Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South walk

Happy Valley and Farthing Down, close to London (Zone 6)

History

This is a list of previous times this walk has been done by the club (since Jan 2010). For more recent events (since April 2015), full details are shown.

Date Option Post # Weather
Sat, 21-Sep-24 Riddlesdown to Kingswood or Coulsdon South: Downlands on London's southern edge 17 warm mostly sunny
Sat, 22-Jul-23 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South or Kingswood 10 Persistent rain all afternoon
Mon, 10-Apr-23 Monday Walk - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South 5 wet start sunny finish
Sat, 30-Jul-22 Saturday Walk Riddlesdown to Coulsdon - Coulsdon Common, Chaldon Church and Doom mural, Happy Valley and Farthing Down 7
Sat, 18-Dec-21 Saturday Walk - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South 18 gloomy and mist
Wed, 14-Jul-21 Wednesday Walk: Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South 13 sunny cloudy sunny cloudy
Sun, 20-Dec-20 Cancelled Sunday Walk - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Wed, 27-Nov-19 Wednesday Walk Riddlesdown to Kingswood 7 sunny
Sun, 22-Sep-19 Sunday Walk: Newest, oldest, biggest - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Tue, 22-Jan-19 Evening walk - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon 2 moderately falling snow
Sun, 16-Dec-18 Sunday Walk: Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South 10 dry with a little light rain over lunch
Sat, 02-Jun-18 Riddlesdown to Kingswood 4 warm and sunny
Mon, 01-Jan-18 New Year's Day Walk, South: Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South 21 wet morning but dry with some sun later
Mon, 11-Dec-17 Evening walk - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon 2 cold and frosty
Sun, 19-Nov-17 Sunday Walk Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Sat, 25-Feb-17 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Wed, 11-May-16 Mid-week Day Walk Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South 4 wet
Sat, 06-Feb-16 Saturday First Walk - Downland on London's southern margins 12 overcast windy dry
Sun, 20-Dec-15 Sunday walk 1 - Only just south: London's southern commons 4
Wed, 11-Mar-15 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon
Sun, 18-Jan-15 b Coulsdon Circular 4
Sun, 26-Oct-14 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon 7
Sun, 17-Aug-14 b Coulsdon Circular 0
Sat, 04-Jan-14 c Riddlesdown to Kingswood 7
Sun, 24-Nov-13 a Riddlesdown to Coulsdon, with short cut 6
Sun, 03-Mar-13 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon 13
Sat, 05-Jan-13 a Riddlesdown to Coulsdon, with short cut 20
Wed, 02-Jan-13 e Caterham to Kingswood
Sun, 25-Nov-12 a Riddlesdown to Coulsdon, with short cut
Sun, 27-May-12 b Coulsdon Circular
Sun, 18-Mar-12 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon
Sun, 23-Oct-11 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon
Wed, 01-Dec-10 d Coulsdon to Kingswood
Sat, 20-Nov-10 c Riddlesdown to Kingswood
Sun, 10-Oct-10 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon
Sat, 02-Jan-10 c Riddlesdown to Kingswood
Sat, 07-Nov-09 b Coulsdon Circular
Sat, 31-Jan-09 c Riddlesdown to Kingswood
Wed, 17-Dec-08 c Riddlesdown to Kingswood
Wed, 16-Jan-08 c Riddlesdown to Kingswood
Sat, 15-Dec-07 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Sun, 28-Oct-07 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Wed, 15-Aug-07 b Coulsdon Circular
Sat, 14-Apr-07 b Coulsdon Circular
Sun, 14-Jan-07 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Wed, 03-Jan-07 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Wed, 15-Nov-06 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Sat, 11-Nov-06 Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
Riddlesdown to Kingswood or to Coulsdon. (You don't need to decide which ending to do until lunchtime).

To Kingswood 15.0km (9.3 miles). You should finish about 16:50. For a slightly longer option see * in the text below.

To Coulsdon 16.8km (10.4 miles). You should finish about 17:00

10:50 East Grinstead train from London Victoria (Clapham Junction 10:57, East Croydon 11:10, etc), arriving Riddlesdown at 11:18. All stations are in TFL Zone 6 so use Oyster or contactless.

Return trains run until late from:

  • Kingswood to London Bridge at xx:22 and xx:52 (Calls Coulsdon Town, East Croydon, Norwood Junction etc...)
  • Coulsdon South to Victoria at xx:19, xx:49 and to London Bridge at xx:09, xx:39 etc...
  • Coulsdon Town to London Bridge at xx:05, xx:35 etc...
  • TFL buses run to/from The Fox at Coulsdon if you want to shortern the walk

    Happy ValleyFor many, this walk close to London will need no introduction, but those who don't know it will be delighted to discover such unspoilt and lovely countryside right on London's southern doorsteps - downland for the most part, some woods, and just a couple of tiny bits of suburbia.

    Pub lunch options:

  • The Wattenden Arms (0208 6604926) Old Lodge Lane, CR8 5EU. Under new management. Early lunch or quick drink.
  • The Fox on Coulsdon Common (01883 340737). You probably need to book.
  • The Boundary On The Green (01883-818087). Slightly off route about 15 minutes walk from The Fox
  • Refreshments at the end of the walk:

  • In Kingswood, The Kingswood Arms has plenty of indoor space and a large rear garden
  • In Coulsdon, Poppy Cafe inside Coulsdon Memorial Ground offers a sunny outside terrace with a green view, home-made cakes, tea, coffee etc... The Memorial Ground is right opposite you as you reach the bottom of Farthing Down at the end of the walk. There are other cafes in the town too.
  • Walk directions: Please bring the directions from the L=2.15 page.

    If you decide to go to Kingswood and you are following written directions, then follow these directions for the morning route as far as The Fox pub and then these directions from the Fox pub to Kingswood. *Looking at the map, a slighty longer route to Kingswood is possible by continuing on the main Riddlesdown to Coulsdon route after lunch and switching to the Kingswood ending just after Rook Lane (I'd estimate this adds about 30 mins walking to the route).

    • Mon, 16-Sep-24

      What about Kelvedon Circular?

    • Tue, 17-Sep-24

      Hello Marc. Thanks for the suggestion. I had an earlier request from someone else to post a walk to the south of London for this weekend.

