🥾 London Loop Hike – Week 4: Banstead to Kingston Bridge

📍 Sections 7 & 8 | ~17.8 Km/ ~11.06 Miles | Moderate | Est. 5:30h
📅 Date: 23.08.2025
⏰ Meet-up: ~8:20am - 8:50am | Victoria Station in of the Burger King
🚆 Depart: ~9:00 Platform 10 | Direct train from London Victoria (Southern Rail)
🏁 Finish: Kingston Bridge → Trains from Kingston Station
📈 Ascent: ~220 m | 🌿 Terrain: Mixed woodland, meadows, parks, riverside
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🗺️ ROUTE OVERVIEW:
This week we cover two scenic sections of the London LOOP, blending rolling countryside with peaceful parkland and riverside trails.
We’ll begin at Banstead Station, continuing where we left off at the end of Section 6. Section 7 is short and sweet — a mix of green spaces and quaint residential paths. We’ll stroll across Banstead Downs, follow quiet suburban lanes, and enjoy tree-lined paths through Warren Farm and Nonsuch Park, a historic estate with wide open lawns and beautiful old trees. We’ll finish this section at Bourne Hall Park in Ewell, where we can pause before heading into Section 8.
Section 8 transitions us into wilder scenery as we trace the Hogsmill River, one of London’s hidden chalk streams. We’ll pass through Hogsmill Open Space, Long Meadow, and Elmbridge Meadows, walking mostly on soft riverside trails. Expect birdlife, wildflowers, and serene greenery before the trail opens out near the River Thames and finishes dramatically at Kingston Bridge.
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📍 How to Find Us
We’ll be waiting inside London Victoria Station, in front of Burger King, between 08:20–08:50 AM.
⏰ The train departs at 09:00 AM sharp, so please don’t be late.
Look for me with a large white Japanese Akita dog — you won’t miss us!
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🌟 HIGHLIGHTS:
• Elegant green space of Nonsuch Park
• Riverside walking along the Hogsmill River
• Quiet, little-known meadows and nature reserves
• Historical charm of Bourne Hall and Kingston
• Wildlife spotting & gentle, varied terrain
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🛤️ ESCAPE POINTS / EARLY DEPARTURES:
Need to leave early? There are several options:
• 🚉 Ewell East or Ewell West Station (~midway)
• 🚌 Bus links throughout Ewell & Old Malden
• 🚉 Berrylands Station before Kingston (~2.5 km from finish)
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🎒 WHAT TO BRING:
• 1.5L of water
• Packed lunch and snacks
• Comfortable walking shoes (some muddy/uneven paths)
• Light waterproof or poncho (weather dependent)
• Optional: sunblock, hat, insect repellent
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⚠️ PLEASE NOTE:
• This is a relaxed, community-organised walk — not a guided tour
• Everyone is responsible for their own safety
• Paths may be muddy, slippery, or overgrown
• Dogs welcome on a lead — please bring bags & water
• Take litter home, and respect all wildlife and park areas
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📲 LIVE UPDATES & CHAT:
Join our Telegram group for updates and coordination:
👉 https://t.me/+MddvWlQLaJYwYzM8
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🌿 Join us for this charming riverside and woodland adventure — a softer, greener side of London awaits!
— Traventor | Travel Mentors