Syon Park to Esher, West End

Please note, this ride is equally suitable as a 14 miler and you don’t need to make up your mind until we reach Esher station on the return leg of our journey (half-hourly services to Wimbledon and Clapham Junction on the Waterloo line).

We catch our first glimpse of the Thames as soon as we leave Syon Park before using residential roads to reach Twickenham and Kingston Bridge. From there we cycle along the road dividing Bushy Park from the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. We will cross the river at Hampton Court and use mainly quiet residential roads to reach our destination, Garsons Garden Centre and Farm Shop which has been trading from there for nearly 150 years. After a stop for refreshments, we cycle through Esher, passing the main entrance to Sandown Park racecourse and arriving shortly afterwards at Esher station. We cycle then back to the Thames and through Bushy Park before reaching Twickenham and returning to Syon. We should be back by 1.30pm but always adapt the pace to suit participants so no-one will be left behind. Although longer than previous rides from Syon, there is nothing technically difficult about the route and we will be taking it at a steady pace, trying to stay close together as a group.

To join the ride you need a bike in full working order so please check beforehand that the brakes work, the wheels spin freely and the tyres are pumped up. Dress for the weather, remembering gloves and avoiding loose garments that could catch in your chain. A helmet, some drinking water and a spare inner tube are recommended as well as a snack, cash for refreshments and a lock for your bike.