| 1. This circular route starts from BP Research HQ in Sunbury. Initially, a quiet suburban road, a right turn takes the rider onto the main A308 Kingston-Staines Road. This is a fast moving dual carriageway, but is reasonably flat and smooth. The road passes alongside some very large reservoirs, and in periods of heavy rain the nearside carriageway may become flooded. At Fordbridge roundabout, Take the first exit, and at the mini roundabout, take the first exit. This is a reasonably quiet almost rural road. The village of Laleham is small, but has two pubs, The Feathers, and the Turks Head. Continue into Laleham, and then turn right at the roundabout, signposted for Staines. Shortly, take a left into either Cherry Tree Close, or Riverside. These roads will lead you onto the Thames Towpath. The towpath is graded and consists of mainly compressed gravel, although there are some "bare earth" stretches, but all is suitable for road bikes. The route passes by Penton Hook Lock, where you can take a breather, have an ice cream (in the summer season) and watch the boats passing through the lock. Once through the lock, the towpath is crushed gravel for about another 500 yards, and then becomes tarmac, all the way into Staines. Pass under the railway Bridge, and join the Staines one way system. Follow the road round to the left, and cross Staines Bridge. Once over the bridge, you should take the 1st exit from the roundabout, and follow this road all the way into Chertesy. Pass through Chetsey Town centre, and eventually you will cross Chertsey Bridge. Just over the Bridge on the left hand side is a pub called the Kingfisher, which serve good ales (Bass) and a good food menu. Keep on the Chertesy road, and at the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, signed for Shepperton. At the next main roundabout, turn left into Shepperton High Street, and follow this to the traffic lights. At the lights turn right, and follow Green Lane to the end where a left turn should be made at the roundabout. Follow the road through Upper Halliford, and turn Right onto Nursery Road (At the lights just prior to the bridge that crosses the M3). Follow Nursery Road to the t junction, and turn right. Follow Green Street to the end, into Lower Sunbury. Turn left here. Going straight on will dump you into the Thames. Lower Sunbury has a number of Pubs (The Magpie, The Phoenix, The Flowerpot) and numerous restaurants. Turn left into the Avenue. Follow the Avenue to its junction with Staines Road East, and turn left. A good pub on the right called the Grey Horse. Its well hidden though, and sits beside the Railway bridge. Look for the Sunbury Police Station, and its down there! Cross the railway bridge, and use the subway to cross this very busy roundabout. Exit onto Vicarage road, and proceed until turning left onto Groveley Road. Cycle down Grovely Road, and arrive at the finish by BP HQ |