London Loop - Section 6 (Couldson South Station, Croydon to Banstead Downs, Banstead)

Section 6 (Couldson South Station, Croydon to Banstead Downs, Banstead)

Description:

Note that the first part of this section, immediately west of Coulsdon South station, may be affected by construction of the proposed Coulsdon Relief Road.

The section starts with a long, steady climb through residential roads in Coulsdon and Clockhouse, but after that the route is almost entirely level in attractive countryside, with some fine views towards London.

You pass the distinctive black weatherboard houses of the smallholdings on the Little Woodcote Estate, then open fields lead to The Oaks Park, with its cafe, toilets and nature trail. It was once the grounds of the mansion of the Earl of Derby, both providing names for the classic horse races at Epsom.

A long, straight track takes you into Surrey, passing the high walls of Highdown Prison. Once across busy Sutton Lane (close to Banstead village) you are on Banstead Downs, skirting a golf course. There is another very busy dual-carriageway road to negotiate before the end of the section, from where a signed Loop link leads to Banstead station (no Sunday service but buses from nearby Belmont).

Distance:

4.5 miles ( 7.5 km)

Start:

Coulsdon South station (GR 299-590)

Finish:

Banstead Downs (near Brighton Road, GR 248-607)

Recommended direction:

East to west

Terrain and surface:

Generally fairly level but with a long gradual climb for the first 2km. Mostly on rough ground on footpaths and tracks. Five stiles. 1.7km (1.1 miles) beside roads

Signage:

Signage complete both ways

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafés at Coulsdon and Banstead. Pub at Clockhouse. Cafe at The Oaks Park. Public toilets at Coulsdon and The Oaks Park

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Coulsdon South, Banstead
Buses: at points above plus Clockhouse and Sutton Lane

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