Wandsworth to Putney Heath and Barnes

This is a pretty 11 mile ride with plenty of traffic-free sections in parks, on commons and along the River Thames. We will cycle over Wandsworth Common, then by back roads down to King George's Park in Wandsworth, where we will follow the Wandle Trail briefly, before taking quiet residential roads to ascend slowly to Tibbets Corner, where we get onto Wimbledon Common. Next comes a lovely traffic-free section on bike paths on Wimbledon Common and Putney Heath, followed by a long gentle descent down a quiet lane to Barnes Common.  After crossing the common, we pass the London Wetland Centre to join the Thames Path and our return riverside ride through Putney and Wandsworth Park to finish at Birdhouse Cafe (great coffee!) on St John's Hill. This ride is not suitable for road bikes (think skinny tyres and drop handlebars), due to the uneven and often muddy bike paths on Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and along the Thames.  Regular hybrid bikes (most ladies bikes are of this type) and mountain bikes will be fine. Please make sure your tyres, gears and brakes are all in good order!  And please note the 09.45 (not 10am) start time. Dress for the weather (eg full finger gloves and warm socks if it's at all cold, bring waterproofs in case of rain) Look forward to seeing you there!