Eel Pie Island

Eel Pie Island is an 8.9-acre island in the River Thames at Twickenham. It is on the maintained minimum head of water above Richmond Lock, the only lock on the Tideway, and is accessible by boat or from the north bank by a footbridge. The island had a club that was a major venue for jazz and blues in the 1960s. The name may have come from eel pies which were served by the inn on the island in the 19th century. The island was the site of the Eel Pie Island Hotel, originally a genteel 19th-century three-storey building that later hosted ballroom dancing during the 1920s and 1930s.

The island has about 50 homes, 120 inhabitants and two or three boatyards, as well as some other small businesses and artists' studios. It has nature reserves at both ends, protected from public access. All plots and walkways are privately owned. The public can access a foreshortened central path, blocked by fences and front gardens from any river views.

The route has a modest 760 feet of climbs.

All participants are expected to bring:
• A bike in good working order with tyres pumped to the correct pressure. Please conduct a pre-ride safety check on your bike.
• A cycle helmet.
• Carry at least a spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers.
• Dress for the expected weather.
• A drink.