Mapping the London Flood Plains Cycle Ride and Walk
In association with Southwark Cyclists
Join us for the last day of Lift Festival 2008 with a leisurely (or not so leisurely) cycle ride or walk revealing what makes up Underwater London. See the Thames from another angle. Each year, there's a 1 in 200 chance of a flood that would swamp Lambeth and cover Docklands. Come along, see what's keeping us dry, and see what's been lost in the past.
Ride the floodplains
Led by Southwark Cyclists, this is a relaxed, sociable ride paced for all with lots of great stops along the way. The ride follows the river path to the Thames Flood Barrier and beyond, taking in tidal walls, high water marks from past floods, and the engineering that goes into keeping us dry today. Experienced guides and fascinating speakers will make it a trip to remember!
Submerged London Walk
Meanwhile, Diana Clements will lead a walk to discover some of London's secrets: the remains of a submerged forest, revealed at low tide; the mouth of the River Fleet, and the street that hides it from view; and the river's hidden path, all the way to the Clerk's Well. Wear sturdy shoes and you can get in amongst the forest roots!
10.00 Assemble outside The Lift – free bike check
10.30 Depart
11.30: Royal Naval College, Greenwich
12.15pm: Woolwich Flood Barrier cafe - and talk
12.45pm: the Woolwich Free Ferry cruise
1.15pm: North Barrier Park cafe lunch
2pm: Lea bridge
2.30pm: Island Gardens (and the Greenwich Foot Tunnel)
3pm: The Wapping Project for tea
4pm: Back at The Lift, Festival Hall
Assembling at The Lift, you will receive a map with choices of routes which mark the East London areas at high risk of flooding.
Bike Hire
If you want to join the ride but don't have a bike, here are two local companies that can help you out! Make sure you contact them before the day...
On Your Bike
52 - 54 Tooley St, London Bridge SE1 2SZ Tel : 020 7378 6669
london@onyourbike.com
London Bicycles
1a Gabriels Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, London. SE1 9PP Tel. 020 7928 6838
mail@londonbicycle.com