The Wandle Tunnel at Waddon Ponds

Weir in background at Waddon ponds

 At the end of the Ponds is a weir (see above photo) at front of which is a grate to prevent any debris from entering the tunnel below. The water from the ponds joins the main Wandle river flow that has come from Wandle park. Another smaller branch is a further 100 yards up the road where another spring exists outside the now closed John Lewis store.

The Wandle runs in a culvert underneath the Mill Lane trading estate

These three branches join together in a culvert under the Mill Lane Trading Estate. The Domesday book mentions a mill at this location connected to the manor that was used for grinding corn. The river was diverted at the end of the 19th century to establish an area of water cress beds, then drained for allotments and other industries followed. The Mill continued in operation until 1928.

After running underneath the trading estate the Wandle reappears in the Richmond Green area. You can see from these photographs the sharp bend in the culvert a short distance from the end of the tunnel. Please note this area is very boggy and slippery and the river is quite fast flowing at this point so you should avoid venturing down the bank.

Just 100 yards further on is the side road of Aldwick Road on Brandy Bottle Hill where remnants from Bronze and Iron age were found. The area was supposedly popular with smugglers that would take advantage of the river and the steep banks.

Brandy Bottle hill from the opposite bank at Richmond green

The high point at Brandy Bottle Hill

Above and below view of the Wandle from Richmond Green pedestrian bridge

returning back to Waddon Ponds