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The Wandle rises near the North Downs as a series of springs that start near Croydon. Ponds form at Beddington and Carlshalton and from there the river begins to flow through Mitcham, Morden and Merton and on through Wandsworth to join the River Thames near Wandsworth Bridge.

For much of its journey through the built-up areas of Greater London the river is hidden away from the main thoroughfares. Many a commuter journeying through these areas to central London might be suprised at discovering just what was hidden from view.In Mitcham, Morden and Merton in particular, the river flows through a nature reserve, parkland and the suprisingly open area of Morden Hall Park.

Light industry has long thrived along its banks ...watermills for grinding corn, snuff,wood for dyes, gunpowder, as well as mills used in the copper, leather, hemp, iron, calico printing and wool manufacturing trades. Watercress beds thrived and traces can still be seen here and there. More recently the river was used by a paper mill at Merton. Now these trades are gone, replaced in part by a modern industrial estate close to the river at Mitcham, and at Merton Mills by arts and crafts and a bustling market.

Nearby beauty spots and places of interest include:
Merton Abbey Mills, Mitcham Common, Morden Hall Park & Wimbledon Common, Wimbledon windmill & museum.

Further reading: for those interested in the River Wandle & its history, we recommend The Wandle Guide by the Wandle Group.

For a map of Mitcham go to www.streetmap.co.uk