Posts tagged Kent
Walking The North Downs Way Part 8 - Westerham Hill to Otford

North Downs Way near Chevening

Start: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Finish: Otford Memorial Hall, 28A High St, Otford, Sevenoaks, TN14 5PQ
Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 miles)
Elevation change: +128m / -225m. Net -97m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Berry’s Green Circular Walk, Darent Valley Path
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Velo Barn at the start of the route, Rose & Crown Sevenoaks (10 km in), several in Otford High Street
OS Trig Pilllar: TP4287 - Knockholt Beeches
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Chevening, Otford

This is the eighth of a series of short point-to-point walks along the North Downs Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. Our walks took in short sections of 10 km to 13 km which we did with a friend over the course of a couple of years when our schedules coincided. The North Downs Way is well sign-posted however I highly recommend taking a map or GPX route to keep you on track. The Cicerone book on the trail is a great guide to the points of interest along the way.

Our original plan was to only walk the first seven sections covering Surrey before the driving from home started getting to long. It was only when I was completing my quest to bag all OS Trig Pillars within the M25 that I realised that I needed to do one final section and get the Knockholt Beeches Trig Pillar to complete the set.

Picking up from the Velobarn at Westerham Heights we continued east along the North Downs Way. This was a bright, sunny day in mid-April and a nice change from the gloominess of the previous section that we did nearly 18 months ago. The first 5 km of this section stays high on the ridge with great views to the south across open fields. At around 4.7 km you can take a very minor diversion to the north of the trail to find the Trig Pillar hiding in a bush along a field fence-line.

Shortly after the Trig Pillar the trail enters Cooper’s Wood. Watch out for the cutting in the trees where you can see down to Chevening House, the official country residence of the British Foreign Secretary. You can also get a good view of the estate as the trail descends out of the woods, across farmland to Sundridge Road. When we were there in April 2025 a diversion was being put in place to cut off part of the route that follows Sundridge Road. We chose not to take it, prefering to stick to the route that we had on the map. In hindsight I wish we had taken the diversion as there’s no pavement on some of the road and very fast cars wizzing by.

Shortly after crossing over the A21 on Morrants Court Road you’ll reach the Rose and Crown at the 10 km point. It’s the first pub to stop for a rest on this section. The final 3 km after the Rose and Crown also follows the Darent Valley Path into Otford. This is a pretty village with some well kept old buildings and several information boards detailing its history.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, Kent, EnglandComment
parkrun LonDone+ and LonDone ++

“LonDone” is the name for completing the full set of 65 parkrun events in Greater London. There’s 2 other terms: “LonDone +” and “LonDone ++” that have been widely debated in the various parkrun social media forums.

  • LonDone + is generally seen as being all parkrun events within the M25. There are currently 15 parkrun events that are within the M25 but outside of Greater London or a total of 80 events within the M25.

  • Up to now I’ve ignored LonDone ++ as a lot of the definitions have felt a bit arbitrary. However, one definition that I like is that it includes events that are outside of the M25 but have a Voronoi area that crosses inside the M25. This includes a further 9 parkrun events making a total of 88 events that have part of their Voronoi area within the M25. Note that different parkrun apps have slightly different calculations for their Voronoi apps. For this page I’ve used the Voronoi map from the Running Challenges Chrome Extension.

  • LonDone+ and/or LonDone++ are also referred to as “Orbit-All”

See the main LonDone page for details of all parkrun events within Greater London.

LonDone +: parkrun events within the M25

Note that the Egham Orbit course crosses under the motorway with a short section outside of the M25. I've included it in LonDone+ as the start, finish and majority of the course are within the M25.

LonDone ++: parkrun events with a Voronoi area crossing the M25

Event (County, Region)

Notes on recent changes

  • Thurrock’s Voronoi area extended across the M25 before the start of Ingrebourne Hill.

  • Jersey Farm’s Voronoi area extended across the M25 before the start of Oaklands College.

The images below show the Voronoi area for each of the LonDon ++ parkrun events in blue with the M25 as a red line.

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:

Richard gowerRun, parkrun, London, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Essex, Middlesex, Buckinghamshire, England Comments
Cycling The Viking Coastal Trail and NCN 1 in Kent

Margate Beach

This was a 2-day weekend cycle adventure on the NCN 1 and 15 in Kent. For Brian and I it was a continuation of the Thames Barrier to Margate trip that we did earlier in the year. This time we returned to Whitstable to pick up the NCN 15 to follow it to the end at Dover. For day 2 we followed the NCN 1 back to Whitstable. At 145 km and mostly flat it’s an easy ride giving more than enough time for coffee and cake stops along the way.

Day 2: The Viking Coastal Trail from Whitstable to Dover

Start: Premier Inn Whitstable hotel, Thanet Way, Whitstable, CT5 3DB
Finish: Premier Inn Dover Central (Eastern Ferry Terminal) hotel, Marine Court, Marine Parade, Dover, CT16 1LW
Distance: 79.5 km (49 miles)
Elevation change: + 554m / -602m (Net -48)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): England Coast Path, Saxon Shore Way, Oyster Bay Trail, Wantsum Walk, Augustine Camino, Stonelees Trail, Miner’s Way Trail, Via Francigena
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 15: Viking Coastal Trail, NCN 16, EV5,
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Westgate-on-Sea, Whitfield and Sandwich.
Maps:
- Canterbury & Isle of Thanet Map | Herne Bay, Deal & Whitstable | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 150
- Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Map | England Coast Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 138
Links: Whitstable, Herne Bay, Reculver, Westgate-on-Sea, Margate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, Sandwich, Whitfield, Dover

 

Our trip started at the Premier Inn on the southern edge of the town. From there it’s a 2.5 km cycle to the coast where, as it was Saturday, we stopped for Whitstable parkrun. The NCN 15 (not to be confused with the same numbered route in Leicestershire) runs from Whitstable to Dover, with the Reculver to Pegwell Bay section called the Viking Coastal Trail.

As it passes through several sea-side towns there’s lots of options to stop for food and drink along the way. We planned to stop for breakfast in Margate but hunger got the better of us so we stopped early at Westgate-on-Sea. At Pegwell Bay there’s an option to return to Whitstable via the inland section of the Viking Coastal Trail. That would make a great half-day trip, effectively a circuit of the Isle of Thanet, but we carried on south along the route 15.

After Pegwell Bay the route leaves the coast and heads in-land to Sandwich. We planned to have lunch there, mostly for the childish amusement of having a sandwich in Sandwich. We timed it badly though and arrived just as cafes were closing for the afternoon and the pubs were packed. As we were retuning there the next day we grabbed some quick food and moved on.

After Sandwich the route continues south, gradually climbing in elevation to the highest point of the day at Dover Castle. After this there’s a steep descent to Dover town centre where we stayed the night at the Marina.

Day 2: Dover to Whitstable via the NCN 1

Start: Premier Inn Dover Central (Eastern Ferry Terminal) hotel, Marine Court, Marine Parade, Dover, CT16 1LW
Finish: Premier Inn Whitstable hotel, Thanet Way, Whitstable, CT5 3DB
Distance: 64.7 km (40 miles)
Elevation change: - 554m / +602m (Net +48)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): England Coast Path, Saxon Shore Way, Stour Valley Walk, Augustine Camino, Canterbury Middle Ring Walk, Canterbury Outer Ring Walk, Crab & Winkle Way
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, NCN 15: Viking Coastal Trail
OS Trig Pillar: TP5672 - Richborough Hill
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, but we stopped at Walmer, Sandwich, Fordwich and Canterbury
Maps:
- Canterbury & Isle of Thanet Map | Herne Bay, Deal & Whitstable | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 150
- Dover, Folkestone & Hythe Map | England Coast Path | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 138
Links: Dover, White Cliffs of Dover National Trust, Walmer Sandwich, Fordwich, Canterbury, Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, Whitstable

 

For our return leg to Whitstable we followed the NCN 1, completing the London to Dover section that we started in our trip earlier in the year. The first section is very steep and follows a narrow path up to the top of the White Cliffs of Dover. We were an hour away from fully waking up so made the easy choice to slowly walk the bikes up the cliffs. From the top there were great views over the Channel and back to Dover Castle while we recovered from the climb.

From the top the route has an 8 km steady downhill section to the coast at Kingsdown to make up for the earlier climb. This coastal section was one of my favourite parts of the 2-dy trip with its mix of quiet country lanes and easy riding along the sea-front. We were not in a rush so decided to maximise the coffee and cake stops with the first one at Walmer. Stop #2 was in Sandwich where we had a lot more success than the previous day with cafes actually being open and wanting to sell us food.

