Yes, you're right, definitely start on the quieter routes. For a couple of weeks or so. I do find that the road surfaces are usually worse on sidestreets and the routes are more indirect. Cycle Route 23 is a quiet route into town and also goes through a couple of dodgy estates around the Old Kent Rd, so you take your chances whichever way you go!

Yes the route I described is good from 'west' FH. I sometimes go via Brockley too if I want a change of scene and can't be bothered with the big hill!

I don't agree about London Bridge / Tower Bridge though. Tower is much narrower, London Bridge has the bus lane although you do have to go through the squeeze under the railway bridges on the approach which is the most fun part of the ride :-)

This post was last modified: 04-04-2014 03:48 PM by clausy.