NCN21 - Greenwich to Crawley

I think that I (Peter S) have lead this ride on three occasions now and, although the basic idea is the same, each ride turns out very differently, whether it is the attendees, the weather, the lunch or whatever!

We had six riders this year – John V normally join us and knows the way from Victoria to Greenwich but he was not available this time, although he had kindly supplied me with route details. Helen joined me at Victoria station for 09.00. We left along Victoria street at 9.15 for Parliament square and then to follow NCN (National Cycle Network) route 4 to Greenwich. There was a clear blue sky and a perfect day for the slightly surreal experience of us ‘country folk’ cycling in the ‘Big City’ amongst all the famous landmarks and along surprisingly quiet streets with very little traffic. The final part of this route to Greenwich wends its way through former docks and canals and is surprisingly pleasant for what was once a very run down industrial part of London.

Here's a picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15603250@N03/3884327921/

At Greenwich we were pleased to see Bob, John C, John H and Norman. We headed off south at 10.15 following the NCN21 as it meanders its way south through various parks and green spaces, as well as through some back routes through Catford and south London. Very little of the route uses busy roads and the whole thing is surprisingly green and pleasant. The main challenge is to find the route signs but, fortunately, we had Bob in the group! In what seems like no time we emerged in to countryside at the White Bear in Fickleshole at 13.00 where we had a very pleasant lunch. A freshly made sandwich for £5.15 with salad trimmings. Oh, and some people had a beer as well – either ginger or hop based.

The onward route from Fickleshole heads broadly south through Woldingham golf course and private school before crossing the A22 and climbing up to the North Downs above Caterham where we had splendid views to the South. It is at this point that you can orientate yourself perfectly by watching for aircraft landing at Gatwick. Pressing on the group indicated a preference for religiously following the NCN21 and so we went around the southern edge of the M25 up to the M23 junction before turning south through the lakes remaining after the fullers earth has been extracted. Suddenly we were in Redhill and quickly through the centre we passed the former Royal Earlswood hospital (why is/was it Royal......?) to arrive in Horley and then Gatwick, by now following well known routing. Helen and Norman jumped on the train leaving the remaining four Crawley riders to head home for tea at about 17.00 after 55 odd miles.

A nice day out. Thank you to everyone that attended.

Here's the ride profile: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15603250@N03/3885121968/in/photostream/

You can find out more about the NCN at: http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ including on-line maps and information about Sustrans in our area. NCN21 runs from Greenwich, through Crawley to East Grinstead and eventually Eastbourne. (We rode Eastbourne to Crawley a couple of years ago and so in effect we have ‘done’ the whole route end to end). Later this year – Sunday 27th September – we ride to Brighton returning on the NCN20 to Crawley (or by train). See you then.

This Sundays ride is most suited to off-road bikes or sturdy tourers - it's the final DA event of this year, the Arun Crossings ride. It starts from Pulborough Station at 0935 and involves crossing and recrossing the Arun using a variety of roads and bridleways. Lunch will be at the Blue Ship in The Haven (TQ 083305).