      Kelvedon does look like a nice walk and I've added it to the "Walk Requests" section of the Forum so that all the walk posters can consider it in future.

    • Sun, 22-Sep-24

      17 at the station. The group set off at varying speeds on a warm mostly sunny day. More joined en route and, by the time Coulsdon Common was reached, numbered about 21 (certainly more than could be counted accurately on fingers and toes - even with socks off). Backmarkers were surprised to find most of the group sat in a circle in the woods there like a giant teddy bears and elves picnic. (Except for 4 speed-monkeys who hurtled straight to the Fox, where they said the food was good). And that’s where most of the rest went later, just for drinkies. Friendly atmosphere.

      Then on. Mr Tiger has no data on the Kingswood / Coulsdon split, but thinks most headed for Coulsdon, as did he.

      A sizeable number were heading for a post-walk garden party. Although tempted, Mr Tiger, had had enough excitement for one day and went home.

      Most agreed it was a nice walk.

    • Sun, 22-Sep-24

      The garden party was fab with masses of food and drinks. Thanks to all concerned with the organisation.

    • Sun, 22-Sep-24

      In case anyone is interested in the Beaver project in Greenford that I attended here is a link

      Learning to live with Beavers

      https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAl_XdqgiDTnvT1mpMxHWqEhK2UTk7HjnXneNKZWN0XS5ZPA/viewform?usp=send_form

    • Thu, 26-Sep-24

      Maybe worth adding that there was 1 new walker on today's walk.

    Walker
    Walker
    Length: 16.8km (10.4 miles), with shorter option of 12.5km (7.8 miles): 15km (9.3 miles to Kingswood T=2.15
    9.50 train from Victoria (9.57 Clapham Junction, 10.10 East Croydon) to Riddlesdown, arriving 10.18.
    This walk is within zone 6, so use Oyster, contactless, passes etc
    For walk directions click here (for the Kingswood ending click here), for GPX click here, for a map of the route click here.
    Looking for something to cater for the Clapham Junction/East Croydon crowd on this RMT strike day, I was surprised to find that Southern/Thameslink are operating a remarkably comprehensive service, with trains apparently operating late into the evening on many routes. (Future RMT strike day posters might like to note this...). I was therefore tempted to post something further afield....but the weather looks disappointing and so walkers might prefer something closer to civilisation.
    Often posted as a short walk in the winter months, this walk actually deserves a summer outing. It crosses plenty of patches of downland which should be awash with flowers at this time of year, even if the butterflies that would normally accompany them at this time of year might be put off by the rain.
    Lunch is at the large, but always busy Fox after 3.9 miles. After lunch the main walk loops up to the North Downs Way, but you can short cut that by going directly to Happy Valley, cutting the walk to 7.3 miles. If you combine this short cut with the alternative ending in Kingswood, the walk is 9.3 miles.
    Tea is limited to a park cafe (which might not be open if it is wet) in Coulsdon South. In Kingswood there is the Kingswood Arms by the station
    Trains back from Coulsdon South are at 27 and 57 past to London Bridge or 49 past to Victoria **, with more options if you change at East Croydon.
    Trains back from Kingswood are at 18 past **, a shuttle to Purley today, where there is an 11 minute wait for a London-bound train.
    *** All these trains run until well into the evening, according to the National Rail journey planner, which has supposedly been updated with the strike timetable, but check on the day just to be sure.
    • Mon, 24-Jul-23

      10 turned up for this walk on an overcast day with late rain forecast. After a brief shower we arrived at The Fox just as it was opening at midday. A few ordered lunch, most had brought their own. Just prior to leaving the pub rain had set in much earlier than forecast, changing the plans of many. One took a fairly direct route to Coulsdon, seven the short-cut via Chaldon church and two others the full walk to Coulsdon. The large group arrived in Coulsdon about 14:30 where three went to the station and I guess the other four went for tea. Persistent rain all afternoon

    PeteG

    T=2.15

    Length: 16.8km (10.4 miles) shortcuts available. 4 out of 10.

    A short journey, a big pub (Vintage Inn chain) & a common for picnics.

    "Considering that it starts in the suburbs of London (and within the boundaries of London Transport Travelcard zone six), this walk passes through some remarkably unspoilt countryside. Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown and Cousldon Commons are all ancient grazing lands, lovingly preserved as part of the London Greenbelt, and offering a delightful series of woods and open spaces. This is also a fine walk for a brisk winter's day, and offers numerous idyllic spots for a picnic."

    Trains: Get the 1023 East Grinstead train from London Bridge ( East Croydon 1040), arriving Riddlesdown 1048 . Return trains from Coulsdon South are xx09 & xx39 to London Bridge, calling at East Croydon. All in Zone 6. There are no direct trains from Coulsdon Town today.

    Lunch: The Fox pub (tel 01883 330401) on Coulsdon Common serves food all day from noon and has a large seating capacity both inside and in the garden. Can be booked online. It is 6.2km (3.9 miles) from Riddlesdown.

    Tea: Poppy's Cafe is a family run Cafe located in Coulsdon Memorial Ground Park, which you pass on the way to Coulsdon South Station. It's on your right hand side at the bottom of Farthing Down.

    • Tue, 11-Apr-23

      Just 3 hardnuts at Drizzledown station for what looked like a wet walk to Poursdown South. And so it was for the morning. But not excessively so. “At least it won’t be windy” said one optimist. It was windy. On reaching the Fox we were joined by 2 more hardnuts who had started from Poursdown.. This made us 5 Then the sun came out and, apart from a short but brutal shower mid afternoon, it stayed out. So wet start sunny finish The afternoon took a longer route than the short walk but not as long as the long walk. This for reasons of clag-avoidance and not in any way related to the L-word. Honest. A pleasant walk over Farthing Down followed. Then, just when we thought our day couldn’t get any better, we were whisked away in a waiting limo to an exclusive posh caff in Coulsdon where we were plied with tea, luxurious cake and even wine. A grand day out.

