Wednesday 16 July 2014

Maidenhead and the Thames

A friend of mine had suggested a cycle trip around the Thames and today was the day.  First problem was I couldn’t get my bike there and back due to restrictions on both Southeastern and Great Western trains.  Arranged to borrow a bike so problem solved.

This is the first time I had been cycling in this area – it’s fantastic with some great paths along the river.

First stop was under this bridge, which has a superb echo.  Shout or clap under the bridge and it is one of the best echo’s I have heard in a long time

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Then on along the river Thames until a lunch stop at Eaton College Rowing Centre , Dorney Lake, which was used for the Olympics.

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Also a great park with various trees (Arboretum), views of Windsor Castle and great cycle paths.

Than back to the Thames and various locks before a quick stop at the Crown for some refreshment.

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Then on to Marlow and the Thames again.

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Finally on to Bourne End which was also journey’s end.  Some refreshment at The Bounty and then caught a train back home.

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Vital statistics

Distance 34.7Km  Duration 2:43  Average Speed 12.8Km/h  Max speed 37.1Km/h

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Monday 16 June 2014

In and around Bromley

Well, it has been a while since I posted here, due to working for a living and having no time.  Now back “between jobs” so time to stop being lazy and get back to some exercise.

Today I wanted to explore some off-road areas around Bromley.  Looking on Google Earth it seemed possible to get from Bromley football ground into Norman Park and then on towards Downe.  It wasn’t.  After cycling around some horse farms for a while I gave up and went back on the road to Norman Park.  Some strange animals around for London such as a herd of goats.

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Anyway, left the farmyard, got into Norman park and across Scrogginhill Wood to Brook Wood then Mazzards Wood and Colyers Wood.  Then on road to the public footpath to Downe.  First time I had been here and came across a plaque and and old oak tree linked to an event in 1788 leading to the abolition of slavery.

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Then it was on to Downe and as I was running out of time then back by road to Bromley encountering a strange cow sitting by a gate near Downe.

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Vital Statistics

Distance 24.5Km, Duration 1:48, Average speed 13.5km/h, Max speed 47.3km/h

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