Several of my rides have been centred on the Thames in London. These include:
One gap has been the area between Putney and Westminster, where busy traffic on the North bank, and constant redevelopment on the South bank has been off-putting. Now however, we have Cycle Superhighways on the North Bank, and many of the developments on the South bank have been completed, so I decided to explore further, staying close to the River as far as possible.
I took the train to Clapham Junction, and exited via the northern (bus station) entrance. A map of my route is here (shown in maroon;
a later ride between Teddington and Putney is shown in blue)
I cycled the short distance to the riverside at Cotton Row, then cycled downriver to Westminster Bridge, then crossed over Lambeth Bridge and cycled upriver to Putney Bridge, which I crossed back over to return along the River to Cotton Row. Here is a more detailed breakdown:
- join the riverside via Cotton Row, then follow the riverside path passing Chelsea Railway bridge, Battersea Bridge and Albert Bridge to....
- and through Battersea Park to Chelsea Bridge (unfortunately, cycling is prohibited on the riverside promenade in Battersea Park, but is permitted on the 'Carriage Drive' set back some way)
- view the ongoing Battersea Power Station development (there is no through way at present, although you can ride to an observation deck; you must skirt the development perimeter to return to the Riverside ivo Nine Elms and onwards to...
- Vauxhall Bridge and continue in front of the 'MI6' HQ and Albert Embankment to Lambeth Bridge
- along the Albert Embankment path in front of St Thomas' Hospital to Westminster Bridge. One could cross Westminster Bridge, but it is always very crowded, so I returned to, and....
- Crossed Lambeth Bridge
- blue-painted Cycle Superhighway along the Embankment to Vauxhall Bridge
- 'white line' cycle lane and shared use pavement until branching off on Lots Road, Chelsea
- along Imperial Wharf riverside path
- leave the river to skirt Hurlingham Park and emerge at, and....
- cross Putney Bridge
- follow the Riverside Path passing Putney Railway Bridge to the ongoing 'Wandsworth Quarter' development, which must be bypassed, leading to
- Wandsworth Bridge where the riverside path is rejoined back to Cotton Row, and the return to Clapham Junction Station
On the South bank, it is commendable to see that planners have acted to ensure that the riverside in front of the new developments remains open to the public, and more particularly for shared use by cyclists. Signs encourage 'slow cycling', and it is to be hoped that a small minority does not spoil it by cycling irresponsibly fast. The last remaining barrier is the ongoing Battersea Power Station Development, but hopefully, when this is completed there will be a largely continuous, shared use, riverside path. The only (temporary?) signs I saw prohibiting cycling were along the river front at Wandsworth Quarter. That said, the whole river frontage seems to be in a permanent state of redevelopment, so you must expect closures and diversions.
Nice as the river path is, one is prompted to ask what sort of communities are being created by all these apartment developments. The massive blocks create a rather sterile environment. Also, one gathers these apartments can't be afforded by ordinary folk, rather they are being bought by wealthy foreign investors, who in many instances, leave them empty.
On the North bank, the Cycle Superhighway provides a degree of separation from the traffic. the main hazard is from other cyclists passing at speed: you need your wits about you: don't suddenly stop to admire the views across the river or you may cause a pile up behind you!
All in all, this is a very enjoyable, largely traffic free, 15-mile circuit, with good views across the river, and passing many iconic London sights/sites. There are plenty of riverside eateries along the way, and opportunities to shorten the ride by crossing any one of the 8 road bridges.
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