Streatham to Wimbledon Park: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
Following directly on from Section 4 on this occasion and the Streatham Common Station Footbridge, the route keeps alongside this busy intersection of railway lines and on to Conyers Road. Passing the freshly cleaned esoteric Thames Water Streatham Pumping Station, modelled after a Moorish temple, and onwards across Mitcham Lane and Riggindale Road, Tooting Bec Road and the Tooting Common Woodlands opposite, lead the route into the London Borough of Wandsworth. Entering the Common after passing the entrance to the great Lido, one of the largest in Europe, which originally opened in 1906 and then refashioned in its present guise in 1936, the path crosses the Bec Common. Ahead lies a small pretty lake and copse to one side and then before passing under the Brighton railway line, the Capital Ring turns off via a fenced path to enter the suburban district of Bedford Hill. Reaching Balham High Road, and a suitable respite to find lunch, the path heads along Balham Park road and onto Wandsworth Common. The greater Common has been broken up into several sectors by roads and railway lines, but the third section offers a delightful lakeside path and pretty adjoining boardwalk for distraction. A long tree lined path now passes the very attractive Neals Farmhouse Cafe and alongside substantial recreational playing fields and cricket pitches. Crossing Trinity Road and long Alma Terrace, the imposing and formidable edifice of Wandsworth prison awaits (of infamous Ronnie Biggs escape).
Turning right into the incredibly straight and long Magdalen Road, gives the option of walking rather than roadside, along through the expansive and peaceful Wandsworth Cemetery. Passing under the Earlsfield Station footbridge, crossing the river Wandle (there are moves afoot to include the Wandle Trail into the Capital Ring at a future date) another urban link via the Durnsford Road Recreation Ground and a turn right up Arthur Road to reach Wimbledon Park Station, brings this section to a close.
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