Wandle Trail – Carshalton Ponds to Merton Abbey Mills

In January I walked the first leg of the river Wandle Trail from Croydon to Carshalton Ponds. Although the book /map I am using breaks the whole walk (Croydon to Wandworth) into two sections I have decided to split it into three sections. The reason being I like to amble and detour sometimes to see things on the way and take photos.

So yesterday I set off on the second leg arriving in Carshalton early with time for a quick hot chocolate in Costa and making use of their facilities before setting off. My first stopping point would be Wilderness Island which meant heading up behind the ponds where spring flowers were blooming and there was a lovely waterfall. I followed the path left and came out on the road. Further up I arrived at Wilderness Island, a nature reserve, and this was my first detour as I stopped and headed inside for a walk along the pathways. A Kingfisher darted between the trees over the river, but it was too quick to get a photo. It was more an ‘oh, wow!’ moment.

Back on the trail I headed along a footpath running along the back of the Nature Reserve and followed the river round and eventually coming across Claudio Funari’s Community Gardens. Such a lovely find, so pretty. Crossing diagonally across the road I headed down another path where I became a little unsure if I was on the right path to Watercress Park. Walking across another park I became a bit confused as to where I was so I stopped a guy who knew the area well. I thought I was in Poulters Park but I was ahead of myself as it came up later. Then came Watermeads Nature Reserve (second detour) where I met a group of ramblers who advised that the path in the other direction was less muddy, though it was a slightly longer way round. I took their advice and walked the long way. It was a lovely walk and quiet.

Arriving at Ravensbury Park I came across the bridge that had recently collapsed. Traffic could not cross but pedestrians could go round it. Here there were some flood defenses. Ravensbury Park was quite a delight, very pretty and worth another look sometime. On exiting it was just one road to cross and I was into Morden Hall Park, a place I know well. I headed towards the Potting Shed cafe (National Trust) and had lunch there (toilet break too), before heading into the garden centre for a look around. Morden Hall Park has lots going on for children. The Snuff Mill runs courses of pond dipping and other activities, especially in school holidays (last October half term it was pumpkin carving). There is also a second cafe and second hand bookshop, and by the garden centre is an aquarium and outdoor shed displays.

I was now on the final part of my walk across the park (there are wetlands with boardwalks and kids play area, but I missed this section out this time). At one point you have to cross the tram line and then its a straight run down to Deen City Farm and Merton Abbey Mills where William Morris once had his print works. Here the walk ended.

I’d chosen yesterday to walk as it was the best day of the week (the weather has been keeping me from being outdo0rs – I am a fair weather walker!) With three layers and a jacket and hat I was never really cold. The walk was just over 5 miles and took around two hours with stops for lunch and photos.