Thames Path - Cycling on a couple of towpath sections. Is it tolerated?

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JB 11 Jun 10:29  

Joined: 11 Jun 2008

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ROUTE IN QUESTION: Thames Path, SOUTH Bank, Hammersmith Bridge, heading WEST to Teddington.

BACKGROUND: There are a couple of big sections heading down to Teddington that are NOT part of the National Cycle Network. However Sustrans shows these sections as "being considered" to be a part of the Network.

I have read that riding on on some of these sections might be tolerated - even though they are designated as public footpaths. Does anyone know of any trouble if you ride those couple of sections during 6-8 AM on weekdays? (this is not for commuting.) In particular, Hammersmith Bridge to Great Chertsey Rd, and then the section from Kew Rd, to Twickenham Rd.

Any feedback based on experience would be greatly appreciated.

Regards, J.


simoncevans 23 Jun 22:37  

Joined: 23 Jun 2008

Posts: 1

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J

I have frequently cycled along the towpaths along just the sections you mention, both as part of shorter rides and longer ones out to Hampton Court and beyond to Staines and I've never had any problems at all (apart from falling off once when it was muddy and raining!). And certainly at 6-8am i reckon it'll be fine and pretty empty. I would recommend a bell, thought, as folk are prone to amble along at busier times without any sense of anything or anyone around them.

Happy cycling

Simon


A Nutter 13 Aug 12:14  

Joined: 12 Aug 2008

Posts: 19

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My Profile 		Just thought I'd add, part of the old C2C route near Washington you go over Coxgreen Bridge and I fell off in the mud and rain the other day! Adds to the fun I suppose!!!!


thepheasant78 25 Aug 16:17  

Joined: 25 Aug 2008

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i ride down this section all the time, most people accept cyclists but some are a little stupid and move in to your way rather than out of your way when you ring your bell, runners with ipods not hearing you and foreign riders riding in to you as they tend to ride on the right are about the sum of it, other than that its usually empty and a good ride


tay123 28 Aug 21:44  

Joined: 28 Aug 2008

Posts: 1

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I recently rode from hampton court to the london eye in the city so this route would take me the opposite way passing east through kingston-upon thames then next on route is teddington then onto hammersmith.
I did not encounted any problems at all and the sign posts so it as a cycle route as well i think it is national cycle route (4).
The surface is pretty good to cycle on and i would reccomend even cycling passed teddington myself then onto kingston then cross over the other side of the river and cycle to hampton court then you can even cycle along crossing hampton court bridge all the way to weybridge.

Regards stephen


CMc 29 Aug 15:32  

Joined: 29 Aug 2008

Posts: 1

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Hello

I need to get from Kew Green to Kensington High Street, preferably avoiding traffic.

Any advice on the best route?

Thanks

C




daneby2 24 Mar 12:28  

Joined: 24 Mar 2011

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Is it possible to do a bike ride on towpaths from London to Oxford?


parkender101 10 May 12:58  

Joined: 10 May 2011

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I ride regularly to Earls Court/South Kensington from Near Kew Green.

If you get on the Thames Path at Kew Green (South Side) it is dual pedestrian / cycle access all the way along the river bank to Putney Bridge. I’m not sure of a traffic free route from there as I normally continue through Parsons Green and Chelsea before landing in Earls Court – there are many quiet side streets and I’m sure if you pick up one of the free London Cycling maps you should be able to plot a route from Putney Bridge via virtually traffic free side streets.

Alternatively you can get on very quiet roads on the other side of the river near the Bell and Crown pub at Strand on the Green and it’s all quiet roads and Thames Path to Putney Bridge again – past Chiswick Pier, historic pubs (The Dove), Hammersmith Bridge, Fulham Football Ground and Bishops Park.



apapapap 23 May 21:27  

Joined: 23 May 2011

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The tow path from experience is cycle friendly from Putney Bridge to teddington and beyond on the south bank, but on the north bank is disjointed - the route from Putney bridge is through bishops park, side streets to Hammersmith Bridge then sadly on the main A4 sidewalk untill Black Lion Lane then onto the river and by road to Great Chertsey Road and then -- well back to go to south bank, otherwise is it side roads to Kew Bridge and then Bretnford and traffic.

Best Route is south bank and i know of no prohibted sections from Putney to Hampton Court