If you thought the best view of London was from north London’s 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.

For a sneak preview of what you might see, go to Gallery, 2006, June, and click on Lewisham Peaks.

Suitable for all bikes.

Report

Five of us at Cutty Sark Gardens – four brand new or pretty new which is what Bike Week is meant to be all about.

A meandering start which maybe made some wonder just when the hills were going to start but after negotiating the cycling horror of New Cross Gate we turned left to head up to Telegraph Hill. Skipped the rather scenic lower Telegraph Hill Park as it has very prominent NO CYCLING signs painted on the ground as you enter so went straight for the more laid back upper part – site of former Telegraph Station featuring a great view of London.

Jurek joined us here, making us six, and we headed off for Hilly Fields. More views of London to the north but its views south are the real wonder – looking towards Crystal Palace and Kent the houses in between pretty much disappear into what look like a continuous spread of green. Paused in the stone circle and wondered aloud if the sun really does appear through those verticals on the longest day. Maybe we’ll get to check it out.

Down to Ladywell, the appalling right turn into Ladywell Fields, then over the spiral bridge. We come this way a lot but it still catches people out. It’s easy if you’re ready for it. Get into your bottom gear as you approach, be prepared for a sharp right turn onto the spiral and just ease your way up – it’s not hard work at all – just a matter of getting into that low gear so that you can take it slowly.

A long climb up to Blythe Hill, site of the day before’s Lewisham picnic which despite a bike week of forecast rain and a several year run of blasting wind actually turned out almost balmy.

Down again, then we walked up to One Tree Hill, one of South London’s great views. And a tree, well the successor to it, that Queen Elizabeth apparently picnicked under. Just over a hundred years ago also the scene of a riot, following which the hill was opened up to the public. Oh, and there’s also the remains of a First World War gun emplacement apparently put there to shoot down Zeppelins.

Then the challenge of Canonbie Road – an 18 per cent gradient I think and, so I’m told, used in a Mr Bean film. Us rather more handsome and capable types climbed to the top, then dropped down with London opening up before us. A quick detour to look at the hidden folly and the Dodo (let no-one say our rides don’t deliver) we drifted down Ringmore Rise, admiring the new chalet house that someone has built on what must seem like a cliff over London.

Through the bottom of the Horniman Museum, then up Sydenham Hill to the Dulwich Wood House for food and a wide ranging natter, some of which in the interests of life preservation can’t be repeated online. Never know who’s reading this.

All six of us made it to the end. Special congratulations to Lynn who completed it powered by just 3 Sturmey Archer gears. And thanks to Jane who helped sort the route. Hope to see more of you next year – sports bikes, mountain bikes, folders, Raleigh Shoppers whatever.

Paul