DAY FIVE

Thatcham to Greenwich 90 miles (144km)

Link to route:
http://www.brytonsport.com/mapTrackView/2?id=7710674

Day five started from Thatcham and was for the first 15 miles was mostly along the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Most of this was very uncomfortable and slow as the path was bumpy and stony, often narrow and treacherous in places.

At Aldermarston it improved somewhat but soon after became a track through a field of grazing cattle.
The route took me through a forest next to the noisy M4 then beck onto the towpath and into Reading afterwhcih there was an excellent towpath along the river Thames. Unfortunately just before Windsor the signage was poor and suddenly no more directions to NCN4. In fact the signs all around Windsor were very confusing and on top of that, a vital LH turn was not only turned the wrong way but also obscured by trees.

Back on track, NCN4 then goes through Windsor Great Park. After this the route heads south following the Thames towards Staines-upon-Thames, Walton-on-Thames then passes Hampton Court Palace to Kingston-upon-Thames crossing the river on the little ferry at Shepperton (only ring bell on the quarter hour!).

After this I cycled for many miles along the edge of the Thames sharing the path with vast numbers of walkers (with and without dogs) and joggers. A loud bell was vital on this stretch.

The route then cuts across Richmond Park before going again along the Thames, then crossing over Westminster Bridge and winding its way along some busy and less busy streets through south London.

There were some great views of the London skyline back along the river........

.....before eventually arriving at the Cutty Sark in Greenwhich, 420 miles from Fishguard along the NCN4.











Stats: 
Daily distance: 90.1 miles (144.2km)  
Cum. Total: 419.8 miles (528.85km)
Average speed: 10.31 mph (16.5kph)
Trip time:11:26
Ride time: 8:45
Max speed:23.6 mph (37.8kph)