The best walks and hikes around Croydon

Yes, Croydon is an excellent base for circular hikes. The area's network of trails through woodlands and across downlands means you can easily create loops of various lengths. Many routes explore interconnected green spaces like Farthing Downs and Happy Valley, allowing you to enjoy a varied walk without needing to retrace your steps.

Many of Croydon's green spaces are perfect for walking with a dog. Happy Valley is a popular choice, known for its dog-friendly trails and open spaces. Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve also offers numerous woodland paths where dogs are welcome, providing a safe and scenic environment for them to explore.

For a gentle family outing, the paths in Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve are ideal. They are generally flat and easy to follow, making them suitable for all ages. Another great option is a stroll through Coombe Wood Gardens, which offers a more manicured setting with lovely woodland plantations and a cafe for refreshments.

For expansive views, head to the trails on the chalk grasslands of Farthing Downs, which offer a real sense of being in the countryside. Addington Hills is another top spot, famous for its scenic overlook that provides a stunning viewpoint of the London skyline to the north.

Yes, several long-distance paths cross the borough. The Vanguard Way starts in East Croydon and quickly heads south into green spaces like Lloyd Park and Selsdon Wood on its way to the coast. The London LOOP (London Outer Orbital Path) also has sections running through the area, offering well-marked routes through local commons and woods.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll find gentle, rolling chalk downlands in the southern part of the borough, particularly around Happy Valley. This contrasts with extensive ancient woodlands like Selsdon Wood, which feature more secluded, earthy paths. Most trails are well-maintained and range from easy to moderate difficulty.

There are over 240 hiking routes to explore around Croydon. This includes everything from short, easy loops perfect for a quick walk to more challenging sections of long-distance footpaths, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.

The Wandle Trail is the main waterside route in the area. It's a 14-mile path that follows the River Wandle from Croydon towards the Thames. It's a mostly traffic-free route, popular with both walkers and cyclists, and offers a chance to discover some tranquil spots along the river.

The trails around Croydon are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the surprising variety of landscapes, from the open vistas of the North Downs to the peaceful, ancient woodlands. The well-marked paths and easy access from the city are also frequently mentioned.

While much of the terrain is gentle, you can find more challenging hikes by tackling longer routes or sections with more ascent. A good option is to hike a longer section of the Vanguard Way as it heads south from Croydon into the North Downs, where the rolling hills provide a good workout. Combining Farthing Downs and Happy Valley into a longer loop of over 10km also offers a moderately challenging day out.

Several spots are local favorites for hiking.

Farthing Downs is highly praised for its sprawling grasslands and scenic views. Selsdon Wood Nature Reserve is a beloved ancient woodland with a network of easy-to-follow paths. For great views of London, Addington Hills is a top choice. Finally, Happy Valley offers a beautiful and peaceful reserve with numerous trails through woodland and chalk grassland.