Hike : Sun 27th Feb 2011 : London Loop from Croydon to Orpington Rail Station : 24 km

Croydon, Littleheath Woods, Bramley Bank, Addington HIlls, Addington Golf Course, Threehalfpenny Wood, Coney Hall, Hayes Common, Keston, Keston Common, High Elms, Farnborough, Darrick Wood, Crofton, Orpington Rail

Another training hike on a day forcast to be sunny. So spending the majority of the day inside a soaking wet cagoule was something of a surprise! Thanks Met Office! Anyway, it provided a change to try out the wet gear to make sure nothing leaked or was uncomfortable.

Nice hike through gentle terrain, mostly in woodland and mostly well sign posted. Muddy in places.

Here's a few photos

Here's a nice spot really close to where the walk began. You can find out more here : Coombe Wood and Gardens

The downs are surprisingly close to Croydon. Plenty of wide open spaces.

Here's the obligatory 'muddy shot'!

And oddly enough, someone had their own private observatory in the middle of nowhere!

And here's Happy Valley. Its surprising that no matter where you hike in Surry, it seems you are seldom away from the sounds of traffic in the distance. This is one exception. Its a very popular spot with weekend strollers so you do get the sounds of dogs yelping and children laughing, but it is really a lovely quiet spot away from it all. And its also really close to The Fox pub too and they do a great Sunday Lunch!