Transport for LondonRoute details
London Loop: Section 6 Coulsdon South to Banstead Downs
| Walk facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.5 miles (7.2 km) |
| Location: | Croydon, Sutton, plus some in Surrey |
| Start: | Coulsdon South station (GR 299-590) Get there with Journey Planner |
| Finish: | Banstead Downs (near Brighton Road, GR 248-607) |
| Factor: | London Loop: Section 6 Coulsdon South to Banstead Downs |
| 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 (1.1ml) beside roads |
| Points of Interest: | Little Woodcote Estate, The Oaks Park, Highdown Prison, Banstead Downs |
| Signage: | Complete both ways |
| Temporary Diversions: | |
| Refreshments and toilets: | Pubs and cafes at Coulsdon and Banstead. Pub at Clockhouse. Cafe at The Oaks Park. Public toilets at Coulsdon and The Oaks Park |
| Public transport and breakpoints: | NR: Coulsdon South, Banstead. Buses at these points, also Clockhouse and Sutton Lane |
| Links with other walks: | Sutton Countryside Walk |
| How to get the map: | Download it from www.walklondon.org.uk or call 0870 240 6094 |
| Principal promoters: | London Walking Forum, LB Croydon, LB Sutton, Reigate & Banstead DC |
Walk details:
- 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).
