Croydon, Croham Hurst, Littleheath Woods and Addington Hills

An unexpected rural walk in the heart of a London suburb

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Statistics and Files
Start: South Croydon Station Distance: 6.1 miles (9.8 km) Climbing: 176 metres
Grid Ref: TQ 32810 64367 Time: 3 hours Rating: Moderate
GPX Route File Google Earth File About Croydon
Statistics
Start: South Croydon Station Distance: 6.1 miles (9.8 km)
Climbing: 176 metres Grid Ref: TQ 32810 64367
Time: 3 hours Rating: Moderate
GPX Route File Google Earth File
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)

The Walk: The London Borough of Croydon, which has grown enormously this century with the overspill population from the metropolis, may seem an unlikely spot for a rural ramble. The route passes through green surroundings for well over half its distance, and most of the remainder is on footpaths through residential areas.

The circular route takes in some very attractive woodland and parkland scenery, a splendid ridge walk, a nature reserve and a beautiful landscaped garden.

Woodland on Croham HurstWoodland on Croham Hurst
Pond in Bramley Bank Nature ReservePond in Bramley Bank Nature Reserve

The walk begins at South Croydon Station, in the heart of a residential area. However, suburban development soon gives way to the woodland of Croham Hurst. The spine of the woods is the whaleback hump of Breakneck Hill, the site of a prehistoric settlement. The path goes along the crest of its ridge, which rises to 472 feet (144 metres), and offers views in several directions.

From Croham Hurst the route travels in a south direction on the edge of Croham Hurst Golf Club before turning north and east along Queenhill Road to arrive at Littleheath Woods. On the other side of Littleheath Woods is Bramley Bank Nature Reserve which is managed by the London Wildlife Trust. It has many species of amphibians and interesting flowers to find on the site.

Coombe Wood GardensCoombe Wood Gardens
View of London from Addington HillsView of London from Addington Hills

Later on, Addington Hills are a haven of woodland and rough grassland. On a clean day there is a panoramic view right across London to the Chiltern Hills in the west and to Epping Forest in the east. Major landmarks in ones eyeline are clearly identified on a viewing platform.

The route descends into Coombe Wood, where there is a fine landscaped garden and cafeteria. Finally, the walk follows the Vanguard Way, a long distance footpath, through Lloyd Park before heading back to South Croydon. Lloyd Park was once farmland but in 1927 it was presented to Croydon Corporation in memory of the landowner, Frank Lloyd.


Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.


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