10 of us set off in fair weather on Sunday from View tube bikes in the edge of the Olympic park –along Channelsea path (once a canal) leading to the greenway up the excellent new ramp at Abbey lane –here we passed Abbey creek –leading to the Chanelsea river. We rode the greenway (river of sewage?) as far as we could to Becton & the Gallions reach shopping park, skirting the new developments we caught our first sight of the Thames. Following the river path we passed through Gallions point Marina, Royal Victoria Gardens to arrive early for the first Woolwich ferry of the day. The new Ferries have a separate section now for bikes that easily catered for our group and other cyclists using the crossing with us –they even have a seated area sheltered area for cyclists –we did not need as sun had come out and we enjoyed views up and down the Thames.
After disembarking we followed the river path and Quietway 14 using the new bypass section that kept us away from the busy Woolwich rd –leading us to the Thames barrier off road!
QW14 lead us on past Greenwich Yacht club, many new developments as well as industrial areas along some excellent cycle paths to our lunch stop at the cafe under the Emirates cable car –here we lost a couple of riders –one heading back to Bexley the other taking the cable care (for the first time ) back to Newham.
On past the O2 only one small path diversion remained before cutting through the old Naval college in the University of Greenwich, past the Cutty Sark to take the foot Tunnel back across river to Isle of Dogs. Passing through island gardens we continued along the Thames path, passing beach at Amsterdam rd, over blue bridge onto East India dock basin (see second photo) We decided to divert into the new development London City Island surrounded by the River Lee meander through the Bow ecology park then over Newham way to Cody dock for a brief comfort break.
Following Bow Creek we used the steep bridge to rejoin the River Lee past three Mills, back to Olympic park to end of ride back on the Greenway
An easy 20ish mile ride with many riders discovering new places – even after many years in the area!
Sorry no map as I had a technology malfunction(S)!
Thanks for Arnie for back marking & Nigel at view tube bikes for start photo (thanks also Nigel for checking over some bikes before ride!)
Bill
