Waterlink Way and Darenth Valley
An old favourite of Wheelers, this ride follows the Waterlink Way (mostly motor traffic-free) from Greenwich to Beckenham (tea stop), then onto the North Downs (quiet lanes - Downe, Cudham, Knockholt, Halstead) before descending to the Darenth Valley and lunch at Lullingstone Park. Afterwards we follow the Darenth northwards through villages, with a short detour to Eynsford ford (and your opportunity to get wet wheels - but don't worry it's not compulsory) before ending up in Dartford (38 miles from Green Bridge). Train back from here or ride back (about 50 miles total).
The section over the North Downs is a bit hilly - we may try the infamous Cudham 1 in 4 (walking allowed) or take the longer gentler way round - but the pace won't be fast. Also depending on the weather there may be an opportunity to climb up Knatts Valley for the long swoop down (this will be optional though - there will still be a group doing the shorter easier route as described above).
If you just want an easy ride, then you are welcome to join us as far as the Beckenham tea stop and find your own way back to London (we can give you a map so you can retrace your route to Greenwich or get to a station for a train to London Bridge). Easy grade, lots of motor traffic free riding and no hills!
Train back from Dartford is £7.70, half price with a group save and less if you only want to get back to Greenwich or Blackheath instead of London Bridge.
Other meeting points are Island Gardens (by foot tunnel entrance) at about 08.50 or Cutty Sark gardens at 09.00 - note those are earliest times, you may have to wait a short time for the group to appear.
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