Chingford to the City

Perostek

Dear all, apologies for the cross posting, I've been advised this sub-forum has a better profile, so here I go...

I'm about to move from Denmark Hill to Chingford/Highams Park. My commute to the City will go from 30 minutes to an hour, but that's not a bad thing as I'm not getting any fitter.

Having a look around it seems my best option from the Picketts Lane roundabout is to head along the north circular and go via the canals until I hit the outskirts of the City. Anyone else do this commute? It seems straightforward but I've a couple of questions.

Having never done it, what are those canal trails like that go through Hackney etc? Are they decent surfaces, and more importantly are they well lit at night. Don't fancy a late night dip in December.

What's the wind like? It looks pretty flat all around there which in some ways is nice but not if a stiff wind blows all the way across it unhindered since it left the Urals.

Any advice from people who do this one greatly appreciated. I have a sedate specialized tricross sport.

thanks
Perostek

jds_1981

Can you post another road or map link? I can't find your location.

EKE_38BPM

The paths along the river are unlit and for the most part have a decent surface, but there are a couple of stretches (around Walthamstow marshes/Tottenham) that are unpaved and can get muddy.
Like most roads around London, the tow paths feature a head wind in both directions at all times of day and you will benefit from a slight incline on your homeward commute.
The locals can often be seen in the morning enjoying a can of the finest high strength lager and/or walking their lovely pedigree 'status' dogs. They (the dogs and/or owners) specialise in walking on the path as far from the water's edge as possible, regardless of any cyclists riding towards them, ringing bells and politely asking them to "pick a side, ANYFUCKINGSIDE".

In all seriousness, I enjoy commuting along the tow path. Its not always the quickest route into central London, but it is stress-free.

UndercoverElephant

Aye, it sounds stress-free alright.

EKE_38BPM

UndercoverElephant wrote:

Aye, it sounds stress-free alright.

Honestly, its a nice ride. Narrowboat dwellers chopping wood for their wood burning stoves in the morning, parents and kids riding to school together, swans landing on the river etc. I really enjoy commuting along the river.

I wasn't joking about the unlit path or the stretches of unpaved path though

Perostek

Ha! Thanks for the answers, much appreciated. House fell through so it looks like it's on hold at the moment, but I'm looking forward to the pitch-black, pothole ridden, eternally uphill wind tunnel peaceful commute eventually