The middle section from Sandwich to Canterbury was flat and pleasant but not particularly memorable. We pushed on to Canterbury for a long lunch near the Cathedral. The final section from Canterbury was far more interesting as it mostly follows a disused railway nicknamed the Crab and Winkle line.

This was a very easy weekend, both from a logistics and a cycling perspective. If you don’t have a hole weekend then it can be split into 2 shorter circles with Sandwich as the split.

The Full 2-Day Route

Day 1 in blue, Day 2 in red

The Millennium Mileposts

Dotting the UK's National Cycle Network are over 1,000 unique markers known as the Millennium Mileposts. Unveiled in 2000, these cast-iron sculptures are more than just waymarkers. Designed by four artists, one from each nation of the UK, they celebrate the diversity of the cycling routes. These artistic mileposts come in various shapes and can be found in both bustling towns and scenic landscapes, adding a touch of artistic charm to a cycling adventure.

Here’s the 21 Mileposts that I spotted on the 2 day cycle trip. The first 2 were on the Viking Coastal Trail on Day 1 and the rest were on the NCN 1 on Day 2.

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Coast, Disused Railway, Kent, National Trails, England, National Trust, Trig Pillar Comments
Cycling The Thames Estuary: Thames Barrier to Margate

The Thames Barrier, London

This was a trip that had been at the back of my mind for 30 years. Back in the summer of 1994 I cycled the length of the Thames from the source near Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier near Woolwich, London. The last day was a long one and we ended up at the Barrier after dark. At the time we had considered the adventure to be complete. A few years later I started to plan a second part: from the Barrier east along the Thames Estuary to Margate.

Over the intervening years I got more excited about other trips. I also either lost contact with a few of the old Thames Path gang or they got preoccupied with having babies. Early in 2024 the stars aligned and the Estuary adventure popped up to the top of my cycling backlog.

The route to Margate mostly follows NCN Route 1 with a bit of the Route 15 Viking Way at the end. It also runs parallel to the main rail line between London and Margate making trip logistics fairly simple. We did it over a weekend, staying both the Friday and Saturday night at the Chatham/Gillingham Victory Pier Premier Inn.

Day 1: Thames Barrier to Chatham

Start: Charlton Railway Station, London, SE7 7QG, United Kingdom
Finish: Premier Inn Chatham/Gillingham (Victory Pier) hotel, Blake Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 1GB, United Kingdom
Distance: 62.8 km (39 miles)
Elevation change: + 408m / -409m (Net +1m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path, Capital Ring, Jubilee Greenway, Green Chain Walk, London Loop. Cray River Way, Hoo Peninsula Path, Weald Way, Thames and Medway Canal Towpath, Saxon Shore Way, England Coast Path, Strood Community Trail,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 125, 179, Q14
Pubs / Cafes on route: At Woolwich Arsenal (4km in), Erith (15km in), Dartford (25km in), Gravesend (39 km in), Rochester (57km in), Chatham (59km in)
Maps:
- Greenwich & Gravesend Map | East End, Docklands, Bromley, Sidcup & Thurrock | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 162
- Gravesend & Rochester Map | Hoo Peninsula | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 163
Links: Charlton, Thames Barrier, Woolwich Arsenal, Erith, Dartford, Gravesend, Thames and Medway Canal, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham

 

Like all Saturdays the day started with a parkrun, this time at Great Lines Heritage park, just over a mile from from the hotel. From there we headed to Chatham Station to get the train to Charlton. The Thames Barrier is a 1.4km ride from Charlton Station.

Navigation is straightforward, keeping to the NCN Route 1 all the way to Chatham. The first 20km hugs the riverside passing a mix of pleasant gentrified areas like Woolwich Arsenal and ugly industrial parts. After Erith the Route 1 cuts south away from the river to Dartford avoiding the entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge. We had planned a coffee and cake stop in Dartford but nothing inspired us so we carried on. By the time we reached Gravesend we were really hungry and, as pubs were open by then, were optimistic about finding food. We found Gravesend equally inspiring so didn’t stop there either.

After Gravesend the scenery becomes much more pleasant. With the Route 1 following the disused Thames and Medway Canal. Watch out for the obelisk that marks the half-way point between the cities of London and Rochester. The Route 1 leaves the canal at Lower Higham which, conveniently for us, also has a train station. Brian was having problems with his wheel after several punctures and we’d run out of options to fix it at the road-side. Here we decided that Brian would head to Chatham by train and I would finish the first day on my own.

As it turned out Brian missed one of the best parts of the first day. The final section included quiet countryside and a descent down to Rochester. Had we kept together we would have stopped in Rochester for food ahead of the final few miles. I decided that I was on a mission to beat Brian’s train journey back to Chatham so I wasn’t hanging around. A 20 minute wait for the train meant that I was back at the hotel before Brian arrived at Halfords in Chatham. With a newly fixed wheel and fresh supplies of inner-tubes we were now ready for Day 2.

Day 2: Chatham to Margate

Start: Premier Inn Chatham/Gillingham (Victory Pier) hotel, Blake Avenue, Gillingham, ME7 1GB, United Kingdom
Finish: Margate Lighthouse, Harbour Arm, Margate, CT9 1AP
Distance: 87 km (54 miles)
Elevation change: + 514m / -513m (Net -1m)
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Saxon Shore Way, England Coast Path, Swale Heritage Trail, Invicta Way, Wantsum Walk,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1, 174, 15: Viking Coastal Trail
Pubs / Cafes on route: At Sittingbourne (22km in), Faversham (40km in), Whitstable (59km in), Herne Bay (66km in), Westgate-on-Sea (83km in) and Margate.
- We stopped at Cafe Guild in Faverham (40 km in) and The Ship Inn, Herne Bay (66km in)
Maps:
- Gravesend & Rochester Map | Hoo Peninsula | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 163
- Sittingbourne & Faversham Map | Isle of Sheppey | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 149
- Canterbury & Isle of Thanet Map | Herne Bay, Deal & Whitstable | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 150
Links: Sittingbourne, Faversham, Crab & Winkle Way, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Reculver, Westgate-on-Sea, Margate, Margate Lighthouse

 

Shortly after leaving the Chatham/Gillingham area, the Route 1 passes through Riverside Country Park. It was very popular with dog walkers early that Sunday morning so it was a good chance to take it slow as we warmed up for the day. After the Country Park the route cuts away from the estuary from Rainham to Sittingbourne.

Sittingbourne was our original plan for a breakfast stop but we were similarly uninspired by food options as we were on day 1. By the time we arrived in Faversham with 40km down we were starving. It was worth the wait though as Faversham is a very nice old Kent market town with several good cafes.

After Faversham the route heads back towards the coast then takes a detour up the steepest hill of the route to bypass Whitstable Town Centre. After a well-earned descent we reached the Crab & Winkle Way, a disused railway that once connected Whitstable to Canterbury. This was the point where we left the NCN 1, which follows the old railway line to the south. Instead we followed the Crab & Winkle Way north to join the Route 15 Viking Way at the Whistable coast.

The last 28km along the Viking Way from Whitstable to Margate was my favourite section of the whole route. This section keeps to the coast along flat boulevards passing seaside towns and the remains of Reculver Towers. We had made good time so we stopped for a while at a pub in Herne Bay to gaze across the estuary and contemplate future adventures.

Our 2-day adventure finished at Margate Lighthouse, an obvious place to mark the end of the Estuary adventure. We really enjoyed the trip and, baring the wheel & puncture issues at the end of day one, found it pretty easy going. I still didn’t get the sense of completion though. Yes, we had cycled the estuary to complete the Thames Path, but we had now left the southern section of the NCN Route 1 uncompleted. Within a couple of days I was already planning the next 2 day adventure to complete both the NCN Route 1 from Whitstable to Dover and the rest of the Viking Way.

 

The Full 2-Day Route

The Millennium Mileposts

Dotting the UK's National Cycle Network are over 1,000 unique markers known as the Millennium Mileposts. Unveiled in 2000, these cast-iron sculptures are more than just waymarkers. Designed by four artists, one from each nation of the UK, they celebrate the diversity of the cycling routes. These artistic mileposts come in various shapes and can be found in both bustling towns and scenic landscapes, adding a touch of artistic charm to a cycling adventure. Here’s the 14 Mileposts that I spotted on the 2 day estuary adventure.

