Route Section

Capital Ring

Section 4 (Crystal Palace to Streatham Common)

Description:

A rollercoaster of a walk among the ridges and valleys of the former Great North Wood. It is very steep in places, but you are rewarded with some fine views and pleasant scenery.

From Crystal Palace station (close to Section 10 of the Green Chain Walk) you climb over a ridge then drop down through Westow Park and Upper Norwood Recreation Ground. A second ridge (Beulah Hill) is crossed, then comes a level stretch through Biggin Wood, one of the few remnants of the Great North Wood.

A final climb in Norwood Grove leads through beautiful gardens and past the former mansion that now serves as an education centre (dog walkers must make a short diversion here over grass). A welcome cafe serves refreshments at Rookery Gardens, then you descend Streatham Common to the section end on Streatham Common Station.

Boroughs which the route passes through:

Bromley
Croydon
Lambeth

Distance:

4 miles ( 6.5 km)

Start:

Crystal Palace station (GR 341-705)

Finish:

Streatham High Road (GR 302-710)

Recommended direction:

East to west

Terrain and surface:

Almost entirely on tarmac paths or pavements; one short stretch on rough path. Undulating with some fairly steep ascents and descents. No stiles. 3.0km (1.9ml) beside roads

Signage:

Complete both ways. The logo is 'Big Ben' and text 'Capital Ring' in blue and green on white background.

Refreshments and toilets:

Pubs at Crystal Palace and Streatham. Cafe at Rookery Gardens. Public toilets at Rookery Gardens and Streatham Common

Public transport and breakpoints:

Rail: Crystal Palace, Streatham, Streatham Common
Buses: at stations above and at Beulah Hill

Links with other walks:

Green Chain Walk

Map required:

Explorer 161

Principal promoters:

London Walking Forum, LB Bromley, LB Croydon, LB Lambeth

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