Possible New Job = New Route

unscarred

I'm currently interviewing for a job in Richmond. I live in Woking, so it's a bit of a pig on the train - I'd have to go into Waterloo, then back out again.

I was thinking an easier way would be to get a train to Surbiton, then cycle up to Richmond. It looks like a fairly easy, even pleasant ride!

Anyone done this trip? Any better sugegstions?

asprilla

How about getting off at Walton or Hersham and cycling from there?

From Surbiton (or Esher) you'd go straight up Portsmouth Road to Kingston. From Walton or Hersham you'd go to Hampton Court via Molsey and then into Kingston past Hampton Wick.

Portsmouth Road isn't exactly pretty and the road surface is terrible, especially coming back. I take that route every few months always wondering whey I've not varied my route more; after about 300m I remember why I don't go down there often.

unscarred

Hersham looks interesting, Form Google Maps it looks like I could follow the river almost the whole way. Yes, it would be further, but it would be pretty!

asprilla

unscarred wrote:

Hersham looks interesting, Form Google Maps it looks like I could follow the river almost the whole way. Yes, it would be further, but it would be pretty!

Well, I cycle along the A3050 every day going too and from work. It's not a great bit of road, it's quick and the surface is OK but it's a bit of a wind tunnel and parts of it are 40mph. You can't really see the river from there though either. If you want to take the Thames Path then you can and then you cross the river and follow it again from Hampton Court to Kingston. I run along the stretch between Weybridge and Hampton Court on a weekend and it's very nice indeed. Bit muddy in places and you can get a lot of puddles, but not bad.

In terms of distance there is little or no difference between Walton and Hersham for getting to the River (or to Richmond) but they are in different fare bands. Coming from Woking you might find it saves you a few quid each month by getting off at Walton.

unscarred

Cheers Asprilla, appreciate the advice!

okgo

Portsmouth road is only shit when you go past Surbiton the other way.

I live in Surbiton and cycle to teddington daily and the road is fine, obviously if you wanted to get to richmond you'd go through Kingston and up Richmond Road untill you got there, I imagine it would take 15-20 mins, and the bonus of going past richmond park if you want to dip in and do a few laps is there too.

joelsim

You could just go through RP from Kingston Gate to Richmond Gate, a nice ride.

roger_merriman

I know RP is tempting, but i'd be tempted to avoid kingston and the lead up which aren't nice roads.

from walton head to hampton court over the bridge though Bushy park. though Teddington to Waldergrave rd and from there twickenham and so on. it's about the same distance.