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Coast, Canal, Railway, Disused Railway, Thames, London, Kent, National Trails, England Comments
Walking The North Downs Way Part 7 - Gangers Hill to Westerham Hill

Coccolith, an artwork by INSTAR, near the Titsey Brewery on the eastern edge of the Surrey Hills AONB

Start: Gangers Hill Car Park, Gangers Hill, Woldingham, Godstone, CR3 7AD
Finish: The Velo Barn, Unit 1, Betsoms Farm, Pilgrims Way, Westerham TN16 2DS
Distance: 9.1 km (5.6 miles)
Elevation change: +161m / -216m. Net -55m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Tandridge Border Path, Woldringham Countryside Walk, Vanguard Way, Greenwich Meridian Trail
Other routes touched (cycle): Prime Meridian Cycle Route
Pubs / Cafes on route: The Velo Barn at the end of the route
OS Trig Pilllar: TP1536 - Botley Hill
Maps:
- Dorking, Box Hill & Reigate Map | Leatherhead & Caterham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 146
- Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Guidebook: The North Downs Way National Trail from Farnham to Dover (Cicerone)
Links: Marden Park, Oxted Downs, Titsey Place

This is the seventh of a series of short point-to-point walks along the North Downs Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Farnham in Surrey to Dover in Kent. Our walks took in short sections of 10 km to 13 km which we did with a friend over the course of a couple of years when our schedules coincided. The North Downs Way is well sign-posted however I highly recommend taking a map or GPX route to keep you on track. The Cicerone book on the trail is a great guide to the points of interest along the way.

For this section we left one car at the end of the walk near the Velo Barn on Westerham Hill and another at the start at Gangers Hill Car Park. It may be possible to use the car park at the Velo Barn but ask for permission first as the gates are locked when the cafe is closed. There’s a layby next to the barn on Pilgrims Way with space for 3 cars.

From the start at Gangers Hill Car Park, cross over The Ridge to pick up the North Downs Way heading east. This first section is a steep descent down into fields where the route runs parallel and close to the M25. After ~1.5km you’ll meet a path junction with the Vanguard Way and Greenwich Meridian Trail. If you want to visit Botley Hill, the high point of the North Downs, this is where you can take a diversion from the path for 1 km, returning back the same way. We kept on the North Downs Way but visited Botley Hill by car after the walk.

Continuing east along the North Downs Way you’ll soon pass a plaque marking the point where the North Downs Way and Vanguard Way crosses the Greenwich Meridian Line. Further along, at ~3km into the walk you’ll reach a T junction where the Vanguard Way splits off from the North Downs Way to the right. Take a left at this junction to follow Pitchfont Lane, a wide path heading uphill through land managed by the Titsey Foundation.

At the end of Pitchfont Lane you’ll reach a roundabout connecting Croydon Lane, Clarks Lane and Titsey Hill (road). Here you can take a 300m (and back) diversion to visit the Botley Hill Trig Pillar, just off The Ridge (road). Alternatively, there’s a free car park at the roundabout where you can return to bag the trig later.

Continuing east along the North Downs Way, the trail runs parallel to Titsey Hill (road) for ~800m then crosses through Crossharbour Beeches to meet Clarks Lane opposite the Titsey Brewery. Here you’ll pass the Coccolith artwork (see banner photo at the top of this post) and a great view to the south. You’ll also see one of the 12 wooden Surrey Hills boundary markers.

For the final part of this section continue east, crossing over Clarks Lane and onto Chestnut Avenue, then onto The Avenue. Look out for boundary stone near the western end of The Avenue which marks the Surrey/Kent border. When The Avenue meets Westerham Hill (road) take a right to follow Westerham Hill back to The Velo Barn.

This was the end of our first Chapter of walking The North Downs Way with our friend Mark. We had completed original objective was to complete the Surrey section. With our busy schedules it took us 2.5 years to cover the 7 sections. We’ll do the Kent sections one day but for now there’s other parts of Surrey to explore.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trails, National Trust, Trig Pillar, Surrey, Kent, England, Surrey HillsComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 22 - Toys Hill and Ide Hill

Cows and oast houses near French Street

Start & Finish: Toys Hill Car Park, Toy's Hill Road, Westerham, TN16 1QG
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 215m
Greensand Way section covered: French Street to Ide Hill: 3.71 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): NT Octavia Hill Centenary Walk, Weardale Walk,
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Pubs / Cafes on route: Cock Inn at Ide Hill (just off route at 1.8 km in), National Trust Cafe at Emmetts Garden (3.4 km in)
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: Toys Hill National Trust, Ide Hill, Emmett’s Garden National Trust, Weardale Manor

This is the twenty-second of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand Way is well sign posted however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

For this section we parked at the National Trust Car Park at the bottom of Toy’s Hill and picked up the Greensand Way heading east after crossing Chart Lane. The route covers a lot of the same ground as the NT Octavia Hill Centenary Walk, but it’s not exactly the same so be careful when following route markers. After 1.75km you’ll reach Ide Hill village and will leave the Greensand Way but follow the Octavia Hill Walk north along Sundridge Road. Take a footpath on the right to leave the road, crossing a field to Norman Street then taking a left to return to Sundridge Road. Take a right, then a left into the lane that passes Ide Hill Cricket Club.

Follow the Octavia Hill Walk up through Emmett’s Garden National Trust where there’s a café. Shortly after the cafe you’ll leave the Octavia Hill Walk and continue west, now picking up the Weardale Walk. Follow this to French Street to join the Greensand Way at the point that you left it on section 21. Take the Greensand Way in a southerly direction all the way back to the Toy’s Hill Car Park.

The Greensand Way doesn’t cross over the top of Toy’s Hill so it’s worth taking a short out-and-back diversion from the path to the summit. At the top you’ll find the remains of Weardale Manor, a memorial and great views over the Kent and Sussex countryside.

Toys Hill

Significance: Kent Downs National Landscape High Point
Member of: England Peaks with 100 meters of Prominence
Parent Peak: Botley Hill.
Nearest Higher Neighbour: Betsom’s Hill
Elevation: 248m
Date climbed: August 13th 2023
Coordinates: 51°15'00.0"N 0°06'00.0"E
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: Wikipedia (Kent Downs / Toys Hill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, Kent, EnglandComment
Holly Hill and Lost Village of Dode Circular Walk

Lost village of Dode

Significance:  Unitary Authority High Point for Medway
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Detling Hill
Historic County: Kent (of which Betsom’s Hill is the County Top)
Elevation: 172m
Date “climbed”: August 12th 2013
Coordinates: 51° 20' 43'' N, 0° 23' 55'' E

Route Start & Finish: Holy Hill Wood Car Park, Holly Hill Lane (North Downs Way), Gravesend, DA13 0UB
Route Distance: 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
Route Elevation change: +/- 78m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): North Downs Way
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
OS Trig Pillar: TP3974 - Holly Hill
Pubs / Cafes on route: N/A
Map: Maidstone & the Medway Towns Map | Kent Downs | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 148
Guidebook: N/A
Links: Wikipedia (Medway), Peakbagger, Hillbagging, Lost Village of Dode

Holly Hill is the high point of the Unitary Authority of Medway within the Historic and Ceremonial Counties of Kent. We bagged it on a short walk that also takes in the Holly Hill Trig Pillar and the lost village of Dode.

The Holly Hill Car Park is open during the summer and is very close to the Trig Pillar. We chose to keep this to the end of the walk and headed up to the high point first. Not sure why the Trig Pillar and High Point are in different places. Turn left out of the car park onto the North Downs way and follow it for 250 metres then take a footpath to the right heading east. When the path enters into a large field take a left and follow the tree-line on the left hand side of the field to the top of the hill. The high-point is near the large tree in the corner of the field. There were crops growing at the time so we kept to the field edge which may have been a metre or 2 from the actual high point. There’s no obvious peak or anything to mark the summit.

Retrace your steps to the North Downs Way and follow it north but keep to the main track rather than take the right hand turn when the North Downs Way diverts to the east. When you reach Wrangling Lane take a left and follow it in a south-westerly direction. You’ll shortly pass the entrance to the lost village of Dode.

The lost village of Dode is a small hamlet in the North Downs of Kent, England. It is thought to have been abandoned in the 14th century due to the Black Death, a devastating plague that killed an estimated 30-50% of the European population. The only remaining trace of the village is its Norman church, which was built in the 12th century. The church has been restored and is now a popular wedding venue. It’s private property and the gate was locked at the time so we settled for some photos at the gate and continued along Wrangling Lane.

