Harold Wood to Waltham Cross - Southwark Healthy Ride

Please register for rides on Eventbrite so we can limit numbers, link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/harold-wood-to-waltham-cross-cycle-ride-tickets-1993139628282?aff=oddtdtcreator

Another Essex adventure devised by Owen. The ride starts at Harold Wood station on the Elizabeth line (Station step free, Zone 6, 35 min from Liverpool St). Meet 10am for a prompt start.

Harold Wood and neighbouring Harold Hill are named after Harold Godwinson, king Harold 2 the last Anglo Saxon king of England. From Harold Wood we head toward Harold Hill Central Park. From there we climb up towards Havering-atte-Bower stopping at Bedfords Park Visitor’s Centre with a deer sanctuary and magnificent views of Central London. We then ride along Wellingtonia Avenue with its majestic giant Sequoia trees. This area has the second largest plantation of giant redwood trees in the country. The ride then passes through Havering Country Park, Hainault Forest, Chigwell Row, Chigwell, Loughton, and then Epping Forest where we will take another break. From there we head to Waltham Abbey and the memorial to King Harold 2. If we have time we’ll stop by the Lee Valley White Water Centre before heading down the Lee Valley Navigation and then towards Turkey Street station on the Weaver line where the ride ends. Estimated finish time 2pm. Note Turkey St Station is not step free. Nearest step free option is Edmonton Green, 4 miles down the A10.
This ride is 40km long and requires a reasonable level of fitness as there are a few gentle hills. It includes about 7km on unpaved paths which makes the ride ideal for gravel bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes. Unfortunately this ride is not recommended for road bikes or Bromptons.

Riders of all ages are welcome on Healthy Rides but under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Same for “adults at risk”. Always give way to pedestrians and to other cyclists so all path users feel safe. If you cannot make a ride, please cancel so that someone else can take the place. These rides are part of a regular programme of Saturday rides, more information at https://southwarkcyclists.org.uk/healthy-rides/.

Lovely 17 mile rural ride including Country Park and forest (Hainult, Epping). Easy-paced but will require a basic level of fitness. Come and join us.

Mixture of trafficked road and off road path. Some path unsurfaced.

Several stops at points of interest plus one longer coffee stop.

Just yourself and your bike.

First-timers welcome!