    The original walk planned for today - SWC 312 (r) Horsham to Balcombe - is postponed until Saturday 24 September, due to strike action today on some rail lines.
    As of mid-morning Friday 29 July, the strike action by ASLEF train drivers for Saturday 30 July remains on, affecting 8 rail companies. Southern Rail is not one of the eight, so there is an expectation Southern services will run as normal, with the possibility of some cancellations due to a knock-on effect from striking companies.
    So - as things currently stand - the Riddlesdown to Coulsdon walk goes ahead.
    Book 2 Walk 15 - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon

    Length: 16.8 km (10.4 miles) Option to take shortcut, reducing walk by 2.7 miles
    Toughness: 4 out of 10
    London Victoria: 10-20 hrs Southern service to East Grinstead CJ 10-27 hrs, EC 10-40 hrs
    Arrive Riddlesdown: 10-48 hrs
    Return
    Coulsdon South to Victoria: direct Southern trains at 20 & 50 mins past the hour
    Coulsdon South on Thameslink service (change at East Croydon): 09 & 39 mins past the hour
    Rail ticket: Riddlesdown and Coulsdon South railway stations are both within TfL Zone 6, so a one-day travel card is an option.
    For walk info please refer to the Walk Directions.
    Lunch: the Fox pub, Coulsdon Common, some 3.9 miles into the walk
    A visit to Chaldon Church is recommended after lunch to view its Doom mural.
    T=2.15
    Walk Directions are here: L=2.15
    • Sat, 30-Jul-22

      Victoria to East Grinstead via East Croydon and Riddlesdown appears to running normally 2 trains per hour. Reigate to Victoria via Coulsdon South also OK. A shuttle service from Tattenham Corner via Coulsdon Town is also running to Purley with onward connections to East Croydon and Victoria.

    • Sat, 30-Jul-22

      If needed, the number 60 bus will also take you from Coulsdon all the way to Streatham, via Purley and Croydon

    • Sat, 30-Jul-22

      7 walkers, including 2 who opted for a shorter version. It was a very nice, relaxing and enjoyable day and we stopped several times along the route to enjoy the views. At the end of the walk, 3 of us relaxed on the outdoor terrace of Poppy's cafe overlooking the memorial park. One to remember as it's a greats setting for tea, serves home made cakes and stays open late.

    PeteG

    Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South T=2.15

    Length: 16.8km (10.4 miles) shortcuts available. 4 out of 10.

    A short journey, a big pub (Vintage Inn chain) & a common for picnics.

    "Considering that it starts in the suburbs of London (and within the boundaries of London Transport Travelcard zone six), this walk passes through some remarkably unspoilt countryside. Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown and Cousldon Commons are all ancient grazing lands, lovingly preserved as part of the London Greenbelt, and offering a delightful series of woods and open spaces. This is also a fine walk for a brisk winter's day, and offers numerous idyllic spots for a picnic."

    Trains: Get the 1020 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham 1026, east Croydon 1039), arriving Riddlesdown 1048. Return trains are xx10 & xx37 to London Bridge, calling at East Croydon. All in Zone 6.

    Lunch: The Fox pub (tel 01883 330401) on Coulsdon Common serves food all day from noon and has a large seating capacity both inside and in the garden. Can be booked online. It is 6.2km (3.9 miles) from Riddlesdown.

    Tea: Seems to be a bit limited, but a short walk takes you to Coulsdon town centre & the additional choice of (slower) trains from Coulsdon Town station.


    • Fri, 17-Dec-21

      Poppy's Cafe is a family run Cafe located in Coulsdon Memorial Ground Park, which you pass on the way to Coulsdon South Station. It's on your right hand side at the bottom of Farthing Down.

    • Sun, 19-Dec-21

      A rather gloomy and mist day for this walk 14 off the train, 3 at the station and 1 catching up at lunch made for 18 on this enjoyable walk. The Fox wasn't at all busy for the inside diners, and huddle outside with a drink picnickers. The group diverged a bit after lunch with some taking the shortcut and others longer over their meal. Paths a bit muddy with a large field of very claggy mud, buy not too bad overall. The ending was quite atmospheric with the mist hiding the surroundings of the ridge.

    Mr M Tiger
    Mr M Tiger

    Book 2, walk 15

    11.3 miles (18.1km) or, with shortcut, 8.6 miles 13.8km.

    Difficulty 4/10

    The South London Downs, England’s newest National Nature Reserve, features some of the finest preserved commons in London's green belt, including Happy Valley and Farthing Down. That’s where we're going today. Farthing Down in particular is noted for its wildlife, historic sites, and views. There’s woodland as well.

    In the afternoon we pass Chaldon Church, home to one of England's oldest and biggest wall paintings. Find out what happens to people who don’t behave - and make sure you’re not one of them. Always follow those government guidelines.

    Trains: Get the 10:50 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 10:56 E Croydon 11:09) arriving Riddlesdown 11:18.

    Trains back: xx:20 & xx:50 from Coulsdon South to Victoria. xx:39 and xx:09 to London Bridge.

    Riddlesdown and Coulsdon stations are within Tfl travelcard zone 6. A Zones 1-6 travel card may be best.

    Lunch

    The appointed lunch stop is The Fox, Coulsdon Common 01883 330 401. There's a possible earlier stop in Wattenden - the Wattenden Arms, open from 12.

    Refreshment stops are a bit unreliable at present so it’s a good idea to bring snackies and water in case they’re needed.

    Tea: The Poppy Café in the Memorial Gardens (across Marlpit Lane from Reddown Rd) is open to 6. There is a CaffeNero, 5 mins north of the station at 132 Brighton Road, open until 5pm 020 8660 7111.

    The walk's introduction also gives directions to a pub, the Pembroke 0208763 0800.

    Walk Directions: here.

    It is possible to take the shortcut (option a) soon after the pub. You could also finish at the pub by taking a 466 bus to East Croydon Station.

    Covid-19 Compliance: Please adhere to the current guidance on this website. Please sign up for this walk in advance if you can, using the London Walkers User Group site. (This saves time collecting contact details). Otherwise bring a piece of paper with your contact details e.g email on it (in your neatest handwriting!) This will be put in an envelope and accessed if needed for contact tracing. To report a Covid case after this walk, contact covid@lwug.co.uk /

    T=2.15

    • Anonymous
      Mon, 12-Jul-21

      You’ll also pass a family of pot bellied pigs, unless they’re out visiting schools. They’re always greedy for food, so bring supplies.

