Addington Hills loop from Crystal Palace

The Addington Hills loop from Crystal Palace is approximately 37 km (23 miles) long and typically takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes to complete by mountain bike, depending on your pace and stops.

The terrain is diverse, featuring a mix of cycleways, singletrack, paved roads, natural paths, and gravel sections. You'll encounter mostly pebble and hardpack tracks, with numerous exposed roots, especially in areas like Shirley Woods MTB and Gravel Trails. The Riddlesdown Collegiate Climb is a rough doubletrack with broken concrete and gravel. Expect some semi-compact to loose gravel sections, as the area is primarily woodland on a gravel bed.

This loop is generally considered a moderate mountain bike ride. While some sections might be suitable for all skill levels (STS S0-S1), other parts are more demanding due to exposed roots and varying surfaces, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills (STS S2, and S3-S6 for advanced riders). Beginners might find certain ascents or descents challenging and may need to dismount and push their bikes.

Yes, the trail offers stunning natural beauty and expansive views. A major highlight is a purpose-built viewing platform in Addington Hills, providing impressive panoramic views across Croydon, Crystal Palace, and East London, including the London skyline. You'll also pass through Shirley Woods MTB and Gravel Trails and the Tithepit Shaw Path.

Yes, the Addington Hills area is generally dog-friendly, offering plenty of space for walks. However, as this is a mountain biking route, it's important to keep dogs under close control, especially on shared paths and near wildlife, to ensure safety for both your pet and other trail users.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be great, but be prepared for potential heat. Winter rides are possible, but some sections might be muddy or slippery, especially after rain, due to the natural paths and exposed roots.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Addington Hills loop from Crystal Palace. The area is a public green space accessible to all.

The loop starts from Crystal Palace, which has good public transport links, including train and bus services. For parking, there are various street parking options and some car parks in and around Crystal Palace and near Addington Hills. Always check local signage for restrictions and fees.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it passes through sections of the London LOOP (Section 4 and Section 5), Croydon Parks Link, and various local cycle networks (LCN 23, LCN 78, LCN 76, LCN 5, LCN 75, LCN 77). It also briefly touches the Capital Ring (Section 04) and the Vanguard Way.

Yes, both Crystal Palace and the areas surrounding Addington Hills offer various options for food and drink. You'll find cafes, pubs, and restaurants in Crystal Palace at the start/end of your ride, and some local establishments closer to Addington Hills for refreshments.

For this moderate mountain bike loop, bring plenty of water, snacks, a helmet, appropriate cycling gear, and a repair kit (spare tube, pump, multi-tool). Given the varied terrain and exposed roots, gloves and eye protection are also recommended. A fully charged phone and navigation device are advisable, as some sections are less marked.