Method 1:
Train from Lewisham to London Bridge – 10 minutes.
Tube from London Bridge to Morden (Northern Line, southbound) – 27 minutes.
A walk of about 500 yards along Aberconway Road to the café, which is in Morden Hall Park.
Method 2 – via Tramlink:
Bus (No. 54) to Beckenham Junction.
Tram (every 10 mins) from Beckenham Junction to Croydon East – 18 minutes.
(Note that the above journey can start at Elmers End if it is more convenient).
Tram from East Croydon to Phipps Bridge – 22 minutes. At East Croydon, take the tram marked "Wimbledon", departing from the same platform.
Phipps Bridge is a short walk from the Victoria Stableyard Café. Go into the Park (which is right next to the Tram Stop), and take the path on the right (the black dots on the map). Keep an eye open for signs containing words like Café, Snuff Mill, and Heritage. You will see the Stableyard Café signposted.
Which is best? The London Bridge / Northern Line is undoubtedly quickest, if you don't mind Tube journeys. The Tramlink route lets you see parts of London from a different viewpoint. A test-run found that the 54 bus can take 30 minutes from Lewisham High Street to Beckenham Junction. The 09:44 train from Lewisham to Elmers End is only a 15 minute journey. You should allow a full hour for the "Tramlink" part of the journey.
Getting home
From where the Wandle joins the Thames, it is a short walk (½ mile) over the Hurlingham Rail & Footbridge to Putney Bridge Tube station (District Line, no step-free access).
Depending on numbers, the organiser, LLHS member Jane Bowden-Dan, would like to offer tea and cakes from 3.30 pm at her flat (two minutes from the station).
Though not essential, those interested in this Walk are asked to let Jane know (see below).
The Walk is, we suggest, for adults only, who take part at their own risk. Please note that although the Walk presents no obvious risks to responsible participants as far as we are familiar with it, the Society can accept no responsibility or liability for loss or injury in the unlikely case of such an event occurring.
Jane Bowden-Dan, 020 7736 4544, email: JaneBowdenDan@aol.com