National Walking Month: Croydon’s Spectacular Walking Spots

Croydon is not best-known for its outstanding natural beauty but in fact, there are over 120 parks and greens spaces to explore offering a refreshing escape into nature.

This National Walking Month, we’ve launched our Wellbeing Walks in partnership with the Ramblers Association, with weekly and bi-weekly meet ups offering a chance to walk with others, get active and boost our mental wellbeing.

Over the coming months, our regular Wellbeing Walks will cover a variety of scenic spots in Croydon – including panoramic views, tranquil woodlands and vibrant meadows.

Here are a few of our favourite walking locations to visit in Croydon this National Walking Month.

Addington Hills

With a viewpoint 460 feet above sea level, Addington Hills offers spectacular views across London. During autumn time, the landscape is filled with the purple haze of heather, and rare varieties like bell heather. Look out for bird species including spotted flycatcher, woodpeckers, coal tit and goldcrests. There are many different routes to be taken through the heathland and wooded areas – and surprisingly, even a Chinese restaurant so you can fuel up for a long walk!

Hutchinson’s Bank

Located in New Addington, Hutchinson’s Bank is a steep valley-side made up of secluded chalk grassland and woodland reserve. It sits alongside Chapel Bank and Threecorner Grove Nature Reserves. Here you can find blankets of bluebells and wildflowers and rare species of orchids. It’s also home to 100 species of moth and 28 species of butterfly! New Addington tram stop is just a short walk away and beware that some pathways are steep and have steps.

Farthing Downs

Farthing Downs is made up of chalk grassland, pockets of woodland, hedgerows and pastures. The chalk grassland make it one of the rarest but most species-rich habitats in Europe. The area is home to a variety of orchids and wildflowers and birdwatchers can spot species like skylark, meadow pipit, and kestrels. If you’re lucky, small groups of Roe deer can be seen at dawn or dusk! Join a regular Wellbeing Walk at Farthing Downs in partnership with the Ramblers Association.

Selsdon Wood

Selsdon Wood is an ancient woodland connecting Croydon to the Surrey countryside, and commonly known as the ‘bird sanctuary.’ It’s dominated by oak, beech, sweet chestnut, and ash. Flower-rich meadows host butterflies and insects. Spring brings masses of wood anemones, followed by bluebells, while summer sees the appearance of rare pyramidal orchids and white helleborines. Friends of Selsdon Wood have produced a guide including Green (2 miles) and Red (1 mile) Walking Routes which can be found here.

If you’ve been inspired to get your walking boots on, sign up here to receive information about our regular Wellbeing Walks and find out how to join our next scheduled walk at Farthing Downs.