Transport for LondonRoute details
London Loop: Section 5 Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South
| Walk facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
| Location: | Croydon, plus some in Surrey |
| Start: | Hamsey Green (GR 350-595) Get there with Journey Planner |
| Finish: | Coulsdon South station (GR 299-590) |
| Factor: | London Loop: Section 5 Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South |
| 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 (1.0ml) beside roads |
| Points of Interest: | Riddlesdown, Kenley Common, Kenley Aerodrome, Kenley Observatory, Coulsdon Common, Happy Valley, Farthing Downs |
| Signage: | Complete both ways |
| Temporary Diversions: | |
| Refreshments and toilets: | Pubs and cafes 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: | NR: Coulsdon South. Buses: Hamsey Green, Godstone Road, Coulsdon Common, Coulsdon South |
| 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 |
| How to get the map: | Download it from www.walklondon.org.uk or call 0870 240 6094 |
| Principal promoters: | London Walking Forum, LB Croydon, Tandridge DC |
Walk details:
- 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.
