River Peck, that may be in the Japanese Garden. We will then seek out the source of the River Peck, which lies under the roots of the One Tree at One Tree Hill, the summit of which also offers fantastic views towards the City and across London to the London Eye and the Wembley Arch.

On our return journey, we will stop at the 16.2 mile point for a refreshment break at the Blackbird Bakery. We then cycle back along Quietway 1 to Cutty Sark Gardens. We continue our journey by walking north through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and follow the Thames Path on the east side of the Isle of Dogs and retrace our route to Stratford.

This 26 mile ride has 939 feet of climbs. The steep climb up One Tree Hill will require walking up stairs carrying your bike on a 56 foot climb. This hill could be skipped by waiting along Brenchley Gardens for the group to return from the hill trek. Occasionally a lift at the Greenwich Foot Tunnel may be out of service so the stairs would need to be used; currently the North lift is out of service. The North Tower has 87 steps and the South Tower has 100 steps. An alternative crossing could be to take the DLR south from Island Gardens for one stop to Cutty Sark.

This ride is based on a ride in February 2017.

Children are welcome when accompanied by a responsible riding adult. Please bear in mind the ride distance of 26 miles.

eBikes are welcome.

All participants are expected to bring:
• A bike in good working order with tyres pumped to the correct pressure.
• A cycle helmet
• Carry at least a spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers
• A cycle lock for use at the refreshment stop
• Dress for the weather on the day
• A drink

Ride Leader Contact: Yves – 07446 231839

Expected ride timings
11:15 Cutty Sark
12:00 Brenchley Gardens to start hill trek
12:20 End hill trek
12:30 Blackbird Bakery
13:00 Leave Blackbird Bakery
13:30 Cutty Sark
13:45 Foot Tunnel exit via north stairs
14:30 Stratford VeloPark

Send a join request to the East End Cycling Club to keep up to date on our rides. Ride pics are posted on the Facebook page.