    • Ian
      Tue, 13-Jul-21

      Tomorrow’s walk. Will those walkers travelling from Victoria get the 09:50 East Grinstead train to Ribblesdown (arrives 10:18)? It appears the next train would be 10:50.

    • Ian
      Tue, 13-Jul-21

      Sorry, I missed the information concerning train times , taking the 10:50…

    • Anonymous
      Wed, 14-Jul-21

      To avoid splitting the group from the start, perhaps we can all get the 10.50 from Victoria.

    • Wed, 14-Jul-21

      The train time proposed is the 10:50 not the 9:50.

      The reason for taking this train is that it allows time for pass holders (who cannot travel before 9) get to Victoria. Thereby being more inclusive.

      If any of you do get the earlier train be sure to collect contact details for reporting purposes. I won’t be there at that time.

    • Wed, 14-Jul-21

      13 12 at the station, 1 joining midday. The day was variously sunny cloudy sunny cloudy Not as muddy as it could have been, given the recent rain. Among the botanical delights on show, greater yellow rattle, orchids, wild carrot with its forky bracts, ladie’s and another bedstraw, a little pink pea thing and knapweed. One or two butterflies fluttered by - marbled white, speckled wood, red admiral. And a dragon fly. About half ate at the Fox and the food seemed to go down well, even if they were no good at sums. I think one or two might have taken the shortcut but a sizeable proportion went the whole way round The old painting’s still in the church. Happy Valley’s still happy. Farthing’s still down.

    Wanderer
    sorry, cancelled as tier4, andrew

    L=2.15

    Standard Walk: 16.8km (10.4 miles)

    S hortening the walk : By using the short cut to Chaldon Church at the point indicated in the text 1.7km after the Fox pub (at point [4]), you can cut 4.3km (2.6 miles) off both the main walk and the circular option below.

    Alternative circular walk from Coulsdon South: By starting at Coulsdon South, you can make the walk slightly shorter to 14.2km (8.8 miles).

    Considering that it starts in the suburbs of London (and within the boundaries of London Transport Travelcard zone six), this walk passes through some remarkably unspoilt countryside. Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown and Cousldon Commons are all ancient grazing lands, lovingly preserved as part of the London Greenbelt, and offering a delightful series of woods and open spaces. It is a fine walk for a brisk winter's day.

    Trains: There are options to travel overground from St Pancras, London Bridge and Victoria.

    From Victoria, take the 9:51 East Grinstead train (CJ 9:58, E.Croydon 10:09) arriving Riddlesdown 10:17.

    From St Pancras, take the 9:26 train (London Bridge 9:41) to East Croydon where you change to connect to the 10.09 to Riddlesdown.

    If doing the Coulsdon circular, take the 10:11 St Pancras train (10:26 London Bridge) get to Coulsdon South at 10:50. The 10:15 from Victoria (change E Croydon for 10:41 Three Bridges Train) also gets there at 10:50.

    Return trains from Coulsdon South xx:09, xx:39 to St Pancras, xx:20 to Victoria

    Both stations are in zone 6 so a travelcard may be the best option

    On arrival, set off in small groups (no more than six), allowing gaps between each departure. You will be asked to provide your email address for contact tracing purposes. Exchange contact details with those in your group. In the event that you develop COVID symptoms in the week following the walk, please email/text the people you walked with and email swc.wanderer@gmail.com Your contact details will not be shared with anyone.

    Lunch: The Fox pub is closed so best to bring a packed lunch and any other refreshments you might need.

    L=2.15

    • Anonymous
      Sun, 20-Dec-20

      If you live in London is a 'local walk' anywhere in Greater London? Thanks.

    • Sun, 20-Dec-20

      That's a good question. There's lots of guidance about travelling to or from "your area" but I can't find anything on gov.uk or elsewhere defining what "your area" means. Is it your London borough? the whole of London? any neighbouring area in Tier 4? I can't believe it's meant to be deliberately ambiguous so has anyone found a clear definition?

    • Sun, 20-Dec-20

      You may leave you house to walk locally, "meaning avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live".

    • Anonymous
      Sun, 20-Dec-20

      Source for that last clarification, please. Thank you.

    • Mon, 21-Dec-20

      the tier 4 rules on gov.uk

    • Mon, 21-Dec-20

      I think this clarification of "local area" has been added very recently; it's also in the sections for Tiers 1/2/3. I sent off some emails about this at the end of last week and I'm sure I wasn't the only person asking for clarity. Even on Sunday night a Sky News reporter was misleadingly telling people in Tier 4 that they shouldn't travel outside their "region" (the whole of Tier 4 in the south-east) rather than their local "area".

    • Mon, 21-Dec-20

      The legislation has now been published: The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers and Obligations of Undertakings) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020

      There is only one Tier 4 area (defined by reference to the various county, district and London Borough councils.)

      The legislation begins with the basic premise contained in the original lockdown legislation of March 2020, i.e. "No person who lives in the Tier 4 area may leave or be outside of the place where they are living without reasonable excuse."

      There are 16 possible exceptions to this rule (the list is not exhaustive) one of which is that " it is reasonably necessary for P (the person concerned) to leave or be outside P’s home—" ........

      "to take exercise outside—

      (i)alone,

      ......... (irrelevant parts omitted)

      (iii)in a public outdoor place, with one other person who is not a member of their household, their linked household or their linked childcare household

      The word "travel" does not appear anywhere in the legislation, and there is no mention of "avoiding travelling outside of your village, town or the part of a city where you live."

      The Gov.uk website currently states "You must stay at home and not leave your Tier 4 area, other than for legally permitted reasons" but this seems to refer to the 16 exceptions noted above. So leaving the Tier 4 area is permissible in those cases. (There is no YOUR Tier 4 area - it's all one area)

      However, as another poster said recently "Our emphasis should be about minimising risk of spreading, not what we can get away with."

    • Mon, 21-Dec-20

      "Our emphasis should be about minimising risk of spreading, not what we can get away with."

      I completely agree with this.

      Prof. Chris Whitty made the same point this week.

      I think there are concerns that the new variant is both more infectious and has taken steps towards vaccine escape so it's very important to minimise spread.

    PeteG
    PeteG

    Riddlesdown to Kingswood T=2.15

    Length: 9.3 miles (15km) (walk time 4.5 hrs). Shortcuts possible after lunch.

