Meet: Ladywell Fields 18:00 map and Cutty Sark Gardens 18:30 map

Distance: 20 miles

Phone: Paul - 07957 209 322

If you thought the best view of London was from Primrose Hill, think again.
An introduction to Lewisham's secret views of the capital. Inevitably some steep climbs, but one particularly wonderful gliding descent, and we will wait for everyone. After all the exertions we'll retire to a pub garden for drinks. Food available at pub but since this is at the end of the ride, we recommend that you bring snacks.

Suitable for all bikes

Report

Carole met me at Ladywell Fields, five more at Cutty Sark Gardens, then Tim, who had been running a bit late, at the top of Telegraph Hill.

From Telegraph Hill, the first of Lewisham’s great views of the capital, though the sky was becoming more overcast than earlier in the day. Then to Hilly Fields – more views of Canary Wharf and the City to the north with views out over Kent to the south and east. From here it’s apparent just how green this part of south east London is. The stone circle showed signs of solstice activity from the night before. We debated whether the sun actually rises between the two verticals on the longest day. One of us might be mad enough to try to find out.

Down to Ladywell and the awful crossing at the Ladywell Bridge, over the spiral footbridge and then the climb to Blythe Hill where, as usual, we’d frozen the day before on our mid-June picnic.

Then to Honor Oak and a walk up One Tree Hill for one of south London’s great secret views. Cathy as a north Londoner was sworn to secrecy. Ian hadn’t seen it before. Particularly wonderful at night I think though it can feel a bit dangerous.

Then several loops around the steep roads around the back of the Horniman, which include Lewisham’s highest point according to Ian. We took a look at the hidden folly between two 1930s suburban semis, then turned right at the white 1930s house to descend down one Lewisham’s great roads, Ringmore Rise, with London laid out before us.

We took the cycle path at the bottom of the Horniman Park, which runs alongside the old high level railway line to Crystal Palace. We popped into the Horniman for a quick look at another fine view and its wonderful gardens. As we went in the bell was tolling to warn folk to leave before we were locked in for the night with only the children’s zoo for sustenance.

Out through the park and four of us - Jane, Cathy, Paul and Tim - took the final climb to Crystal Palace and the Dulwich Wood House. The World Cup is clearly having an effect on the streets and, I fear, some Bike Week rides. Normally this pub garden is packed on a fine summer’s evening. Tonight it was deserted. Brazil were playing Japan apparently. A couple of drinks, some interesting conversation, and we flew back down the hill where we split. Not a bad turnout judging by some of the other Bike Week rides – may well do it again next year when hopefully it might be bigger. And the skies just a little bit bluer.

Paul