Sunday Saunter to the Sheep Drive and Livery Fair

The Sheep Drive is a long-established charity event, celebrating a Freeman’s ancient “right” to bring sheep to market over the Thames, toll free; all in aid of raising funds for The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal. This year the Sheep Drive will take place on the downstream walkway of historic Southwark Bridge. Access will be restricted to registered and pre-booked Freemen of the City of London and their guests but the bridge will remain open so we should be able to see something of the event.
We will have a wander around the Livery Fair, located on the north side of Southwark Bridge on the Queen Street piazza. The magnificent Livery Fair offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about the Sheep Drive and the wonderful causes it supports and where livery and specialist wool companies will be celebrating their trades with interactive displays and sales of their wares. Other fun activities will include expert blade shearing displays and some wonderful rare breed sheep!
If we have time we will also visit Guildhall to see the Pearly Kings and Queens celebrate their annual Harvest festival.
We will ride up to the City via Peckham and Walworh, crossing the river via Southwark bridge
hoping to catch a glimpse of the Sheep Drive. After a wander round the Livery Fair, we will continue up to Guildhall to see the Pearly Kings and Queens.
We can have a refreshment stop at the Livery Fair, or at one of the many cafes in the area, but bring a snack and a drink to keep you going.
This is a demanding ride for confident cyclists, but it should be interesting and fun. It is NOT a ride for beginners. You should be able to maintain a steady pace throughout, so we keep to the timings referred to in the information details, although the timing depends on how long we spend at the Livery Fair.
Please ensure you are dressed appropriately for the weather conditions and that your bike is in good working order. Make sure your details on your profile are up-to-date, in particular that we have a phone number for you. If you don’t have a mobile put your home number in the mobile phone box. Any problems on the day call Jacqui Turner 07456840924