Keep on Wrangling Lane as it curves to the south and gradually ascends up to White Horse Road. Take a left onto White Horse Road then take the first footpath on the left to take you into Holly Hill Woodland. Keep to the paths following the easterly edge of the woodland and you’ll arrive at the OS Trig Pillar, an information board and a great view across to central London. The car park is a further 250 metres from the Trig Pillar.

Richard gowerTrek, UK County Tops, Trig Pillar, Kent, EnglandComment
Walking The Greensand Way Part 21 - Crockham Hill and Chartwell

View across Westerham to the North Downs ride, Westerham Heights and Betsom’s Hill

Start & Finish: Westerham Village Centre, TN16 1AY
Alternative start point at: National Trust Chartwell Car Park, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
Distance: 8.8 km (5.5 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 157m
Greensand Way section covered: Surrey/Kent border to French Street: 3.73 km
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): NT Mariners Hill Loop, NT Chartwell Walk, Weardale Walk
Other routes touched (cycle): N/A
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several in Westerham village at start and end. Cafe at National Trust Chartwell (5.3 km in)
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: Westerham, Crockham Hill Common, Chartwell, National Trust Chartwell

This is the twenty-first of a series of short circular walks featuring the Greensand Way. The full trail is a long distance path stretching from Haslemere in Surrey to Ham Street in Kent. Our walks take in short sections of the Greensand Way and loop back to the start on other paths. The Greensand Way is well sign posted however you’ll need a map or GPX route to keep on track for the return sections of the loops. The guidance below will help but don’t use it as a fully accurate turn-by-turn guide.

For this section we attempted to park in Westerham village centre but we were thwarted by a lack of available paring spaces and on-street parking limited to maximum 2 hours. It’s a good place to start the walk if you can but we decided to start at the National Trust Car Park in Chartwell instead. If you’re a National Trust member it’s a good option as it’s free and you’re more likely to get a space.

If you start at Westerham pick up the Greensand Way spur on the south side of Vicarage Hill road and head south, crossing the Darent River than taking a right at the path junction with the NT Chartwell Walk. After 3km take a right to cross over Goodley Stock Road to meet the stone, last seen in section 20, that marks the Surrey/Kent border and the half-way point of the Greensand Way. After touching the stone, retrace your steps back across Goodley Stock Road to return to the path through Crockham Hill Woods. Take a right to continue south along this path and follow the Greensand Way as it curves in an anti-clockwise direction to the entrance to the National Trust Car Park at Chartwell. This is the point where you would start the walk if parking there.

From National Trust Chartwell continue following the Greensand Way in an anti-clockwise direction to French Street. Here’s you’ll leave the Greensand Way and continue in the anti-clockwise loop heading north-west to rejoin the NT Chartwell Walk. This will take you back to the Greensand Way spur back up to Westerham Village. If you started the walk at Chartwell there’s no need to go up to Westerham (unless you choose to). Instead continue along the Greensand Way Spur to the Surrey/Kent border stone.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, Kent, EnglandComment
One Tree Hill and Ightham Mote Circular Walk

Ightham Mote

Start & Finish: One Tree Hill Car Park, Carter's Hill, Sevenoaks, TN15 0SN
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 miles)
Elevation change: +/- 197m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched (walk): Greensand Way
Other routes touched (cycle): None
Pubs / Cafes on route: Ightham Mote National Trust Cafe
Map: Sevenoaks & Tonbridge Map | Royal Tunbridge Wells & Westerham | Ordnance Survey | OS Explorer Map 147
Links: One Tree Hill National Trust, Ightham Mote National Trust, Shipbourne, Underriver

This is a great short circular walk in the Kent Downs. We used the free National Trust parking area near One Tree Hill, although the larger National Trust car park (free to members) at Ightham Mote is an alternative. There’s some steep parts and it can be very muddy in winter or after rain so wear good boots.

From the parking area at One Tree Hill cut through the woods, following paths in a south-easterly direction, to the top of the hill and the view-point to the south. Here you’ll reach the Greensand Way which you’ll follow in a east / south-easterly direction for 5 km.

After 3km on the Greensand Way you’ll reach the Ightham Mote National Trust Estate. If you’ve got time, it’s well worth stopping for an hour to visit the house and gardens. Even if you don’t have time to enter you can visit the café which can be accessed from the path at the south of the estate without having to pay to enter.

When you leave Ightham Mote you’ll continue along the Greensand Way, now heading south. After 2km you’ll reach the Church of St Giles at Shipbourne. Here you’ll leave the Greensand Way and take a footpath heading west across fields and into a wooded area called Cold Blows. Half way into the woods take a left hand path, heading south-west towards Mote Road. Cross over the road and continue along the paths heading west to Underriver.

When you reach Underriver, take a right onto Carter’s Hill road, then a left onto the lane opposite the turning to Underriver House Road. Continue up this lane in a north-westerly direction for ~400m then take a path heading north. This is a steep climb for another 400m back up to the Greensand Way. Take a right onto the Greensand Way and follow it to Carter’s Hill road. You can either follow Carter’s Hill road back to the One Tree Hill parking area or the parallel footpath through the woods to the right of the road.

Richard gowerTrek, National Trust, Kent, EnglandComment
South-East England parkruns

The parkrun Regionnaire status used to be a major part of parkrun tourism, with South-East England being the largest region. Changes in the parkrun website in 2019 removed the regions making it harder to track completion status. All is not lost though as here’s the complete parkrun guide to what’s in and what’s out of the counties of South-East England.

Completed counties may include those I have previously completed but have not yet been able to visit a new event yet.

The total parkrun event numbers for each county are:

  • Berkshire: 10 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 11 in the Historic County

  • Buckinghamshire, 11 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 12 in the Historic County

  • Hampshire, 25 parkrun events in the Present-Day county (inc I.o.W), 27 in the Historic County

  • Kent, 25 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 38 in the Historic County

  • Oxfordshire, 12 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 7 in the Historic County

  • Surrey, 13 parkrun events in the Present-Day county, 30 in the Historic County

  • Sussex, 11 parkrun events in the Present-Day county of West Sussex, 6 in East Sussex and 5 in Brighton and Hove. 22 in the Historic County of Sussex

…giving a grand total of 118 parkrun events in the present-day counties of the South of England.

click on the link on each county name to go to the blog post for that county

Notes and exceptions.

  • Numbers of event above exclude prison parkruns and permanently cancelled events.

  • Bournemouth and Moors Valley parkruns were part of Historic Hampshire and would have been in Historic South-East England, but are now part of Present-day Dorset, so would be in the South West England region.

  • Hazelwood was part of Historic Middlesex and is now part of Present-day Surrey.

  • Parts of Historic Surrey and Kent are now part of Greater London. See the individual pages for those counties for the list of which events are now part of Greater London.

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:

Richard gowerRun, parkrun, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, EnglandComment
Walking The Turner and Dickens Trail
Margate

Margate

Start: Dickens House Museum 2 Victoria Parade Broadstairs CT10 1QS
Finish: Turner Contemporary, Margate, CT9 1HG
Distance: 6.2 km (3.9 miles)
Elevation Change: +36m / -54m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Ramsgate to Margate Coastal Walk
Other Routes Touched (cycle): NCN 15
Pubs / Cafes on route: Several. We stopped at the Red Lion in St Peters
Map: OS Explorer Map (150) Canterbury and the Isle of Thanet
Links: Turner Contemporary, Visit Thanet, Broadstairs, St Peter’s, Margate

After loving our previous day's Ramsgate to Margate coastal walk we were keen to do one more trip before heading home. The Turner and Dickens walk , also connecting both towns, walk is a good choice. The walk is well documented in this leaflet so I won't repeat any of it here. My main add is that it's a great companion to the coastal route. Doing both in the same day would make a fantastic 17.5km / 11 mile circular route.

route-31666880-map-full.png
Richard gowerTrek, Coast, Railway, Kent, EnglandComment
Walking The Coastal Route from Ramsgate to Margate

Kingsgate Bay

Start: Ramsgate Tunnels, Marina Esplanade, Ramsgate CT11 8FH
Finish: Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate CT9 1HG
Distance: 11.3 km (7 miles)
Elevation Change: +129m /- 127m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (walk): Broadstairs Town Trail, Turner & Dickens Walk, Sea it All Walk
Other Routes Touched (cycle): NCN 15, Viking Coastal Trail,
Pubs / Cafes on route: Lots, especially in Broadstairs and Margate beach-side.
Map: OS Explorer Map (150) Canterbury and the Isle of Thanet
Links: Turner Contemporary, Visit Thanet, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, North Foreland Lighthouse, Margate

Ever since I’d started researching my family history I’ve had a trip to Broadstairs in the back of my mind. My Dad remembered being sent to a convalescence home there when he was a boy. He didn’t remember much of the details or even how long he was there for. His most vivid memory was being taken to a London train station by his parents and being met by some nuns. His only other memory was walking through a tunnel from the home to the beach where they would play in the afternoons.

