The Wandle Trail
The River Wandle rises in Croydon and flows through Morden, Colliers Wood, Earlsfield and Wandsworth on its way to the Thames. A lot of time and effort has been put in over recent years to allow people to travel alongside it and a few weeks back I decided to take my bike out and see for myself what they have done. Picking up the trail in King George’s Park in Wandsworth, except for some streets around Earlsfield, I could cycle alongside the river all the way to Morden Hall Park.
The South East Rivers Trust and the Wandle Valley Regional Park Trust are to be congratulated for having steered all this wonderfulness and if you’d like to download a map, one can be found at https://wandlevalleypark.co.uk/map/
Map Courtesy of Open Street maps
King George’s Park
Sadly, there aren’t that many places for ducklings to stop and rest, so I was pleased to spot this little family.
Earlsfield.
Around Earlsfield, you have to leave the river and make your way around the streets to pick it up again past the station and right along Summerley Street. Here the trail runs the other side of Weir Road, which is all very industrial but no less interesting.
The trail alongside Weir Road
There aren’t that many places along this stretch to actually see the river, except for the odd cut away, where you can sometimes find a bench.
There is much evidence of industry along this stretch, both old and new.
When you reach Plough Lane, you need to leave the river, cross the road and pick it up on the other side.
Be on the look out for wildlife, as there’s much to see.
Along the next stretch, past Plough Lane, there’s an interesting iron walkway with a viewing platform.
Past the railway line, you reach the Wandle Meadow Nature Park. This was once part of the old sewage works and it still retains much of the hard ground and concrete. However, nature is slowly taking over.
Fair Weather Pumping Station
A family of foxes finding some shade at the Pumping Station.
Past the pumping station you enter Wandle Park.
Entrance to Wandle Park
There are couple of impressive statues/water fountains in Wandle park.
As you exit Wandle Park, you need to cross the road at Colliers Wood and pick up the trail on the other side. After another short stretch, you again need to cross the road and go past an old water mill.
I was pleased to spot a family of Grey Wagtails along this stretch.
It is interesting to note that west of here used to be part of an estate that belonged to Admiral Lord Nelson (Merton Place) and some of the local roads and pubs are named after him and Lady Hamilton.
Soon you reach the crossing for the tram and once over, you are about to enter Morden Hall Park.
On entering the park, you have the option to walk along the Wetland Boardwalk, where I had to dismount and walk my bike along. This is a great addition to the park and not something I was expecting to see.
The Wetland Boardwalk
Damselfly
Banded Demoiselle Damselfly
Morden Hall Park, administered by the National Trust, is a nice mixture of park land, woods, water and meadows.
There’s a nice Rose Garden in the park.
In the meadow, I was pleased to see many butterflies, including this Meadow Brown and also this beautiful pyramid orchid.
It’s worth noting that the cafe in the park is only open at weekends but you can find tea and cakes in the garden centre opposite.
Morden Hall
It was a warm day, so some people took advantage of the Wandle for a paddle.
I enjoyed my trip immensely, which took me around 4 1/2 half hours, there and back, but with many stops along the way. Please let me know how you get on if anyone decides to try it for themselves?