Nonsuch Park & the Wandle Trail

We originally scheduled this ride for the summer, but our July heatwave meant that we postponed it. Let's hope for lovely mellow September day!

This is a longer ride and will be a full day out, but the gradients are not tough. There are options to shorten the ride if you don't want to do the whole distance: we pass close to several stations where you can get a train to Clapham Junction and then connect to London Overground services to Willesden Junction or Acton Central. We will avoid heavy afternoon traffic by using the off--road riverside path to Hammersmith Bridge which remains closed to motor traffic.

On the edge of Surrey, the site of Henry VIII’s Nonsuch Palace is today an extensive parkland area, with lovely gardens and a later 18th/19th century mansion. Our route there will take us over Richmond Park, then through the suburban roads of New Malden and Worcester Park. We will have some time to explore the gardens and have refreshments; the café offers a limited menu (toasted sandwiches and cakes), or you might prefer to bring your own food.

Our return ride takes us through the village of Cheam and then to the traffic free Wandle Trail, with the option of a second stop at Morden Hall Park, before making our way via Putney and Barnes, to cross back over the river at Hammersmith Bridge and return to Ealing.

Longer ride to the edge of Surrey, to visit Nonsuch Park.

Quieter roads where possible; cycle tracks and shared paths in park areas.

Refreshment stop in Nonsuch Park and time to explore the gardens. Possibility of a second stop in Morden Hall Park.

Money/cash for cafes, and/or bring your own food. Locks for bikes.

First-timers welcome!