🥾 London Loop Hike – Week 3: South Croydon to Banstead Downs

📍 End of Section 4 + Sections 5 & 6 | ~22.6 km/ ~13.6 miles| Moderate | Est. ~7:30 hrs
📅 Date: 16.08.2025
⏰ Meet-up: ~8:20AM - 8:50AM @ St Pancras International
🚌 ~10:10 Bus 64 From East Croydon to Ashen Vale Bus Stop (Stop Q)
🏁 Finish: Banstead Downs → Trains from Banstead or Sutton
📈 Ascent: ~540m | 🥾 Terrain: varied woodland, commons & open hills
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🗺️ ROUTE OVERVIEW:
This Week 3 hike continues our journey around London with the final leg of Section 4 and a full walk through Sections 5 and 6 of the LOOP trail. Expect peaceful woods, open meadows, valleys, and stunning panoramic views.
We’ll continue from Ashen Vale (Stop Q), a short ride from East Croydon. From there, we rejoin the LOOP as it winds through Littleheath Woods, Selsdon Wood, and Puplet Wood, before transitioning into the meadows of Moss Hill Shaw.
Section 5 takes us through the Sanderstead to Whyteleafe Countryside Area, along Hawkhurst Wood and Coulsdon Common. We’ll stop for a mid-walk break around Happy Valley, one of the greenest corners of South London.
In Section 6, the trail ascends into Devil’s Den Woods and the iconic Farthing Downs, offering some of the best countryside views on the LOOP. We then pass Coulsdon South, and wind through Mayfield Lavender Fields (bloom depending) before crossing the chalky open grasslands of Banstead Downs.
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📍 How to Find Us
We’ll be waiting inside St Pancras Station, at the corner by EL&N Café (near the floral pink wall) between 08:20–08:50 AM.
⏰ The train departs at 09:02 AM sharp, so please arrive on time.
Look out for me with a large white Japanese Akita dog — we’ll be easy to spot!
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🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:
• Ancient woods & nature reserves
• Quiet trails with very few crowds
• Incredible views from Farthing Downs
• Mayfield Lavender (bloom season)
• Wildflowers, deer sightings & rolling countryside
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🛤️ ESCAPE POINTS / EARLY DEPARTURES:
If you need to finish early, you’ll have several options:
• 🚉 Whyteleafe Station (~mid-Section 5)
• 🚉 Coulsdon South Station (end of Section 5/start of 6)
• 🚌 Buses available throughout Coulsdon and Banstead
Final return will be from Banstead Station (Zone 6) or nearby Sutton Station, both offering trains to central London.
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING:
• 1.5–2L of water
• Packed lunch and high-energy snacks
• Waterproofs or poncho if rain is expected
• Long trousers and sturdy shoes (nettles, roots, uneven ground)
• Optional: sunblock, insect repellent, walking poles
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⚠️ PLEASE NOTE:
This is a free, community-led adventure. Everyone is responsible for their own safety. There may be mud, overgrowth, road crossings, and steep descents — please wear proper footwear and be trail-aware. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. Please carry out all litter and help us keep the trail clean.
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📲 LIVE UPDATES & CHAT:
Join our Telegram group for updates and questions:
👉 https://t.me/+MddvWlQLaJYwYzM8
🌿 A perfect blend of challenge and beauty — come enjoy nature, great company, and another piece of the LOOP puzzle.
— Traventor | Travel Mentors