The South Approach

A slow easy ride to The Serpentine in Hyde Park taking in some of the green spaces of South London including Dulwich Park, Brockwell Park, Clapham Common and Battersea Park.

Once at the Serpentine we'll take a look at Anthony McCall exhibition at The Serpentine Gallery and take a little time to explore the park. I'll do this ride again in a month to take in the Derek Jarman exhibition at the gallery and this time the approach to Hyde Park will be from the north.

Direct roads route back to Greenwich.

Dinner in a park cafe either in Battersea Park or Hyde Park.

Suitable for all bikes. Bring lights and locks.

Report

I met Warwick, Valerie, Paul, David and Anthony at Cutty Sark Gardens. Our route took us trough Brookmill Park before arriving at Ladywell Fields and meeting up with Jack. From Ladywell Fields it was on through Dulwich Park. Past Dulwich Park we viewed the closed gates of the Velodrome and then went on through Brockwell Park before arriving at Clapham Common. We paused at Clapham Common for coffee – on this bright and sunny day the Common was popular and it took us about 20 mins to get served. From Clapham Common it was down Queenstown Road and it into Battersea Park where we skirted the eastern edge emerging onto Battersea Bridge. Road works in Sloane Square held up our progress to Hyde Park but one thing was sure, we moving much quicker than the motorists.

At The Serpentine Gallery we took half an hour to view the Anthony McCall show. The gallery was absolutely packed and although the visit was worthwhile and enjoyable I think this kind of installation is best viewed when there are fewer people around.

After the gallery it was lunch in the café at the other end of the Lake. Chicken, veg and mash for about £7.

Our route back to Greenwich was, as was always intended, quick and on the main roads. Constitution Hill away from the park, Birdcage Walk, Parliament Square turn left over Westminster Bridge and on down Southwark Street, Tooley Street, Jamaica Road, Lower Road, Evelyn Street and Creek Road back to Greenwich. Despite being a busy, big road route it benefits cyclists with its long stretches of 24 hour bus lanes.

About 25 miles.

Ian Pendleton