Decent countryside direct by train from ED? (cycling related)

[AlfieNoakes]

First post so hello all! :)-D

I'm relatively new to ED and was wondering where it's possible to get to just outside of London from ED train station, or do I have to go in to LB and back out? I'm not that familiar with the south east.

Main reason is I fancy a bike ride away from the smog on the weekend.

Easy transit from ED and scenery are the main requirements, nice country pubs would be a bonus.

Cheers.

[hoser]

From Denmark Hill is probably a better option - to someplace like Otford in Kent which has nice forested hills and the requisite quaint pubs.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Alfie

there was a good thread about this a few months back- you can find it here

http://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/forum/read.php?5,237034,page=1

I ended up catching a train fromPeckham to Eynsford which took about 30 mins and was fantastic - a short walk to fields, viaducts and an eagle sanctuary

[AlfieNoakes]

Plenty in there to consider, thanks guys.

[PeckhamRose]

What smog?

It's not the sixties, y'know!

And welcome, welcome.

A bit of a journey but another seaside countryside option is Whitstable. Train from Peckham Rye change at Bromley South. Lots of fab cycling along the coast. And a fabulous fish meal for the evening.

[AlfieNoakes]

Ah, yes. Whitstable.

One place in the SE I have been to a number of times. I think that's mainly just the whole 'nearest bit of coast to London' thing though. Fanatstic seafood!

Was more after the nearest Kent contryside an easy train ride away, but thanks anyway.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

You could try following some of the Pilgrims' Way. Catch a train to Bearstead and cycle uphill to Thurnham (v. good pub).

Turn right and keep going until you've had enough and come across another station.

[Gimme]

Not direct from ED I know but if you cycle to Herne Hill, it's 45 minutes to Dorking and there is absolutely fabulous cycling around there (with the benefit of quiet back road routes signposted throughout the 140 odd miles of the Surrey Cycleway)

[nutty]

I agree with hoser - Eynsford is a good place to start and easy to get to

[ian_b]

.

[BigPhil]

maybe a midsummer pub crawl on bikes

I can dust off the old raliegh 20 for one more crawl

[andycawdell]

Hi Alfie

Check out http://www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk - if you use the egroup tab and join up you can ask there

Also see the trian assisted rides at http://www.centrallondonctc.org.uk/

[Nero]

Try London Bridge to Hildenborough or Ashurst. It's pretty flat and nice and countryfied around there. Return about ?13 or so. (Hildenborough is faster and quicker).

[Louisa]

From West Dulwich station you can get out to Orpington and then catch a bus into some lovely little places like Crockenhill or Badgers Mount, with farmers market local produce some lovely pubs and garden centre and some decent bike rides/walks.

Louisa.

[phillyboy]

I've been out with the Dulwich Paragon Chaps (and ladies) its amazing how quickly you get out in the countryside (within 15minutes) after leaving Crystal Palace. You should come down one Saturday morning