    Considering that it starts in the suburbs of London (and within the boundaries of London Transport Travelcard zone six), this walk passes through some remarkably unspoilt countryside. The start, is the standard walk as far as the Fox lunch Pub. You then need the directions for the alternative ending to get to Kingsdown (" highly recommended - Walker") .

    After the Fox, you could also take a shortcut to end in Coulsdon South.

    Trains: Get the 1020 East Grinstead train from Victoria Clapham 1027, East Croydon 1040, arriving 1048. Return trains are xx16 & xx46. These are zone 6 stations so use Oyster.

    Lunch: The large Fox pub ( 6.2km, 3.9 miles) , which generally has good service.
    • Anonymous
      Fri, 22-Nov-19

      how many kilometres would that be? has brexit already happened?

    • Wed, 27-Nov-19

      7 with an initial sunny start followed by rain mid morning. 6 got to the Fox, with 1 trailing behind. With a bus imminent and the rain, 4 abandoned the walk. 2 stalwarts carried on, with one planning a route to Coulsdon.

    • Wed, 27-Nov-19

      Sunny on the train out, sunny on the train back, rainy in between. There was more rain in the afternoon. Lots of it. A splishy sploshy walk, swampy wampy, even, in places. Two hardnuts carried on to Coulsdon, the fore-mentioned stalwart and the trailing one. The trailing one dropped into the Fox for a quick half but didn't see the others. No wonder, they were on a bus! So the trailing one pressed on and the stalwart eventually caught up with him.(Now how did that happen? An extra shortcut maybe?)

    • Anonymous
      Wed, 27-Nov-19

      ... and 1 went on to Kingswood. Well done that man!

    • Wed, 27-Nov-19

      Well done indeed.

      When could they say till now that talked of Rome

      That its wide walls encompassed but one man?

      (Shakespeare: Julius Caesar)

    Book 2, walk 15
    10.4 miles, 16.8km or, with shortcut, 7.8 miles 12.5km.
    Difficulty 4/10
    Take a trip through England's newest National Nature Reserve, a designation that will help preserve some of the green belt's finest commons, including Happy Valley and Farthing Down,
    Marvel at one of England's oldest and biggest surviving wall paintings in Chaldon Church.
    Trains: Get the 09:51 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 09:58 E Croydon 10:09) arriving Riddlesdown 10:17.
    Trains back: xx:20 & xx:57 from Coulsdon South to Victoria.
    Both stations are within travelcard zone 6. A travel card out to zone 6 may be best.
    Lunch The Fox, Coulsdon Common 01883 330 401. Busy, efficient and, according to their website, "oozing rustic charm and rural character". There's a possible earlier stop in Wattenden - the Wattenden Arms, open from 12.
    Tea: Chaldon Church serves tea and cakes between 3 and 4.30 summer Sundays. Nearer the station, the Poppy Café in the Memorial Gardens (across the road from Reddown Rd) is open to 3.30. There is a Caffe Nero, 5 mins north of the station at 132 Brighton Road, open until 5pm on Sundays. The walk notes also give directions to a pub, the Pembroke. (If visiting the Pembroke, note that Coulsdon's other station, Coulsdon Town, has no trains today).
    Walk Directions: here. It is possible to take a shortcut in the afternoon (option a).
    T=2.15
    • Anonymous
      Sat, 21-Sep-19

      Hi, is anyone coming to this walk?

    • Anonymous
      Sat, 21-Sep-19

      I did a variation of this walk independently by myself today and can report that the church in Chandon is still advertising tea and cake on Sunday afternoons between 3 and 4.30

    DAC
    CW2 15* - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon
    Length: 9.9km (6.2 miles)

    Catch the 18:21 train from London Victoria, arrives Riddlesdown 18:48. Will stop for a drink / meal at the Fox PH, Coulsdon, to then walk onto Coulsdon South station (taking the reverse 3.7km route for the Coulsdon South start). Alternatively you can catch the 466 bus to East Croydon station.

    *Standard Riddlesdown to Fox route, followed by the reverse of the Coulsdon South to Fox PH morning route. T=2.15
    • Mon, 21-Jan-19

      Intend going

    • Wed, 23-Jan-19

      2 usual suspects met on the platform at Riddlesdown in moderately falling snow for an atmospheric jaunt around the greenbelt near Coulsdon. Though chilly, a brisk pace kept us warm through the undulating terrain with some settled dustings of snow along the way. Arriving at the Fox for dinner, we were met by two other regular walkers who joined us for a drink while we dined. The final stretch through a lightly snow covered Happy Valley was a real highlight....Through-out the walk, plenty of ambient light to guide us on our way....

    Mr M Tiger
    Mr M Tiger
    Book 2, walk 15
    16.8 km. 10.4 miles or, with shortcut, 7.8 miles 12.5km.
    Difficulty 4/10
    This walk, all within travelcard zone 6, goes through some of the finest preserved commons in the green belt, including Happy Valley and Farthing Down. You also get to marvel at one of England's oldest - and biggest - wall paintings in Chaldon Church .
    Travel:
    Get the 10:22 East Grinstead train from London Bridge (E Croydon 10:39) arr. Riddlesdown 10:47. (No service from Victoria today). Get a Zones 1-6 travelcard.
    Returning from Coulsdon South at xx:04 involves 10 minutes on a replacement bus to Purley where you pick up the xx:28 train to London Bridge. Total journey time 51min.
    Returning at xx:34 (also via bus to Purley) involves a further change at East Croydon. Total journey time 55 min.
    Lunch
    The Fox, Coulsdon Common 01883 330 401- Busy, efficient and "oozing rustic charm and rural character" according to their website. There's a possible earlier stop at Wattenden - the Wattenden Arms, open from 12.
    Tea:
    There is a Caffe Nero, 5 mins north of the station at 132 Brighton Road, open until 5pm.
    The Poppy Cafe in the Memorial Gardens (across the road from Reddown Rd) is open till 4.
    There's also a drinks machine in the station's cab office.
    Additionally, the walk's intro page gives directions to a pub, the Pembroke, 12-16 Chipstead Valley Road, CR5 2RA.
    (The Pembroke and Caffe Nero are not that far from Coulsdon Town station where trains run to Purley at xx:11 or East Croydon at xx:41 - directions not in text, continue north along Brighton Rd and turn right into Leaden Hill).
    Walk Directions: here.
    Bearing in mind it gets dark early, consider the shortcut (option a), soon after the Fox.
    T=2.15
    • Anonymous
      Thu, 13-Dec-18

      Anyone is interested in doing this walk an hour earlier to get it finished before the dark?

