Route Section LOOP Walk

Section 7 (Banstead Downs, Banstead to Bourne Hall Park, Ewell)

Description:

Although one of the shortest and, admittedly, least green sections of the London Loop, you pass much of interest.

There is a signed link to the start on Banstead Downs from Banstead station (no Sunday service but buses at nearby Belmont). You follow pleasant residential roads for some distance through Belmont and East Ewell, where unfortunately it has not proved possible to negotiate formal access along a path beside a golf club.

A pleasant green stretch follows, through the Woodland Trust’s Warren Farm (signed link to Ewell East station) and Nonsuch Park, which contains the remains of a palace built by King Henry VIII. In Ewell you pass an ancient village lock-up (with a plaque telling a humorous tale about a fire engine), and the section finishes in the small but pretty Bourne Hall Park with its pond, a source of the Hogsmill River. A signed link leads from here to Ewell West station.

Distance:

3.5 miles ( 5.5 km)

Start:

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

Finish:

Ewell (Bourne Hall Park, GR 219-628)

Recommended direction:

Southeast to northwest

Terrain and surface:

Level ground except for gentle descents on residential roads. Mostly pavements, with some firm paths and tracks. No stiles. 2.9km (1.8 miles) beside roads

Signage:

Complete both ways

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs and cafes in Banstead and Ewell. Cafe in Nonsuch Park. Public toilets in Nonsuch Park and Bourne Hall Park

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail/buses: Banstead, Ewell East, Ewell West

Links with other walks:

None

Map required:

Explorer 161 (route marked)

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Sutton, Reigate & Banstead DC, Epsom & Ewell DC

 

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