Should have been a simple day ride – but a combination of running a bit late, getting caught up in the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (like being a kid again) and having to stop quite a few times to check the route meant it was not to be. But saw lots of bits of London I had never seen before. Definitely one to do again … and to complete

Ride stats

• 28 miles (Buckingham Palace to East Dulwich)
• Mostly flat route, using canal paths, cycle paths and quiet roads
• Used Mountain bike, but could have done the ride on any bike
• Weather was perfect (Autumn sun with gentle breeze)
• 3 hours 24 minutes cycling time (nearer 6 hours in real time)
• Average speed 8 miles per hour (maximum 19 miles per hour)
• Sunday 4 October 2009

More detail and a map of the route at GarminConnect

The original plan was to start at Buckingham Palace and do the full 11 stages of the route. Unfortunately I started a bit late and arrived at Buckingham Palace just in time for changing of the guard; I love being a tourist in my home town!

Shiny ceiling of the Serpentine Pavilion 2009

Won’t spend ages describing the route here as the guide that can be downloaded from the Jubilee Greenway web site does a really good job. The route is split into eleven section (plus an optional twelfth) designed to be walked or ridden individually or joined together to make a longer outing, eventually joining up to create a full loop. The guide not only includes detailed explanations of each section of the route but also a lot of information about what to look for on either side of the route. I relied quite heavily on the guide as the route is not particularly prominently signposted on the ground until it merges with signposting for the ‘Capital Ring‘.

St Pancras Yacht Basin (and St Pancras Cruising Club)

Nearly stopped for something to eat at Camden Lock, but it was all a bit busy. Was beginning to wonder what to do about food when I came across the Pavilion Cafe in Victoria Park. Bacon sandwich and builder’s tea to the accompaniment of a bit of live music and I was ready to roll again.

Looking through the fence to the Olympic stadia

Unfortunately the late start, the tourist interlude and the need to regularly stop to check the route meant that I reached Woolwich with little chance of getting back to Buckingham Palace in daylight. So I decided to call it a day and head back to East Dulwich.

But not before being captivated by the range of different views of London the route manages to cram in.

Woolwich Ferry (camera at an angle rather than ferry)

Definitely a route to complete on another day.

Oh, and finally, I got to go on a ferry.

Refreshments

Lunch: The Pavilion Cafe, Victoria Park
http://www.the-pavilion-cafe.com/

References

Jubilee Greenway web site
http://www.jubileegreenway.org.uk/