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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