From Palaces to Bath Salts GPX Route
Ride Level: Moderate
Any bike | GPX Route | Traffic-free | Cycle paths & trails | Some hills | 22 miles |4 to 5 hours
Approx 70% of the route is on firm well-maintained gravel tracks the rest on tarmac roads.
Hampton Court doesn’t need much in the way of introduction but it's great to discover the less famous William and Mary façade overlooking the Long Water. This ride links Georgian Epsom with Clapham Junction via well-maintained gravel rides through peaceful woodlands before following the Thames from East Molesey to Richmond, Wimbledon finishing at Clapham Junction.
Start Point: Epsom Station
End Point: Clapham Junction Station
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Ride Description
Starting at Epsom Station, the route quickly leaves suburbia and diving into woodland, we pass the source of the famous salts and its modern well before following winding tracks all the woods to Claygate.
Crossing the Thames at East Molesey, the ride joins the Thames path heading downstream. River to the right, rather grand and recently restored gilded gates to the left, you get a splendid view of the Privy Garden and the William and Mary façade of Hampton Court, then a short detour to the end of the Long Water for another unexpected view of the Palace.
Leaving Hampton Court Park, recross the river, skirting Kingston and heading into the second royal hunting ground, Richmond Park. Up Dark Hill and coast down the other side, taking care on the descent, but stopping for a second to note the view of St Pauls in the distance!
It’s a shady cool climb to the top of Wimbledon Common, passing one of the few working windmills left in London before park-hopping back to Clapham Common.
Start and End Points
Start point: Epsom Station
End point: Clapham Junction Station
Ride Details
- Duration: 4-4.5 hours.
- Distance: 23 miles.
- Trails: Approx 70% of the ride is on well-maintained gravel paths the remaining on roads - note the section from Claygate to East Molesley is on a major road.
- Technical Grade: Blue - well maintained easy-riding gravel paths with few hills
Is this ride for me?
This ride is a moderately intense physical challenge suitable for regular riders with reasonable levels of fitness and some off-road experience
The majority of the route is on well-maintained gravel paths with easy gradients and can be ridden year-round.
Is my bike OK for this ride?
Ride s suitable for all off-road bikes and hybrids fitted with all-terrain tyres