Stephens House, Golders Hill, Pergola and Hampstead Heath

This is another touristy ride and not fast paced although good level of fitness for inclines required and road confidence. We will wait for you if you cannot manage the inclines. This is a one way ride finishing at the overground station Hampstead Heath. From there our return journey to Hatch End station is approximately an hour changing at Willesden Junction. The cost is minimum as you will touch your card on pink oyster machine at Willesden Junction as you are not travelling through central London. There is an option of changing at West Hampstead for jubilee/met line. Lifts available on all stations apart from West Hampstead underground. It's steps down.
Our ride takes us through quiet roads from Hatch End upto Canons Park then to Edgware over A41 bridge via Mill Hill onwards expect busy Saturday traffic as we navigate main roads briefly taking a detour to Dollis valley greenwalk to arrive at our first stop Stephens House and Gardens (A Grade ll listed house with extensive landscaped gardens, gifted for the use and enjoyment of the people by Henry Charles 'Inky' Stephens of the Stephens' Ink Company) in Finchley where there is an amazing statue of Spike Milligan (comedian) sitting on a bench inviting you to engage with him! http://www.stephenshouseandgardens.com. We will spend around 15 minutes looking at this small garden.
After the House and Gardens we cross busy A406 via lights then use scenic roads to arrive at Kenwood House and thereon to Golders Hill Park where we can either leave our bikes secured and explore or wheel it with us. We will arrive at “The Hill Gardens and Pergola” a short distance by bike. We will spend some time going through this garden before we return via Hampstead Heath (bikes allowed) downward cycle path to overground station Hampstead Heath. Time allowed is to view all the sites and the return train journey and many crossings.
Coffee stop at Kenwood House or Stephens House. Decide on the day.
Please bring snacks, water, bike lock and your oyster card/credit card for the train journey. Ensure your bike is in tip-top working order.
Pump up the tyres, check the brakes and ensure the wheels turn freely. Road bikes with thin tyres will not be suitable but there is an option to return by main road opting out of the gravel path at Hampstead too. Please enter your name on waiting list if the ride is full as we normally have cancellations.