Battle of Britain Country

A World War Two airfield and The City of London in the Green Belt

London Loop, Stage 5 – Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South

On the London Loop near Riddlesdown

As with the Capital Ring, some friends and me are gradually working our way around the London Loop (or London Outer Orbital Path to give it its full title), as previously discussed in this post. I was playing catch-up here, as my fellow walkers did this section back in winter when there was over a foot of snow on the ground. The contrast between the weather then and the beautifully warm, sunny day I chose couldn’t have been greater. This is a very scenic section full of interest, with some steep climbs leading to great views, floriferous meadows, shaded ancient woodlands, and a former Battle of Britain airfield on the route.

Start: Hamsey Green, on the very edge of the Borough of Croydon TQ350595

Finish: Coulsdon South Station TQ298590

Length: 6 miles/3 hours

How to get there: Hamsey Green can be reached by bus 403 from West Croydon to Warlingham. Or, alternatively, do as I did and catch the train: two possibilities here, to Whyteleafe (served by Southern services from London Victoria to Caterham), or to Upper Warlingham (served by Southern services from London Victoria/London Bridge to East Grinstead); both stations are roughly a 30 minute walk through pleasant woodlands to the start of this section of the Loop. Return is from Coulsdon South station, served by Southern services to London Bridge and London Victoria. There’s a ‘bail out’ point half way at The Fox, Coulsdon Common, from where it’s possible to catch a 404 or 466 bus back to Croydon.

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‘They Shall Not Pass!’

Strolling round Stepney, wandering through Wapping

East London

Detail from Cable Street Mural

I’ve just signed up to The London Mural Preservation Society, recently set up by some lovely friends to record, protect, preserve and celebrate murals in the Capital. Having undertaken to research the Cable Street Mural, and as the sun was shining, it seemed a good idea to combine a visit to the mural with a walk around the East End. Along the way some wonderful local history, industrial heritage and a great part of London I was not too familiar with were to be found.

Start/Finish: London Bridge Station TQ330801

Length: 5¼ miles/3 hours

How to get there: This being London, as far as public transport is concerned, the world is your Oyster. Or your paper Travelcard if you prefer. London Bridge is served by numerous buses, trains, (Southern, Southeastern and First Capital Connect), and the tube. And you can join or leave the route at any point, using DLR, tube or bus.

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Public parks & public schools.

Walking in Wet London. Sorry, West London.

Capital Ring: Greenford to South Kenton.

The Vaughan Library, Harrow School

Me and a few friends are trying to complete the Capital Ring, a circular walk that meanders for 78 miles around the inner suburbs of the capital. It lies nearer the centre of London than the London Loop, a 150-mile route that we are also tackling. Think of the Capital Ring as the North and South Circular, while the Loop is the M25. There is something of a contrast between the Loop, which is more rural in character, and the Ring, although many of the stages of both offer plenty of variety. This walk, Section 9 of the Ring, was no exception.

Start: Greenford Station TQ149837

End: South Kenton Station TQ173870

Length: 5½ miles/3-3½ hours

How to get there: Greenford is in Zone 4, on the West Ruislip branch of the Central Line, and is also served by First Great Western services from Paddington, which take about 25 minutes. Which was lucky for us as the Central Line was closed for engineering works. South Kenton (also Zone 4) is served by Bakerloo line trains between Harrow & Wealdstone and Elephant & Castle. The route also passes Sudbury Hill (Piccadilly Line) and Sudbury Hill Harrow (Chiltern Railways to and from Marylebone), while Harrow-On-The-Hill (Chiltern Railways, Metropolitan Line) and Northwick Park (Metropolitan Line only) are also nearby. For further details visit the Transport For London website.

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