U3A Bike Rides - Waterlink Way to Deptford Creek and Greenwich - Tuesday 26th March 2024

Oct 6, 2026

A detailed ride report chronicles a U3A bike outing from Dulwich Park to the Waterlink Way, describing the researched route, detours caused by barriers, and cycling connections across parks, rivers, and suburban streets. The narrative highlights engineering discussion at Buckthorne Bridge, sightings along the Ravensbourne River, and transitions between cycleways 4 and 10 near major transit areas. It also records stops for coffee at Le Delice and lunch at the Old Brewery, includes contextual notes on the Ravensbourne River, and provides ride logistics such as distance, time, leaders, and credits.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Route narrative

Stops and cycleway connections

Ride logistics and credits

Notes on the Ravensbourne River

U3A Bike Rides Waterlink Way to Deptford Creek and Greenwich Tuesday 26th March 2024 A bright, cool morning greeted us as we met up at the Clock Café in Dulwich Park, ready for our ride to the Waterlink Way. The route researched by Jane offered an alternative to the train ride through the tunnel to Penge East. We headed out of the park via the Fireman’s Alley, through the Lordship Lane Housing Estate and across Lordship Lane into Wood Vale. We passed Camberwell Old Cemetery, crossed Forest Hill Road and into Brenchley Gardens, then turned into Honor Oak Cemetery. A barrier across the path, put up since the recce ride, forced a detour before we could reach the Buckthorne Bridge. Once across Brockley Road we were on pleasant suburban roads that led to the North-East corner of Ladywell Fields, then coasted down the path to reach the Broxbourne River. Soon we arrived at the bridge over the main line which prompted a discussion on the proper characterisation of the structure. Not a spiral bridge, it is a helical bridge, as our former Convenor, Peter, had pointed out to us on our very first ride on this route a number of years ago. There was a good flow of water down the river after all the recent rain. Arriving at Ladywell, we headed for Le Delice, our coffee stop, with a tempting array of pastries on display. The first group were just leaving the café as we in the second group arrived. Our route was across Ladywell Road and then on minor urban roads that led to the Ravensbourne River again, and on past Lewisham DLR into Ravensbourne Gardens. Here a heron was spotted patrolling the river. Busy Loampit Vale was crossed on lights and led us along the river to Everson Road DLR station, then into the (quite small) Brookmill Nature Reserve. Then it was across Broadway Fields to Deptford Bridge and Deptford Bridge Road, another busy road but easily negotiated on cycle lights. At Creekside, roadworks were bypassed on foot along the pavement. Then it was on to the A220, Deptford Creek Road, crossed on cycle lights and so to Greenwich and the Cutty Sark, with a pause for a photo opportunity. How fortunate we are that this graceful ship was restored after the devastating fire in 2007. It now rests on a supporting frame entirely around the waterline. See [https://www. rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark/history](https://www. rmg.co.uk/cutty-sark/history). Our lunch stop was the Old Brewery, built on the site of the original Old Brewery which dated back to 1717 and once served the salty old seadogs of the neighbouring seamen's hospital. There was plenty of outdoor seating and a leisurely lunch was enjoyed, sandwiches ordered and quickly delivered (they were huge!) . Those who visited the building would have seen the remnants of the former brewery, with the brass brewing tanks and piping still in place. One of the aims of choosing to ride this route was to familiarise ourselves with the newlyopened Cycleway 4. This is a completely segregated cycle route with traffic light control and is a useful addition to the network of cycleways. It links Greenwich to London Bridge. We left the route at Canada Water, turning off at Greenland Dock. Along the way it is possible to identify the features that still marked the former route of the Grand Surrey Canal, such as the two bridges along the road. The canal entrance into Greenland Dock was at the Surrey Docks Fitness and Water Sports Centre. The canal continued on the other side of the dock, and eventually joined the River Thames at Salt Quay. Passing below the splendid huge red structure that is the Scherzer Rolling Bascule Bridge (one of four along this part of the Thames) we arrived at Canada Water Shopping Centre. From there a short ride took us into Southwark Park. On earlier rides the routes we had used from Southwark Park required us to travel on busy roads under railway bridges where there was no separation from heavy traffic. After some further route-finding, a new ro

FAQs

What was the planned route and why were there detours?

The route was researched by Jane as an alternative to the train journey. A barrier put up after a recce ride forced a detour before reaching Buckthorne Bridge.

Where did the ride take place and what key stops were included?

Riders traveled from Dulwich Park through areas including Ladywell, Deptford Creek, and Greenwich. Coffee was taken at Le Delice, and lunch was enjoyed at the Old Brewery.

How long was the ride and who led it?

The ride covered about 17 miles and took 4½ hours. Jane and Joe Antos were the ride leaders, and John Clements provided the report and photos.

Oct 6, 2026

Upload by Taylor Morgan