Having read some of the blog posts from people who also went there it seems that vague memories are a shared experience. Some told of abuse by the nuns but there’s no evidence that it happened to my Dad. One day I’ll do some deeper research, but for now I wanted to visit the area and see where he spent some of his childhood.

This was also our New Years’ planning trip. We do something like this every January to reflect on the year before and decide what’s important for the year ahead. A long walk outside in an inspiring place puts us in the right mental state to work out what’s really important. The coastal walk from Ramsgate to Margate turned out to be a perfect location for such a walk.

Our walk started from a B&B that we rented on Granville Marina in Ramsgate. A visit to the Ramsgate Tunnels seemed very appealing but we had a long day ahead to do so we’ll do those on a return visit. The first section stays close to the beach following the Sea it All route. The painted shelters along the East Cliffs are worth a look but don't go too far as you'll get to a dead end. The best route is to use the stairs to the Winterstoke Gardens (~750m from the Ramgate Tunnels) and follow the cliff-top path through King George VI Memorial Park.

The route has options in several places to stay on the cliff-top path or take the beach-route. A lot of this will depend on tides so keep an eye out and stay to the cliff-top if in doubt. The first of these choices is at Dumpton Gap where there's a path down to the beach next to the old submarine telephone cable hut. From here both the cliff-top and beach walks take you to Viking Bay in Broadstairs.

At Broadstairs we met up with Mark, a new friend that we met on the Camino Portuguese last May. As well as being an all round great guy, his local knowledge made the trip even more special. We walked with Mark along Stone Beach, where the (now filled in) tunnel that my Dad remembers connected to St Mary’s Convalescence Home on the top of the Cliff. The bright sunny day was quite a contrast to the grim black and white image I’d had of my Dad's stay there. I’d always pictured his time there to be a lonely and scary experience but maybe it wasn’t. It made me think about how we often make up stories about other people’s experiences through a lack of information.

After Stone Beach the coastal path diverts off the cliff from behind the expensive houses on North Foreland Road. A highlight is North Foreland Lighthouse which towers over the original site of St Mary’s, now a private estate. After ~1km, you can return to the Beach at Kingsgate Bay. Our timing was great as the tide was out and we were able to walk all the way to Margate on the beach.

There's a lot of choice of things to do and places to eat after the walk. We opted for the quirky Double-Decker Bus cafe in the Old Kent Market for food and a rest before heading back. Regular trains run back to Ramsgate from Margate, making this an easy point-to-point walk.

Richard gowerTrek, Coast, Kent, EnglandComment
Completing all Kent parkruns
Kent parkrun banner.JPG

There are currently 25 parkrun events in present-day Kent of which I have done 17. The first was Whitstable which started on November 6th 2010 and the newest is Dover Waterfront which started on September 9th 2023.

The Historic County of Kent has a further 14 events, totaling 39. These 14 are now part of Greater London. Both Bethlem Royal Hospital and Crystal Palace cross the Surrey/Kent border but are mostly in Historic Kent.

Completing all of the parkruns events in Kent is often called being “A Complete Kent”. “A Complete Kent +” would be completing all events in the Historic County of Kent, including those now in Greater London. For the absolute completists there’s also the “Complete Kent ++” which includes the 4 parkrun events in Essex and 2 in East Sussex whose Voronoi area extends into Kent. Scroll down for more on this. An alternative completion name is “Gar-Done of England”.

The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start. Course maps show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then.

PARKRUNS IN PRESENT-DAY COUNTY OF KENT

Ashford

 

Bedgebury Pinetum

  • I completed this event on: January 22nd 2022 with a finish time of: 26:23

  • Other routes touched: Bedgebury Pinetum Mountain Bike Routes

  • Inaugural: March 19th 2016

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Canterbury

 

Cyclopark

 

Dartford

  • I completed this event on: December 22nd 2018 with a finish time of: 29:06

  • Other routes touched (walk): Darent Valley Path

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 125

  • This event is also part of LonDone +

  • Inaugural: June 26th 2014

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Dartford Heath

 
route-31325370-map-full - Dartford Heath.png

Dover Waterfront

 

Folkestone

 

Great Lines, Medway

 

Kingdom

 

Leybourne Lakes

  • Formerly Malling parkun, but changed its name in October 2024 to avoid confusion with Malling Rec in Sussex.

  • I completed this event on: April 2nd 2022 with a finish time of: 25:29

  • Other routes touched: None

  • Inaugural: October 3rd 2015

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Lullingstone

 

Maidstone River Park

  • Formerly just called Maidstone parkrun

  • I completed this event on: April 9th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:46

  • Other routes touched (walk): KCC Centenary Walk

  • Inaugural: April 13th 2013

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Margate

  • I completed this event on: January 4th 2020 with a finish time of: 27:02

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 15, Viking Coastal Trail

  • Inaugural: April 27th 2013

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Mote Park

 

Pegwell Bay

 

Royal Tunbridge Wells

 

Shorne Woods

  • I completed this event on: March 26th 2022 with a finish time of: 26:14

  • Other routes touched: Several trails inside the country park

  • Inaugural: March 30th 2013

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Sittingbourne

 

Squerryes Winery

 
elevation_profile - Squerreys Winery.jpg

Swanley

 

The Leas, Minster

 

Tonbridge

  • I completed this event on: 15th January 2022 with a finish time of: 26:13

  • Other routes touched (walk): Weald Way, Eden Valley Walk, The Tudor Trail

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 12

  • Inaugural: November 9th 2013

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Walmer and Deal Seafront

 

Whitstable

  • I completed this event on: 3rd August 2024 with a finish time of: 28:35

  • Other routes touched (Walk): Saxon Shore Way

  • Other routes touched (Cycle): NCN 15: Viking Way

  • Inaugural: November 6th 2010

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

PARKRUNS IN HISTORIC COUNTY OF KENT BUT NOW IN GREATER LONDON (“Complete Kent +)

See the LonDone blog post for maps and stats for these:

* The Bethlem Royal Hospital Crystal Palace courses are partly in Historic Surrey and mostly in Historic Kent

Complete Kent ++: The Voronoi overlappers.

Once you’ve completed all of the parkrun events in Historic Kent the icing on the cake is to complete the 4 parkrun events in Essex and 2 in East Sussex whose Voronoi area extends into Kent. Note that different parkrun apps have slightly different calculations for their Voronoi maps. For this page I’ve used the Voronoi map from the Running Challenges Chrome Extension.

In the images below the light blue polygon is the non-Kent parkrun event whose Voronoi area extends into Kent. The red line is the county border.

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:


Richard gowerRun, parkrun, Kent, England Comments
LonDone: Completing all Greater London parkruns

LonDone is the term for completing all parkrun events in Greater London. There are currently 65 parkrun events in Greater London. The first was Bushy Park which started on October 2nd 2004 and the newest is Ingrebourne Hill which started on December 14th 2024.

I first completed LonDone on June 3rd 2018 at Catford which was the 52nd London event at the time.

There are also other terms: LonDone + for completing all parkruns within the M25. The definition of LonDone ++ is a little more debatable. See my LonDone + page for details.

Greater London parkruns by Borough

The London Boroughs are the 32 local authority districts that together with the City of London make up the administrative area of Greater London.

  • Bromley has the most parkrun events with 5.

  • There are 2 boroughs that do not currently have a parkrun event: Kensington and Chelsea and the City of Westminster.

  • The City of London also doesn’t have a parkrun event. Due to its small size and lack of green spaces it’s unlikely to ever have one.

  • 4 parkrun events share their name with the borough that they are in: Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Southwark.

  • Another 6 parkrun events have all or part of their name in the name of the borough that they are in: Barking, Fulham Palace, Hackney Marshes, Kingston, Richmond Park and Walthamstow.

The table above shows parkrun events listed by London Borough where the current start line is located. Most events are fully within the boundaries of their respective borough, however some cross borders. Events in italics with a * have explanations below. Thanks to the members of the various Facebook parkrun groups for input on these. Events like Clapham Common may be under the jurisdiction of a borough council but shown above in a different borough due to the start line location.

