When: Sunday 18th March, 11am (although train from London Bridge gets in at 11.09 so we will hang around until then!)
Where: meet at Coulsdon South Station (map)
Please see bottom of post for more detailed information regarding transport etc.
Our March walk is a slightly more demanding walk in the countryside of about 9 miles. We will be going fairly steadily but we recommend that you are used to some walking if you wish to join us.
We will be walking through the Happy Valley Park (which, although it starts in the suburbs, passes through some remarkably unspoilt countryside), Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown and Coulsdon Common. These are mostly all ancient grazing lands, preserved as part of the Greenbelt and offering a delightful series of woods and open spaces. In the Spring it is famous for its wild flowers but we may not have much luck considering the current cold snap!
This is a circular walk so the start and end points are the same. You can buy a return ticket on the train or leave your car parked, knowing we will end up back at the same place!
Contact on the day: If you are running late (or in the case of bad weather, if you want to check the walk is still on) you can text or call Sam on 07711 132023.
Public Transport: the 10.34am train from London Bridge to Horsham (calling additionally at Norwood Junction, East Croydon, Purley) arrives at Coulsdon South Station at 11.09am. The station is also well served by buses.
By Car: There is some limited parking at the station but you may need to explore parking options nearby. Some people are going by car and have offered lifts – please let us know if you are interested.
What you need: There is a lunch stop only about 2 miles into the walk (the Fox pub) but we may decide, depending on weather, to eat a picnic lunch slightly later so we recommend that you bring some food just in case. Do bring bottles of water/flasks of hot drinks and snacks to keep you going through the afternoon. This walk requires stout footwear and if it has been wet you will certainly need walking shoes or boots. This is a walk in the countryside so please dress appropriately for the weather!
