Katies last few weeks as Gardener at Syon Park before heading to work at Kew Gardens.
Thames Tow Path down to Syon Park via Kingston
Al led us along the route she normally takes to work.
From Putney we headed towards Kingston, through Barnes and passing opposite Syon Park on the other side of the Thames.
The Ringmasters
Katie and Lin had brought most of the food and indeed made most of the food cycled it to the park with their cycle trolley.
The Spread
Ginger Beer, Scones & Cream, Quiche, Cheese, Meat, Pate and
Green & Blacks.
http://www.syonpark.co.uk
Syon House
Syon House is the London residence of the Duke of Northumberland. It was built between 1547 and 1552 in the Italian Renaissance style for its owner the 1st Duke of Somerset, Lord Protector to young Edward VI. The interior was extensively remodelled in the mid-18th century.
Thames Tow Path and Cycle Routes
http://www.thames-path.com/2010/discover-the-thames
www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/route-numbering-system/route-61
http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Ealing_W13,_Syon,_Richmond,_Barnes,_River_Thames,_Kew_Loop-Cycle-Route-676.html
The Crew
Lin, Raph, Al & Katie outside the Great Conservatory.
The Conservatory
The crowning glory of Syon Park's gardens is the Great Conservatory. The 3rd Duke of Northumberland commissioned Charles Fowler to build a new conservatory in 1826, the first of its kind to be built out of gunmetal, Bath stone and glass. It was originally designed to act as a show house for the Duke's exotic plants and inspired Joseph Paxton in his designs for the Crystal Palace.
Does my bum look big in this
Mulberry Bushes
The Swingers
Trust Me Al - I will Catch You
Ready to bike off home
Teddington Lock
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddington_Lock
The cycle ride back
Rules when cycling by the River Thames
It’s great fun to cycle along the Thames, but don’t forget that there are some rules that you should follow to make it enjoyable for you and others.
- Walkers always have priority on riverside paths, so please be thoughtful to them and others. Use a bell and ring it twice when approaching a walker. Be aware that some people may have hearing problems and may not hear your bell.
- Riverside paths aren't suitable for cycling fast. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.
- Extra care should be taken when passing less able people, children and animals.
- Cycling is not allowed through lock gardens. There may be other places where cycling is banned.
- It is generally easier to cycle alongside the river downstream from Maidenhead and in the urban areas of Reading and Oxford. In London, side roads and borough council tracks should be followed east of Putney Bridge where the towpath stops. Upstream from Maidenhead, stiles, gates and difficult surfaces make it more difficult to cycle.
- Motorcycling on the Thames towpath is a criminal offence and is not allowed on public footpaths, bridleways and byways
