Route Section LOOP Walk

Section 4 (West Wickham Common, Bromley to Hamsey Green, Croydon)

Description:

A well-wooded section with a fair amount of climbing, rewarded by some splendid views. The first stretch from West Wickham Common (also on the Three Commons Circular Walk) leads through a residential area and recreation grounds, where you pass a stone marking the line of the Greenwich Meridian and the hilltop St John the Baptist Church, over 700 years old.

Then comes a long wooded stretch through Spring Park, Threehalfpenny Wood and Kennel Wood. More residential roads lead to Upper Shirley, then another long, green section follows, with several points of interest. A steep climb brings you to the viewing platform at Addington Hills, with its magnificent panorama – on a clear day you can see Windsor Castle and hills to the north of London.

The delightful gardens at Heathfield (with steeps flights of steps) are attached to Heathfield House, which is Croydon Council’s training centre. Bramley Bank Nature Reserve is run by the London Wildlife Trust. From Littleheath Wood, the route is shared for a while with the Vanguard Way.

After Selsdon Wood Local Nature Reserve you pass out of Greater London into Surrey for the rest of this section. Beyond Farleigh, a wooded valley leads past the golf course of Selsdon Park Hotel, and the section finishes with a short road stretch into Hamsey Green, from where there are buses to Croydon.

Distance:

9 miles ( 14.5 km)

Start:

West Wickham Common (GR 396-654)

Finish:

Hamsey Green (GR 350-595)

Recommended direction:

Northeast to southwest

Terrain and surface:

Mostly level, but several steep slopes and flights of steps. Mostly rough ground on footpaths and tracks. Four stiles. 2.8km (1.8 miles) beside roads

Signage:

Signage complete both ways

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs at Hayes, Upper Shirley and Hamsey Green. Cafes or kiosks at Hayes, Coney Hall, Sparrow’s Den and Hamsey Green. Public toilets at Coney Hall, Sparrow’s Den, Addington Hills and Heathfield

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Hayes
Tram: Coombe Lane
Buses: at points above plus Upper Shirley, Selsdon, Forestdale and Hamsey Green

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

Links with other walks:

Three Commons Circular Walk, Vanguard Way

Map required:

Explorer 162, 161 and 146 (route marked)

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Bromley, LB Croydon, Tandridge DC