  • Clapham Common has the start and finish in Wandsworth although the course crosses into the eastern side of the Common which is part of Lambeth. The event is under Lambeth jurisdiction (thanks to Cal Jones for this info), although I’ve listed it under Wandsworth in the table for consistency of where the start point is.

  • Crane Park parkrun is half in Hounslow borough and half in Richmond - as the river Crane is the boundary. On the current course the start is in Hounslow and the finish in Richmond (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).

  • Kingston parkrun starts and ends in Kingston upon Thames and crosses over into Richmond upon Thames in the middle section (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).

  • Roundshaw Down parkrun has the briefing in Croydon, the start line just over the border in Sutton, and the finish in Croydon. Much of the course is in Sutton with the eastern edge in Croydon. (thanks to Robert Butlin for this info).

  • The Wanstead Flats course is in Redbridge, although the post-code for the Harrow Road Pavilion is in neighboring Waltham Forest. This is presumably because the entrance to the Pavilion is off Harrow Road which is right on the border.

  • Wimbledon Common parkrun is mostly in Wandsworth although the finish line and funnel is inside the Merton boundary - the Wandsworth border is a few metres north of the drinking trough next to the finish line. The old Wimbledon Common parkrun course, which was used as an alternative course (due to hornets on the usual course) in 2016 was entirely in Merton (thanks to Charles Leonard for this info).

Greater London parkruns by Historic County

Before the creation of Greater London, the area was split between 5 Historic Counties:

  • 23 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Middlesex. Hazelwood is the only parkrun event that was in Middlesex but is not now in Greater London.

  • 17 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Surrey. The Riddlesdown event crosses the current border of Greater London and present-day Surrey but is classified as London.

  • 14 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Kent. Both Crystal Palace and Bethlem Royal Hospital cross the border of Historic Surrey and Kent, but the parkrun courses are mostly on the Kent side.

  • 10 Greater London parkrun events were previously in the historic county of Essex. Hackney Marshes was all inside Middlesex when I did it in 2014, however the new course now starts and ends on the east side of the River Lea in Essex but still has most of the route in Middlesex.

  • 1 Greater London parkrun event (Oak Hill) was previously in the historic county of Hertfordshire

All of the London parkrun events …

Below are each of the Greater London parkun events in alphabetical order. A few things to note:

  • The interactive maps below take you to the approximate location for the course, typically the centre of the park. See the course instructions in the parkrun page for each event for specific directions to the start.

  • Course maps and elevation profiles show the route at the time that I ran it and may have changed since then. See the Course page in the event’s page on parkrun.co.uk for the current course outline.

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram details are based primarily on the public transport description in the Course page for each event plus input submitted by readers of this page.

  • See the LonDone parkrun travel connections page for more details on stations, driving and facilities.

parkrun LonDone Tracker

If you would like a PDF version of my manual LonDone tracker, please BuyMeACoffee and let me know on the Contact Page. It’s a table of all current Greater London parkrun events, plus all events inside the M25, with space for future new events. You can track your date completed and finish time. It’s simple and you could easily make one yourself, but let me know if you want a copy of mine. 20% of each virtual coffee goes to parkrun Forever and the rest goes toward the running of this website.

Ally Pally

 

Avery Hill (formerly Greenwich)

  • I completed this event on: May 13th 2017 with a finish time of: 34:07

  • Other routes touched (walk): Shuttle Riverway

  • Greater London Borough: Greenwich

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: March 6th 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Falconwood (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Barking

  • I completed this event on: October 28th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:40

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Barking and Dagenham

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: July 28th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Barking (National Rail via c2c. Overground. Underground via Bakerloo, District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Battersea

  • I completed this event on: December 28th 2024 with a finish time of: 28:30

  • Other routes touched: N/A, although the Thames Path runs through the park.

  • Greater London Borough: Wandsworth

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: October 12th 2024

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Battersea Power Station (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km). Alternatives: South Kensington and Sloane Square (Tube). Battersea Park Overground & National Rail.

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, Blog7t write-up

 

Beckenham Place

  • I completed this event on: February 3rd 2018 with a finish time of: 25:51

  • Other routes touched (walk): Green Chain Walk, Capital Ring

  • Greater London Borough: Lewisham

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: November 19th 2016

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Beckenham Hill (National Rail via Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Beckenham Junction (Tram).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Beckton

  • I completed this event on: January 6th 2017 with a finish time of: 27:28

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 13

  • Greater London Borough: Newham

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: June 2nd 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Royal Albert (DLR). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Bedfont Lakes

  • I completed this event on: January 18th 2014 with a finish time of: 24:13

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Hounslow

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: May 9th 2009

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Ashford (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Hatton Cross (Tube, then take a bus).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Bethlem Royal Hospital

  • I completed this event on: May 25th 2019 with a finish time of: 25:15

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Bromley

  • Historic County: Surrey & Kent (course is on the border of the 2 counties)

  • Inaugural: May 25th 2019

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Eden Park (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Bexley

  • I completed this event on: March 31st 2018 with a finish time of: 26:13

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Bexley

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: February 4th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Welling (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 1.2 miles (1.92 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Brockwell

  • I completed this event on: May 26th 2018 with a finish time of: 27:28

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Lambeth

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: December 11th 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Herne Hill (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Brixton (Tube).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Bromley

  • I completed this event on: March 17th 2018 with a finish time of: 26:38

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Bromley

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: August 29th 2009

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Bromley South (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Burgess

  • I completed this event on: December 2nd 2017 with a finish time of: 25:17

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 425

  • Greater London Borough: Southwark

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: September 22nd 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Elephant & Castle (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink, Underground via Bakerloo, Northern). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Bushy Park

  • I completed this event on: March 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 23:30

  • Other routes touched (walk): London Loop

  • Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: October 2nd 2004

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampton Court (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Teddington (Train), Hampton Wick (Train)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Canons Park

  • I completed this event on: November 12th 2016 with a finish time of: 26:03

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Harrow

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: October 8th 2016

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Canons Park (Underground via Jubilee). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Harrow & Wealdstone (Train)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Catford

  • I completed this event on: June 2nd 2018 with a finish time of: 25:47

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Lewisham

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: April 28th 2018

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hither Green (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Catford, Catford Bridge.

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Elephant's Head!

Charlton

  • I completed this event on: December 4th 2021 with a finish time of: 25:13

  • Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring

  • Greater London Borough: Greenwich

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: October 2nd 2021

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Charlton (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: DLR Woolwich, North Greenwich (Jubilee).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Clapham Common

  • I completed this event on: April 14th 2018 with a finish time of: 25:41

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Start and finish in Wandsworth although the course crosses into the eastern side of the Common which is part of Lambeth. The event is under Lambeth jurisdiction (thanks to Cal Jones for this info).

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: March 24th 2018

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Clapham South (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Clapham Junction (Train)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Crane Park

  • I completed this event on: October 4th 2014 with a finish time of: 24:24

  • Other routes touched (walk): London Loop

  • Greater London Borough: Crane Park parkrun is half in Hounslow borough and half in Richmond - as the river Crane is the boundary. On the current course the start is in Hounslow and the finish in Richmond (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: June 9th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Whitton (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Crystal Palace

  • I completed this event on: December 17th 2016 with a finish time of: 26:23

  • Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring

  • Greater London Borough: Bromley

  • Historic County: Surrey & Kent (course is on the border of the 2 counties)

  • Inaugural: May 29th 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Penge West (National Rail via Southern. Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: Penge East (Train), Crystal Palace (Train, Overground).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Dulwich

  • I completed this event on: October 22nd 2016 with a finish time of: 25:18

  • Other routes touched (walk): Green Chain Walk

  • Greater London Borough: Southwark

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: April 14th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: West Dulwich (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: North Dulwich.

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Finsbury Park

  • I completed this event on: January 24th 2015 with a finish time of: 28:06

  • Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring, New River Path

  • Greater London Borough: Haringey

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: October 31st 2009

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Finsbury Park (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink. Overground. Underground via Piccadilly, Victoria). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Foots Cray Meadows

  • I completed this event on: October 20th 2018 with a finish time of: 28:36

  • Other routes touched (walk): N/A but runs very close to the London Loop and Cray Riverway

  • Greater London Borough: Bexley

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: July 21st 2018

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Albany Park (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Fulham Palace

  • I completed this event on: October 19th 2013 with a finish time of: 23:28

  • Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path

  • Greater London Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: October 19th 2013

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Putney Bridge (Underground via District). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Putney.

