Amoi on Pedals: Cayman and UK (29 April to 16 May 2022), Day 9 - Arriving in London Heathrow, Heathrow to Runnymede

We landed in Heathrow at 11.15 am and by 12.30 pm, we have cleared passport controls, collected our luggage and proceeded to the airport bus stop.

Waiting for bus no. 423 which comes at every 15 minutes intervals.

Bus fare was GBP1.35, payable by credit card pay wave system.

Here comes our bus! All in all, we waited less than 10 minutes!

Our bus stops right in front of Ibis Styles London Heathrow Airport Hotel. We were checked in as early as 1.30 pm

The building on the left is our hotel. Note the bus stop right in front of the hotel

There's a petrol station with a convenience store next to the hotel.

Hotel entrance. Note the Covid tests offered as some countries require an all clear certification at immigration check points. Cayman is one such countries which requires the PCR or antigen tests no earlier than the day prior (24 hours) to departure day

Parking fees

Thanks to Capt Tony who made the preliminary arrangements with Compton Cycyles, our pre-ordered bicycles finally arrived at 3 pm!

Setting up the bicycles at the hotel drop off area

Cycling along Route A4's Bath Road at 3.50 pm

1st stop, late lunch at 4 pm

Istanbul Grill @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/tp2d74BHSF6WDq1b7

Streetview, Pinglestone Cl

Cheap and satisfying

Sheep grazing below King George IV Reservoir. Note the dyke and fencing

Cute

Two Rivers shopping center to our right at Staines Upon Thames

Thames Lodge @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpSXxcyF64UVPQ6r6

Thames Lodge on Thames Street at Staines Upon Thames

View of Thames River from Staines Bridge @ https://maps.app.goo.gl/8DbLHBjh2GAubJVMA

Swan Hotel is appropriately named with visible white swans swimming in the river

More swans

Oops! Wrong turn....The Hythe with Swan Hotel in white

Oops! Wrong turn....The Hythe

Jolly Farmer on Farmers Road

Staines Townhall

Down by the river bank with Staines Bridge in the background

Back on track for the route that follows the river! This is below Staines Bridge

This river route is called Thames Path

Barges and boats docked by the riverside

Some segments are dirt tracks

Dirt and gravel

Info-board placed below the Runnymede Bridge (M25) shares the discovery of artefacts dating back to 750BC.

Bell Weir Lock. Note this side of the watergate is closed to prevent water from flowing out of the lock

Bell Weir Lock. Note the watergate behind the boat is opened, allowing water to flow through but with the other end, closed; water is filling up the lock

Bell Wier Lock. The gate behind the boat is now closed whilst the other end is opened, lowering the water level in the lock. Note the boat is now lowered in the lock.

Further down the Bell Wier Lock is a dam built to control the flow of the water

Barges docked by the riverbanks

Grand homes with fantastic views. Someone is having a party in the gardens!

Camping at Runnymede Pleasure Ground

Gorgeous spring weather

HM Queen Elizabeth II

Route A308's Windsor Rd. This historical spot by the river banks of Runnymede is where Magna Carta was signed. It became the founding moment which defines the authority of the King; that the King is not above the law. This helped to shape the basis of common law across the world.

The Jurors is an artwork by Hew Locke, installed at Runnymede in Surrey in 2015

Wished I know!

Magna Carta Tea Room

Oak tree planted by Queen E in 1987

Writ in water is an architecture artwork by Mark Wallinger. It reflects upon the founding principles of democracy. Through a meeting of water, sky and light, it offers a space of reflection and contemplation.

Read the refections in the water, "No free man shall be seized and imprisoned or seized off his rights and possession"