Route Section LOOP Walk

Section 5 (Hamsey Green, Croydon to Coulsdon South Station, Croydon)

Description:

This very attractive section of quite strenuous walking features in quick succession four commons controlled by the Corporation of London. Riddlesdown, Kenley Common, Coulsdon Common and Farthing Downs - the latter providing a long ridge walk with fine views and grazing cattle. Each has its own walk with which this section can be combined - see Coulsdon Commons Circular Walks.

You pass Kenley Aerodrome, a renowned wartime air base, but you need not fear noise as it is only used for gliding nowadays. Two small observatories nearby are operated by the Croydon Astronomical Society. Between Coulsdon Common and Farthing Downs come Happy Valley and Devilsden Wood, owned by the London Borough of Croydon. The Downlands Circular Walk and Socratic Trail also pass through this idyllic area, where rare plants thrive, and you can scarcely believe you are in Greater London.

Distance:

6 miles ( 10 km)

Start:

Hamsey Green (GR 350-595)

Finish:

Coulsdon South station (GR 299-590)

Recommended direction:

East to west

Terrain and surface:

Mostly level, but three long climbs (two of them very steep with steps). Mostly rough tracks, footpaths and grassy fields. Two stiles. 1.6km (1 mile) beside roads

Signage:

Signage complete both ways

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafés at Hamsey Green and Coulsdon South. Pubs at Godstone Road, Kenley Aerodrome and Coulsdon Common. Occasional kiosk at Farthing Downs. Public toilets at Farthing Downs

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Coulsdon South
Buses: Hamsey Green, Godstone Road, Coulsdon Common, Coulsdon South

For more information on public transport please see Transport for London's Journey Planner.

Links with other walks:

Riddlesdown Circular Walk, Kenley Common & Dollypers Hill Circular Walk, Coulsdon Common & Happy Valley Circular Walk, Farthing Downs & Devilsden Wood Circular Walk, Downlands Circular Walk, Socratic Trail

Map required:

Explorer 146 also 300m on Explorer 161 (route marked)