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Gladstone

  • I completed this event on: November 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 24:14

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Brent

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: June 30th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Dollis Hill (Underground via Jubilee). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Cricklewood.

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Grovelands

  • I completed this event on: January 1st 2015 with a finish time of: 25:24

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Enfield

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: July 24th 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Winchmore Hill (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Southgate (Tube).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Gunnersbury

  • I completed this event on: March 8th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:11

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Hounslow

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: October 29th 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Acton Town (Underground via District, Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Kew Bridge (Rail).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Hackney Marshes

  • I completed this event on: January 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 25:12

  • Other routes touched (walk): Lea Valley Walk / Lea Canal Towpath

  • Greater London Borough: Hackney

  • Historic County: the course was all inside Middlesex when I did it in 2014, however the new course now starts and ends on the east side of the River Lea in Essex but still has most of the route in Middlesex

  • Inaugural: May 29th 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hackney Wick (Overground). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Stratford International DLR

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Hampstead Heath

  • I completed this event on: January 4th 2014 with a finish time of: 26:31

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Camden

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: May 14th 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampstead Heath (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Hampstead (Tube).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Hanworth

  • I completed this event on: June 15th 2019 with a finish time of: 27:24

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Hounslow

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: May 4th 2019

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Feltham (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 
elevation_profile - Hanworth.jpg

Harrow

  • I completed this event on: November 7th 2015 with a finish time of: 25:24

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Harrow

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: May 9th 2015

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Harrow on the Hill (National Rail via Chiltern Railways. Underground via Metropolitan). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Harrow Lodge

  • I completed this event on: March 25th 2017 with a finish time of: 25:33

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Havering

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: January 12th 2013

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Elm Park (Underground via District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Highbury Fields

  • I completed this event on: January 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 25:13

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 162

  • Greater London Borough: Islington

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: November 12th 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Highbury & Islington (National Rail via Great Northern. Overground. Underground via Victoria). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Hilly Fields

  • I completed this event on: May 27th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:53

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Lewisham

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: September 8th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Ladywell (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Hoblingwell

  • I completed this event on: February 10th 2018 with a finish time of: 26:02

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Bromley

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: July 15th 2017

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: St Mary Cray (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Ingrebourne Hill

  • I completed this event on: March 29th 2025 with a finish time of: 26:57

  • Other routes touched: London Loop, Ingrebourne Way

  • Greater London Borough: Havering

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: December 14th 2024

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Rainham (National Rail via c2c). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page

 

Kingston

  • I completed this event on: January 3rd 2015 with a finish time of: 25:26

  • Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4

  • Greater London Borough: Starts and ends in Kingston upon Thames and crosses over into Richmond upon Thames in the middle section (thanks to Mike Dennison for this info).

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: March 20th 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Hampton Wick (National Rail via South Western). Walking Distance: 1.7 miles (2.72 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Lloyd

  • I completed this event on: October 1st 2016 with a finish time of: 26:08

  • Other routes touched (walk): Vanguard Way

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 232

  • Greater London Borough: Croydon

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: October 23rd 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Lloyd Park (Tram). Walking Distance: >0.1 miles (>0.1 km). Alternative: East Croydon (Rail)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Lordship Recreation Ground

  • I completed this event on: November 12th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:26

  • Other routes touched: None

  • Greater London Borough: Haringey

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: October 22nd 2022

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Turnpike Lane (Underground via Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Bruce Grove (Overground)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Mile End

  • I completed this event on: April 22nd 2017 with a finish time of: 26:02

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 1. (walk): Jubilee Greenway

  • Greater London Borough: Tower Hamlets

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: February 4th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Mile End (Underground via Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Limehouse (Train, DLR).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Morden

  • I completed this event on: August 24th 2024 with a finish time of: 26:42

  • Other routes touched (cycle): None, although NCN 208 runs very close to the north-eastern edge of the course.

  • Greater London Borough: Merton

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: June 15th 2024

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Morden South (National Rail via Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Morden (Tube)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Northala Fields

  • I completed this event on: July 26th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:58

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club

  • Greater London Borough: Ealing

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: June 21st 2014

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Northolt (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Oak Hill

  • I completed this event on: January 10th 2015 with a finish time of: 24:58

  • Other routes touched (walk): Pymmes Brook Trail

  • Greater London Borough: Barnet

  • Historic County: Hertfordshire

  • Inaugural: August 27th 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Oakleigh Park (National Rail via Great Northern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 0.6 miles (0.96 km). Alternative: Southgate (Tube)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Old Deer Park

  • I completed this event on: September 21st 2013 with a finish time of: 23:32

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: August 21st 2010

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Richmond (National Rail via South Western. Overground. Underground via District). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Orpington

  • I completed this event on: December 24th 2016 with a finish time of: 28:04

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Bromley

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: September 15th 2012

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Orpington (National Rail via southeastern, Thameslink). Walking Distance: 1.6 miles (2.56 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Osterley

  • I completed this event on: January 25th 2014 with a finish time of: 23:35

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Hounslow

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: August 31st 2013

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Osterley (Underground via Piccadilly). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km). Alternative: Isleworth (Train)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Peckham Rye

  • I completed this event on: December 25th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:36

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Southwark

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: June 21st 2014

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Honor Oak Park (National Rail via Southern, Overground). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: Nunhead (Train)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Pymmes

  • I completed this event on: February 7th 2015 with a finish time of: 26:09

  • Other routes touched (walk): Pymmes Brook Trail

  • Greater London Borough: Enfield

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: April 9th 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Silver Street (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: Edmonton (Train), Seven Sisters (Tube)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Raphael

  • I completed this event on: February 11th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:36

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Havering

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: May 2nd 2015

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Romford (National Rail via greateranglia. Overground, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.9 miles (1.44 km). Alternative: Elm Park (Tube).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Richmond Park

  • I completed this event on: February 1st 2014 with a finish time of: 24:14

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 4

  • Greater London Borough: Richmond upon Thames

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: October 20th 2007

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Richmond (National Rail via South Western. Overground. Underground via District). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Riddlesdown

  • I completed this event on: January 1st 2017 with a finish time of: 26:24

  • Other routes touched (walk): London Loop, Tandridge Border Path

  • Greater London Borough: Croydon

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: July 2nd 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Whyteleafe (National Rail via Southern). Walking Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km). Alternative: Upper Warlingham (Train)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

  • Note that the start, and most of the course is in Greater London, however the finish is in Surrey.

 

Roundshaw Downs

  • I completed this event on: January 1st 2017 with a finish time of: 27:28

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Sutton. Roundshaw Down parkrun has the briefing in Croydon, the start line just over the border in Sutton, and the finish in Croydon. Much of the course is in Sutton with the eastern edge in Croydon. (thanks to Robert Butlin for this info).

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: July 18th 2009

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Waddon (National Rail via Southern). Walking Distance: 1.1 miles (1.76 km). Alternative: West Croydon (Overground), Wandle Park (Tram)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 
route-26832661-map-full - Roundshaw Downs.png

Southall

  • I completed this event on: February 12th 2022 with a finish time of: 25:03

  • Other routes touched: None

  • This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club

  • Greater London Borough: Ealing

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: January 8th 2022

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Southall (National Rail via GWR, Underground, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

South Norwood

  • I completed this event on: December 23rd 2017 with a finish time of: 28:28

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 21

  • This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club

  • Greater London Borough: Croydon

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: July 8th 2017

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Arena (Tram). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Alternative: Elmers End (Train), Norwood Junction (Overground).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Southwark

  • I completed this event on: November 23rd 2017 with a finish time of: 24:26

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • This event is also part of parkrun Compass Club

  • Greater London Borough: Southwark

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: September 7th 2013

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Surrey Quays (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.2 miles (0.32 km). Alternative: South Bermondsey (Train), Canada Water (Tube)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Stockley Country

  • I completed this event on: January 7th 2023 with a finish time of: 26:07

  • Other routes touched: The London Loop

  • Greater London Borough: Hillingdon

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: January 7th 2023

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: West Drayton (National Rail via GWR, Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 1 miles (1.6 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Sunny Hill

  • I completed this event on: April 13th 2019 with a finish time of: 26:48

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Barnet

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: March 30th 2019

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Colindale (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 1.3 miles (2.08 km). Alternative: Mill Hill Broadway (Train).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Sutcliffe

  • I completed this event on: November 20th 2021 with a finish time of: 25:01

  • Other routes touched: None

  • Greater London Borough: Greenwich

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: September 11th 2021

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Kidbrooke (National Rail via southeastern). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Thames Path, Woolwich

