Lloyd Park to Coombe Lane Walk

This GPS/map-led walk explores parts of the Shirley Hills and is mainly through parks, heathland and quiet woodlands, where deer are sometimes seen. It climbs up and across Lloyd Park then explores the woodland and heathland of Addington Hill. Designated as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, this extensive area of heathland on a plateau of Blackheath pebbles has a viewpoint across to North London and a Chinese restaurant nestled at the top. (The route passes this restaurant early but you could use a map to skirt back here for a meal towards the end of the walk). After Addington Hill, the route leads you to Heathfield House gardens, Bramley Bank Nature Reserve (home to stag beetles, woodpeckers and herons amongst others). The walk then visits Littleheath Woods. and the ancient woodland of Croham Hurst and Breakneck Hill , a Site of Special Scientific Interest with a Bronze Age Barrow and a view to the south of the borough from the top. From there, the walk takes you to Coombe Wood, where there are ornamental gardens, woodland and a cafe, before a final stretch along Addington Hill to Coombe Lane.

Thanks to Jane, Sean and Robin for accompanying me on the initial walks checks and providing feedback.

The route crosses the A212 and tram line. There are TFL bus and trams services nearby.

You could shorten the route by omiting some of the loops (eg Croham Hurst, Heathfield, Coombe Wood).

Take a TFL bus or London Tram to Lloyd Park. Trams run directly to Lloyd Park from West or East Croydon (New Addington service) and from New Addington, Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and Wimbledon.

Tram services are run by Transport for London and within London Travelcard Zones 1-6 and fares are the same as TFL bus fares.

Lloyd Park Cafe in Lloyd Park. 020 8633 1633

The Royal Garden Chinese restaurant on the top of Addington Hill. Shirley Hills Road, Croydon CR0 5HQ 020 8654 0170.

The Coach House Cafe in Coombe Wood. 020 8686 8914

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Dec-23 Margaret