    • Margarita
      Fri, 14-Dec-18

      Hello,

      I’d love to join.

      Where is the meeting point to meet the group and what time?:)

      Thank you

    • Sat, 15-Dec-18

      Margarita - Check out the link "guide for new members that explains all" near the top of the page. Normally you meet on the destination station platform (in this case Riddlesdown at 10:47), or look out for the group at the ticket barrier if you're not arriving by train.

    • paul
      Mon, 17-Dec-18

      Did anyone do this walk? I set off but got distracted....took the Tattenham Corner service, got off at Reedham and set off for Riddlesdown...took a wrong turn and arrived at Kenley. On a positive note, I don't know that area so it was a learning experience...I hope!!-

    • Mon, 17-Dec-18

      My extensive network of spies tell me there were about 6 on this walk that was largely dry with a little light rain over lunch . That's not counting Paul.

    • Anonymous
      Tue, 18-Dec-18

      They were about 10 or 11 and one well-behaved dog. loosely separated into two groups. most enjoyed lunch at the popular Fox. the advance party charged on through stretches of mud to reach Coulsdon station. lovely walk but two GPS holders registered about 12 miles for the full walk instead of 10.4 ?..

    • Tue, 18-Dec-18

      10

    • Tue, 18-Dec-18

      My extensive network of spies have been booked back into Espionage School. They can only have been snooping on part of the group. :(

    • Tue, 18-Dec-18

      Either that, or the Russians are feeding disinformation about walk numbers to us in order to destabilise Western democracy...

    Sat, 02-Jun-18 : Riddlesdown to Kingswood 4
    DAC
    DAC
    CW2 15c - Riddlesdown to Kingswood*
    Length: 15km (9.3 miles)
    Toughness 4/10.
    Catch the 10:21 train from London Victoria, arrives Riddlesdown 10:48

    *Requires download 15c Alternative walk directions for a Riddlesdown to Kingswood walk. Travel: All within Zone 6. T=2.15
    • Anonymous
      Sat, 02-Jun-18

      4 walkers, although we did see another couple with the SWC directions so we are not sure if they did the same walk. The weather was warm and sunny all day. Summer is a good time of year to do this walk with it's mix of shady woodland and open fields and valleys. There were masses of buttercups and other wild flowers in the meadows and crops in the fields. We saw wild orchids, water lillies in full bloom and butterflies. The Fox on Coulsdon Common was not busy and easily accommodated us. In the afternoon, we rested briefly on a sunny hillside overlooking a sweeping valley by Noke Farm, surrounded by sheep and lambs. Later, strolling through the golf course we made way for a Bride and Groom riding across the golf course in a golf buggy, presumably to their reception in the club house and we congratulated them as they went by. The Kingswood Arms at the end of the walk usually makes a nice tea stop, but today it was heaving with people (we think from the Derby races) and had a sign outside saying they were serving "regular customers only". As we didn't think we could get away with looking like we were dressed for the races we headed straight to the station. We had at least passed a small shop selling drinks and ice creams earlier in the afternoon, where those who needed to, had refuelled. A nice walk, despite having to cross the M23.

    • Anonymous
      Sun, 03-Jun-18

      Just to add, this area was all dry underfoot yesterday.

    • Sun, 03-Jun-18

      Just to add, this area was all dry underfoot yesterday.

      Certainly was.

      I made it a morning walk, (caught an earlier train finishing at Kingswood at about 10:30).

    A late(ish) start, and a very short journey from Central London, for your opening walk of 2018.
    For a walk close to London and a pub open and serving lunch on NYD, the minor inconvenience of a 10 minute bus ride at the start of your journey home is hopefully acceptable to our New Year's Day Walkers, South. However, for those averse to replacement buses, you have the option of walking the short distance at walk-end to Coulsdon Town railway station for a twice an hour train service back to London (see below).

    Book 2, Walk 15 - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South (with afternoon short cut)

    Length: 12.5 km (7.8 miles)
    Toughness: 4 out of 10

    London Victoria: 10-23 hrs (East Grinstead service) Clapham Junction: 10-29; East Croydon: 10-40 hrs
    Arrive Riddlesdown: 10-47 hrs

    Return: Coulsdon South: a 10 minute bus ride to Purley for a fast train service back to Victoria, via East Croydon and Clapham Junction, with buses leaving Coulsdon South every half hour at xx-28 and xx-58.

    Alternatively, a short walk up Coulsdon High Street would bring you to Coulsdon Town station, with direct services to London Bridge via East Croydon at xx-03 and xx-33. Change at East Croydon for Victoria.

    Rail ticket: all these stations are within TfL Zone 6.

    For a walk on the outskirts of the London Borough Croydon, today's outing is surprisingly pleasant and almost rural as it passes through unspoilt countryside and ancient grazing lands and commons, with some lovely views both in the morning and in the afternoon.

    Being New Year's Day I suggest you toast in the New Year with bubbly from one of the morning viewing points. I leave it to you to bring along the medicine and nibbles.

    Your pub lunch stop is The Fox, Coulsdon Common, Caterham. Now please read the next bit very carefully as I will write zis only 'vonce. I have reserved a table for 10 for 1 pm (which should leave you plenty of time to enjoy your mid-morning bubbly and get to the pub in time). Please 'phone ahead to confirm your actual numbers - the pub is aware the number booked may vary, and although they anticipate being very busy they will do their best to accommodate more of you, should that be the case. I will not be with you, as I am on the NYD Walk West, so I am relying on one of you NYD South walkers to contact the pub: tel: 01883-340737. If for some reason travel disruption prevents the walk taking place, would one of you please 'phone the pub to cancel the booking.

    After lunch I suggest you take the short cut to Chaldon, stopping at Chaldon Church to look at its historic murals. Then you head for Farthing Down for a lovely, long descent to Coulsdon South. Facilities are a bit sparse here, but please read the Directions for suggested refreshment places. The short bus journey at the start of your journey home should not be too big a hassle.