  • I completed this event on: May 20th 2023 with a finish time of: 24:47

  • Other routes touched (walk): Thames Path

  • Other routes touched (walk): NCN 1, Q14

  • Greater London Borough: Greenwich

  • Historic County: Kent

  • Inaugural: May 6th 2023

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Woolwich (Elizabeth Line). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Woolwich Arsenal DLR

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Tooting Common

  • I completed this event on: January 28th 2017 with a finish time of: 26:55

  • Other routes touched (walk): Capital Ring

  • Greater London Borough: Wandsworth

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: January 30th 2016

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Tooting Bec (Underground via Northern). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Balham (Train), Clapham Junction (Overground).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Valentines

  • I completed this event on: November 5th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:54

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Redbridge

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: February 19th 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Gants Hill (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.7 miles (1.12 km). Alternative: Alternative: Ilford (Train), Woodgrange Park (Overground).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Victoria Dock

  • I completed this event on: April 28th 2018 with a finish time of: 24:23

  • Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 13

  • Greater London Borough: Newham

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: March 17th 2018

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Royal Victoria (DLR). Walking Distance: 0.3 miles (0.48 km). Alternative: Custom House (Train), Canning Park (Tube).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Walthamstow

  • I completed this event on: December 3rd 2016 with a finish time of: 26:11

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Waltham Forest

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: January 26th 2013

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Higham's Park (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.8 miles (1.28 km). Alternative: Walthamstow Central (Train, Tube).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Wanstead Flats

  • I completed this event on: December 10th 2016 with a finish time of: 25:27

  • Other routes touched (walk): Greenwich Meridien Trail, Epping Forest Centenary Walk

  • Greater London Borough: Redbridge, although the post-code for the Harrow Road Pavilion is in neighboring Waltham Forest. This is presumably because the entrance to the Pavilion is off Harrow Road which is right on the border.

  • Historic County: Essex

  • Inaugural: May 21st 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Leytonstone High Road (Overground). Walking Distance: 0.5 miles (0.8 km). Alternative: Stratford International (Train), Leytonstone (Tube), Forest Gate (Elizabeth Line).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Wimbledon Common

  • I completed this event on: November 29th 2014 with a finish time of: 25:14

  • Other routes touched: Capital Ring

  • Greater London Borough: Wandsworth. The course is mostly in Wandsworth although the finish line and funnel is inside the Merton boundary - the Wandsworth border is a few metres north of the drinking trough next to the finish line. The old Wimbledon Common parkrun course, which was used as an alternative course (due to hornets on the usual course) in 2016 was entirely in Merton (thanks to Charles Leonard for this info).

  • Historic County: Surrey

  • Inaugural: January 6th 2007

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: Southfields (Underground via District). Walking Distance: 1.4 miles (2.24 km). Alternative: Putney (Train), Wimbledon (Tram).

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Wormwood Scrubs

  • I completed this event on: June 15th 2013 with a finish time of: 24:10

  • Other routes touched: N/A

  • Greater London Borough: Hammersmith and Fulham

  • Historic County: Middlesex

  • Inaugural: June 11th 2011

  • Nearest Train/Tube/Tram: East Acton (Underground via Central). Walking Distance: 0.4 miles (0.64 km). Alternative: Acton Main Line (Train)

  • Links: Event Home Page, Course Page, blog7t write-up

 

Actual Course Outlines for Greater London parkruns

Actual course outlines for the parkrun events in Greater London that I have completed. Some courses have changed their routes since I completed them.

More parkrun posts

parkruns are free, weekly, community 5k events all around the world. I started in December 2012 and have been obsessive about it ever since. See my parkrun Collection page for details.

Featured and popular parkrun posts:

More London posts

Richard gowerRun, parkrun, Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Essex, London, England Comments
Kent Spring Half Marathon

When: April 8th 2018
Where: Charing, Kent, UK
Course: Hour-glass shaped loop from Charing School through country lanes and part of the North Downs Way
Other routes touched (walk): North Downs Way, Shepherd Neame Walking Route,
Other routes touched (cycle): NCN 17
Finish time: 2:07 - slow due to [insert excuse here]

 
Richard gowerRun, Half Marathon, Kent, EnglandComment
Betsom's Hill: Kent County Top

Significance: Highest peak in Kent (Historic CT)
Member of: N/A
Parent Peak: Botley Hill. NHN = Botley Hill
Elevation: 251m
Date “climbed”: 3rd November 2013
Coordinates:  51°17′18″N 0°03′26″E
Route Start / End: Parking / Bus stop on A233
Route Distance: 0.2 km (0.1 miles)
Route Elevation Change: +/- 2m
Subsidiary tops on route: None
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other routes touched: None
Map: OS Explorer Map (147) Sevenoaks and Tonbridge
Guidebook: The UK's County Tops (Jonny Muir), Walking the County High Points of England (David Bathurst)
Links: Wikipedia (Kent), Wikipedia (Betsom’s Hill), Peakbagger, Hillbagging

I bagged Betsom’s Hill, the high point of the Historic County of Kent, in 2013 as a part of series of quick high-point drive-bys. It’s just over the border with Greater London so it can bagged within a short walk with Westerham Heights, the high point of Greater London. Nothing to see at either high point so do it on the way to much more interesting destinations along the North Downs Ridge.

Red = Betsom’s Hill. Green = Westerham Heights. Actual summits not accessible

Red = Betsom’s Hill. Green = Westerham Heights.

A peak so boring we only took 1 photo

elevation_profile.jpg

OTHER HIGH POINT IN Kent

Greater London Borough High Points formerly within Kent

Richard gowerTrek, UK County Tops, Kent, London Borough High Point, London, EnglandComment
Cycling The London Loop
Concrete barges at Rainham

Concrete barges at Rainham

The London Loop is a ~130-mile circular walking route of outer London. Although intended for walkers only, much of it is cyclable with just a few diversions from the main path. I completed it in a 2-day micro-adventure back in 2013. Please note that both the London Loop and Capital Ring were designed for walking. Much of both routes can be cycled as there’s many sections on cycle routes and roads. Some sections are on footpaths that should not be cycled so be prepared to find alternative routes around these.

Day 1: Southern Section: Harefield to Dartford

Start: The Coy Carp, Copperhill Lane, Harefield, Uxbridge UB9 6HZ
Finish: Grotty hotel near the Dartford Crossing, Kent
Distance: 110 km (68 miles)
Elevation Change: + 1.046m / - 1,082m. Net -36m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Colne Valley Trail, Hillingdon Trail, Grand Union Canal Towpath, Celandine Route, Shakespeare’s Way, Beeches Way, Thames Path, Thames Down Link, Hogsmill Valley Walk, Town and Down Circular Walk, Sutton Countryside Walk, Vanguard Way, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Cray Riverway, Darent Valley Path
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1, 125, 20, 21, 232, 4, 6, 61
Guidebook: The London Loop: Recreational Path Guide by Colin Saunders
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East
- OS Explorer Map (160) Windsor, Weybridge & Bracknell
- OS Explorer Map (161) London South, Westminster, Greenwich, Croydon, Esher & Twickenham
- OS Explorer Map (162) Greenwich and Gravesend 

Day 2: Northern Section: Dartford to Harefield

Start: Grotty hotel near the Dartford Crossing, Kent
Finish: The Coy Carp, Copperhill Lane, Harefield, Uxbridge, UB9 6HZ
Distance: 92 km (57 miles)
Elevation Change: + 967m / - 962m. Net +5m
GPX File: get via Buy Me a Coffee
Other Routes Touched (Walk): Havering Green Ways, Greenwich Meridian Trail, Lea Valley Walk, New River Path, Pymmes Brook Trail, Colne Valley Trail, Hillingdon Trail, Grand Union Canal Towpath
Other Routes Touched (Cycle): NCN 1, 13, 136, 3, 6, 61
Guidebook: The London Loop: Recreational Path Guide by Colin Saunders
Maps:
- OS Explorer Map (173) London North, The City, West End, Enfield, Ealing, Harrow & Watford
- OS Explorer Map (172) Chiltern Hills East

You can't cycle over the Dartford Bridge or under the tunnel but there is a free service that drives you and your bikes through. There's a free phone at the entrance to the tunnel on either side.

The London Loop and Capital Ring

London Loop in Blue, Capital Ring in Red. Base map from OpenStreetMap

London Loop in Blue, Capital Ring in Red. Base map from OpenStreetMap

More London posts

Richard gowerCycle, NCN, Canal, London, England, Colne Valley, Thames, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent, Essex Comments