Ealing or Syon to the Walled Garden and Embroidery Gallery at Sunbury

This will be the first West London Breeze ride offering the chance to start from either Ealing Town Hall or Syon Park from where we will head for Twickenham and then Kingston Bridge. From there we will use the riverside path to Hampton Court Palace before crossing the river and finding our way via a combination of riverside and road to Walton Bridge where we re-cross the Thames. Once we cross Walton Bridge, it is only a short distance to our refreshment stop at the Walled Garden and Embroidery Gallery in Sunbury.

With two thirds of our journey behind us, we return through the western section of Bushy Park followed by Twickenham and the impressive western gate of the Rugby Stadium. Although longer than usual, this is a largely flat and very ‘green’ ride. There is nothing technically difficult about the route but it does use sections of canal and riverside which are unsurfaced, can get busy and are not suitable for road bikes. We always aim for rides which are friendly and fun and we adapt the pace to suit participants so no-one need fear being left behind.

You can join the ride at either Ealing Town Hall (postcode W5 2BY) or Syon Park (postcode TW8 8JG) and you don't need to tell us which one. Likely return mileage from Ealing is 33 miles, from Syon 27 miles but the weather will influence how much we do along the riverside and therefore the exact distance. If you are joining at Ealing, please arrive by 9.20am to do a bike check prior to leaving at 9.30am; if you are joining at Syon, please arrive by 9.50am for a bike check and to be ready to leave once Ealing riders join us. We should be back to Syon Park by 3.00pm and Ealing by 3.30pm.

To join the ride you need a bike in full working order so please check beforehand that the brakes work, the wheels spin freely and the tyres are pumped up. Dress for the weather, remembering gloves and avoiding loose garments that could catch in your chain. A helmet, some drinking water and a spare inner tube are recommended as well as a lock for your bike, a snack to keep your energy up but cash for refreshments at lunchtime. The café at the Walled Garden does get very busy though and it is not a problem if you prefer to bring your own light lunch to eat in the grounds.