    For those wanting a longer walk, you have the option of doing the full Walk 15 of 16.8 km (10.4 miles).
    T=2.15
    Walk Directions are here: L=2.15
    • Tue, 12-Dec-17

      If want to get to Coulsdon Town Station for a real train:- From the end of the Downs continue on Marlpit Lane, ignore Reddown Rd on your left (that leads to Coulsdon South Stn) and continue under the rail and road bridges to the big roundabout where you turn right on to the Brighton Rd for the center of Coulsdon. Take the right fork at the next lights then stay on the Main Road passing The Art Cafe on your right and Cafe Nero on the left. Then just by Pizza Express turn up Leaden Hill To Coulsdon Town. You will need to go over the foot bridge for trains to London

    • Sun, 31-Dec-17

      Lindsey and I are planning to do this work and have two bottles, a box of nibbles and plastic cups ...

    • Wendy
      Sun, 31-Dec-17

      Peter and Wendy plan to join this walk

    • Wed, 03-Jan-18

      21 wet morning but dry with some sun later . Thanks to those who brought fizz and nibbles which were enjoyed in mild drizzle at the Riddlesdown view point. Some of us took a short cut to the RAF memorial on Kenley aerodrome and then on to the Fox which was busy but efficient. Most were happy with their lunch but the roasts were served rather tepid. After lunch there were three groups some doing the full N Downs Way section others the posted Chaldon Church route and the remainder went direct to Coulsdon.

    DAC
    CW2 15* - Riddlesdown to Coulsdon
    Length: 9.9km (6.2 miles)

    Catch the 18:23 train from London Victoria, arrives Riddlesdown 18:51.

    Will stop for a drink / meal at the Fox PH, Coulsdon, to then walk onto Coulsdon South station (taking the reverse 3.7km route for the Coulsdon South start). Alternatively you can catch the 466 bus to East Croydon station.

    * Standard Riddlesdown to Fox route, followed by the reverse of the Coulsdon South to Fox PH morning route

    T=2.15
    • Tue, 05-Dec-17

      Intend going.

    • Sat, 09-Dec-17

      silly question about the timings - won't it be pitch black at that time?

    • Sun, 10-Dec-17

      won't it be pitch black at that time?

      Not really. It is advisable to bring a torch for when walking through wooded areas; but by and large even with heavy cloud cover on the ground visibilty is not too bad.

      Want to make the most of these dark evenings while they last...

    • Tue, 12-Dec-17

      Just 2 set off from a cold and frosty platform under a starry evening for an atmospheric journey through a pleasant greenbelt just south of London dabbled with a thin layer of crunchy snow. Route finding went smoothly with good ambient light and we encountered only three slightly treacherous icy patches -- one being the pub car park! At the pub, our numbers suddenly doubled (during the duration of the pub visit) as the SWC pub patrol was out in full force...

    Mr M Tiger
    Mr M Tiger
    Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South Book 2, walk 15
    16.8 km. 10.4 miles or, with shortcut, 7.8 miles 12.5km.
    Difficulty 4/10
    This walk, all within travelcard zone 6, goes through some of the finest preserved commons in the green belt, including Happy Valley and Farthing Down. You also get to marvel at one of England's oldest - and possibly biggest - wall paintings in Chaldon Church. Find out what happens if you're not good.
    Now the sun sets earlier you may prefer to take the shortcut (option a), soon after the pub.
    Trains:
    09:52 East Grinstead train from London Bridge (E Croydon 10:10) arriving Riddlesdown 10:17
    Trains back: xx:21 & xx:46 from Coulsdon South to London Bridge
    Get a Tfl Zones 1-6 travelcard.
    Lunch The Fox, Coulsdon Common 01883 330 401- Busy, efficient and "oozing rustic charm and rural character" says their website. There's a possible earlier stop at Wattenden - the Wattenden Arms, open from 12.
    Tea: There is a Caffe Nero, 5 mins north of the station at 132 Brighton Road, open until 5pm on Sundays. Additionally, the walk notes give directions to a pub. There's also a drinks machine in the station's cab office.
    Walk Directions: here.
    A reminder to any old timers still using early editions of Book 2 that the Riddlesdown start is given as option b of what was then the Coulsdon South Circular. Get with it, Daddio!
    T=2.15
    Sat, 25-Feb-17 : Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South ?
    Dirk
    Dirk
    t=2.15

    Length: 16km (10m)
    Toughness: 4/10
    Transport: Take the 9:53 from London Victoria, arriving in Riddlesdown at 10:18. There are many trains back to London from Coulsdon South

    From the description:

    Considering that it starts in the suburbs of London (and within the boundaries of London Transport Travelcard zone six), this walk passes through some remarkably unspoilt countryside. Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown and Coulsdon Commons are all ancient grazing lands, lovingly preserved as part of the London Greenbelt, and offering a delightful series of woods and open spaces.

    • Andy Poole
      Wed, 01-Mar-17

      On page 3 paragraph 2 'In 250m at a T junction with a road turn right' on Hayes Lane again (although not stated). This has always been a nasty section of the LOOP with 100m on a busy road with no pavement but can easily be avoided.

      At the T junction there is a red postbox opposite and to its immediate right a path. Take this path into woodland, 7m later turn left and in another 20m turn right. Ignore a path on the right in another 10m and continue on a very twisty woodland path for 200m. At a path T junction with a garden fence and 3-fingered signpost visible 20m to the left, turn left and then at the fence turn right and in 10m follow the fence round to the left leading to a field in 40m. In the field turn left on a faint grass path which soon forks. Left goes to the Wattenden pub, while the right fork leads to a stile and earthen steps down with the turning to 'The Haven' 5m to the right.

      A little shorter and a lot safer

    • Anonymous
      Wed, 01-Mar-17

      that's all good stuff, but any ideas on walk numbers, weather, incidents, pubs etc.?

