🌿 From Abbey to Hills: London Loop Week 2 (Sections 3–4) | St Giles–Addington

🥾 **27.4 km | Point-to-point route | Ascent: 690 m | Estimated time: 7 hours
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📅 Date: Saturday, 7 June 2025
📍 Start: Charring Cross 8:20 - 8:50 | Petts Wood Station at ~ 09:40 AM | 🚆 Direct train from Charing Cross Platform 2
🏁 Finish: Hamsey Green (~17:00–17:30) → 🚌 Bus to Upper Warlingham → 🚆 Train to London Victoria or other destinations of London
🌿 Terrain: Parklands, woodland trails, rolling fields
📈 Grade: Moderate

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ℹ️ ABOUT:

Join us for Weekend #2 of the London Loop Summer Hike Series — a 12-weekend journey around the full 150-mile circuit. This time, we tackle Sections 3 & 4: a 27.4 km walk from Petts Wood to Hamsey Green, filled with ancient woods, peaceful commons, and open countryside.

Along the way, we’ll pass St Giles the Abbot Church, explore historic estates, and enjoy sweeping views from Addington Hills. Expect a mix of wide paths and overgrown trails — a scenic and adventurous day out.

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🗺️ ROUTE DESCRIPTION:

We’ll start at Petts Wood Station, heading into Jubilee Country Park and Crofton Wood, then passing through Darrick Wood and across Tubbenden Meadows, continuing by High Elms Estate near the golf course.

From there, the path climbs gently through Holwood Park, skirting historic grounds, and leads us into West Wickham Common. The journey continues through the shaded trails of Spring Park and Shirley Heath, before reaching the stunning Addington Hills viewpoint, offering a sweeping panorama over London.

After a well-earned break, we descend into Bramley Bank, a quiet green space tucked away from the city, then continue through the peaceful trails of Littleheath Woods, Selsdon Wood, and the lesser-known Puplet Wood, before reaching the final stretch through Moss Hill Shaw.

We’ll finish the walk at Hamsey Green, a quiet village at the southern edge of Greater London. From there, we’ll catch a short bus to Upper Warlingham Station, which offers direct trains back to London Victoria and other central London destinations — making it easy to return wherever you’re headed.

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🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Peaceful woodlands and wide-open fields
• Historic St Giles the Abbot Church in Farnborough
• Addington Hills viewpoint with panoramic London views
• Hidden gems like Crofton Wood and Selsdon Wood
• A real nature escape without leaving Greater London
• Great for building stamina with gentle climbs and long distance

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🚂 TRAINS:

Outbound:
– Meet: 08:20–08:50 AM at WHSmith inside Charing Cross Station (next to ticket area)
– Train departs: 09:01 AM direct to Petts Wood Platform 2
– Arrive: ~09:35AM, walk starts shortly after arrival

Return:
– From Hamsey Green, take bus to Upper Warlingham
– Then direct train to London Victoria or other London’s destinations (~35 min travel time)

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📍 MEETING POINT & TIME:

• Where: WHSmith inside Charing Cross Station (next to ticket barriers)
• When: Arrive between 08:20–08:50 AM
• Train departs: 09:01 AM, Platform 2
• Walk starts: ~09:40AM from Petts Wood
• Walk ends: Approx. 17:00–17:30 PM at Hamsey Green

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🥾 DISTANCE & DIFFICULTY:

• Distance: ~27.4 km (17 miles)
• Ascent: 690 m
• Terrain: Woodland paths, grassy trails, occasional pavement
• Time: ~7 hours including breaks
• Pace: Moderate (3.5–4 km/h)
• Grade: Moderate

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🎒 WHAT TO BRING:

• Water (1.5–2 litres)
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Weather-appropriate layers and waterproofs
• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Long sleeves/trousers (for nettles and overgrowth)
• Optional: sunblock, insect repellent, walking poles

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⚠️ SAFETY:

• Expect mud, uneven ground, and overgrowth — sturdy shoes essential
• Watch out for Giant Hogweed and stinging nettles
• Be alert when crossing roads or sharing paths with cyclists
• You are responsible for your own safety throughout the walk

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📝 NOTES:

• This is a friendly, community-organised hike — everyone’s welcome!
• Come solo or with friends — it’s a great way to meet like-minded people
• Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
• Facilities and food stops are limited, so come prepared
• Rain or shine — the walk goes ahead unless weather is dangerous.
• Please help us keep the trail beautiful — pack out your litter and be mindful of others. This walk is all about connection, nature, and positive vibes 🌿😊

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👥 WHO CAN JOIN?

Everyone aged 16+ is welcome. While we love seeing families enjoy nature, this 27 km route includes some long and moderate sections and may not be suitable for younger children. We support community and family values, and want everyone to feel comfortable and capable on the trail.

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📜 DISCLAIMER:

This is a non-commercial, volunteer-organised event. Hosts are not certified guides or first aiders. Participation is entirely at your own risk. By joining, you agree that hiking involves inherent risks and you take full responsibility for your safety and wellbeing.