I spent over a week in London SW18. It was great. As usual my hosts were very generous. It was great to be back in London. It did some tourist stuff, caught up with family, went to the Bruce Springsteen concert at Wembley and the Coral King Musical in the West End.
I also had my bike serviced.
Slow to Get Going
It was time to head off on the bike. It took me at little longer than expected to pack-up and leave the house. I think my host was getting worried that I wasn’t going to leave.
Lock-up
My first stop was my lock-up where I collected by tent and other camping gear.
Finally Riding
I was finally off and riding. I had determined a ‘vague’ route to Henley on Thames. You can never trust the Garmin to plot any route longer than 10klms. I asked it to get me to Kingston on Thames. I could gone along the Thames river, but that is very round- about way and I have ridden on that part of the river many times.
The Garmin took me across Wimbledon Common and on mainly back roads to Kingston on Thames.
On the River
At Kingston on Thames, I picked up the Sustrans Cycle Route No 4. This one of the most popular cycle routes in the UK.
I headed along the river.
After a short distance, I came across the Molesey Cricket Club. It is quintessential ‘village’ cricket ground. Even though it was a Friday, the club house was open and serving food. I had a sandwich.
Hampton Court
Next stop was Hampton Court. This was the favourite residence of King Henry VIII. I remember taking a lot of visitors there in the late 1970’s.
Hampton Court was the finishing point of the cycling time trial in the 2012 Olympics. It was great venue for the event.
Runnymede
I continue along the river towards Windsor. Close to the town, I left the Route 4 to stop off at Runnymede, ‘the birthplace of the Rule of Law and Democracy’.
It is considered that Runnymede is the most likely location at which, in 1215, King John sealed Magna Carta, which signified the primacy of Parliament over the Crown.
Windsor
I continued on to Windsor. This was dodgy bit. The road was very busy with no verge.
Rain Hits
As I left Windsor towards Maidenhead, the sky darkened. It was soon pissing down with rain. I stopped in service station hoping that it would clear.
It didn’t. I donned my wet weather jacket and continue on.
Big Hill
The route took me over the M4 several times. That is seriously busy road.
As I approached Henley on Thames I had to ride over a hill. I found it very difficult. I am clearly unfit.
Pitching the Tent
It was after 9.00 p.m. went I finally arrive at the Swiss Farm Camping Ground. I have stayed here before. It is really good.
It took me a while to pitch the tent in the fading light.
If it rained overnight, I didn’t notice. I was knackered.
Flickr Link
https://www.flickr.com/gp/twwilko_photos/q5gdb7
Garmin Link
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1207346632
About Runnymede
billrider2013 