    Mike A

    Riddlesdown to Couldson South

    Kenley Common, Happy Valley and Farthing Down

    Book 2 Walk 15

    Length : 17 km or 10½ miles

    Toughness : 4 out of 10

    Getting there : Catch the 10:23 am train from London Victoria to Riddlesdown
    Calling Stations:

    • Clapham Junction: Departs 10:28 am
    • East Croydon: Departs 10:41 am

    Meeting point : Riddlesdown Station at 10:48 am

    Tickets : If you're fortunate enough to be less that 60 years old and live in London, then a suitable Oyster/Travelcard (covering zone 6 and the zones you will pass through) will do the trick.
    I'd suggest that those who will be starting outside the "Great Wen" travel zones should seek advice from their local ticket office for the best tickets to buy.
    The rest of you may of course, use your Freedom/Boris passes

    Brief Description

    With the weather predicted to be warm, but possibly rainy, I've posted this weeks walk fairly near to London with hopefully not too much mud en route.
    Lunch is at the Fox where you may drop out and catch a 466 bus to East Croydon.
    You can also shorten the afternoon section of the walk by about 4½ km if the rain is heavy.
    You may find full details of this walk here and a downloadable PDF here

    Art Rebellion may be found by ignoring the signed left turn to Coulsdon South Station and continuing along Marlpit lane on the right-hand pavement to the flyover passing the under the road and railway to reach a roundabout. Here, continue in the same direction and after about 100 metres, bear right into Brighton Road. Art Rebellion may be found on the right in approximately a further 100 metres.
    The Poppy Café opening times can be a little unpredictable, but it overlooks the peaceful Coulsdon Memorial Ground and has outdoor seating.

    Suggested Lunch stop

    The Fox, Coulsdon Common CR3 5QS t: 01883 330401

    Suggested Tea stops

    Art Rebellion 171 Brighton Road Coulsdon CR5 2NH t: 0 20 8668 0007
    Poppy Café Coulsdon Memorial Ground, Marlpit Lane, Coulsdon, CR5 2HE t: 01737 669496

    Maps

    OS Explorer : 146 and a tiny bit of 161

    Return train times

    Oodles of Thameslink and Southern trains return from Coulsdon South to London Bridge and St. Pancras.
    Victorians will need to change at East Croydon. If you yen for further walking at Victoria Station, you may catch the 18:45 train to Sydenham Hill (platform 3 at the time of writing) there for the midweek evening walk.

    On this day in 1997 "The Deep Blue" defeated Garry Kasparov to win a six-game chess match

    • Thu, 12-May-16

      Four people got off the train and at least two of us finished, and got wet in a post lunch downpour.

    • Anonymous
      Fri, 13-May-16

      4 wet

    Book 2 walk 15c - Riddlesdown to Kingswood
    Length: 15km (9.3 miles)
    Toughness: 3 out of 10

    9.53 train from Victoria (9.59 Clapham Junction, 10.10 East Croydon) to Riddlesdown, arriving 10.18.

    Trains back from Kingswood are at 25 and 55 past.

    ** Both stations are in zone 6: use Oyster

    Walk directions: use the book or these online directions as far as lunch, then these directions for the afternoon route to Kingswood

    The other walk posters seem to be plotting to send you thither and yon today, so here is a walk close to home for those of you feeling a bit less adventurous. (I realise a variant of this was posted just before Christmas, but it was a wet Sunday and only four turned up.)

    To many of you it will need no introduction, but those who don't know it will be delighted to discover such unspoilt and lovely countryside right on London's southern doorsteps - downland for the most part, some woods, and just a couple of tiny bits of suburbia.

    Lunch is at the capacious Fox. This pub always seems to be very busy but we generally manage to squeeze in somehow. Ringing at the start of the walk to try and book a table may be an idea, but I would suggest doing this in smaller groups rather than trying to get a table for 15 or whatever, which may spook them. I have timetabled this walk to get you to the pub comfortably at or shortly after midday, hopefully, which should give you a much better chance of getting a table and getting served promptly. An earlier option is the Wattenden Arms just after Kenley Common, but you will get to that too early (it serves food from noon).

    Those with busy schedules might like to note that two LT bus routes link the Fox with Coulson South and Croydon stations.

    After lunch, the alternative route to Kingswood is highly recommended: make sure you have printed out the special directions for this in addition to the main walk directions. There is a pub at Kingswood for tea.

    However, if you want you can just do the main walk 15 afternoon to Coulsdon South - there is a longer version or a short cut option. Trains back from Coulsdon South are at 16, 26 and 56 past. See feedback for this walk for details of a cafe near the station.
    • Ian T
      Mon, 08-Feb-16

      Forgot to count. About 12 overcast windy dry Fair bit of mud. Most finished at Kingswood, 1 at Coulsdon South. Fox OK.

    Mr M Tiger
    Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South
    Book 2, walk 15
    with shortcut, 7.8 miles 12.5km.
    Difficulty 4/10
    This walk, all within travelcard zone 6, goes through some of the finest preserved commons in the green belt, including Happy Valley and Farthing Down. All being well, you also get to marvel at one of England's oldest - and possibly biggest - wall paintings in Chaldon Church .
    The full walk is 10.4 miles but the 7.8 mile version is recommended, given the limited hours of daylight. This involves taking the shortcut (option a) in the afternoon.
    Trains:
    09:53 East Grinstead train from Victoria (Clapham Jct 09:59 E Croydon 10:10) arr Riddlesdown 10:17
    Trains back: xx:21 & xx:52 from Coulsdon South to Victoria.
    A zones 1-6 travelcard is probably your best bet.
    "Have some picnic items in reserve"
    Lunch The Fox, Coulsdon Common 01883 330 401- Busy, efficient and "oozing rustic charm and rural character" according to their website. Phoning advised. There's a possible earlier stop at the Wattenden Arms, though it opens at 12 and you may be too early. With Xmas being so close, pubs could be busy today. You might want to have a few picnic items in reserve. Just saying.
    Tea: There is a Caffe Nero, 5 mins north of the station at 132 Brighton Road, open until 5pm on Sundays. Additionally, the walk notes give directions to a pub.
    The Poppy Café in the Memorial Gardens (across the road from Reddown Road) is open till 4.
    If thats all too much, there's an elf-service drinks machine in the station's cab office (note xmas joke).
    Walk Directions: Book 2 or from here.
    ( n.b. in earlier editions of Book 2, the Riddlesdown start is given as option b of what was then the Coulsdon South Circular.)
    • Mon, 21-Dec-15

      According to a Facebook report 4 on this walk which was shortened by the participants because of rain.