The London-based hiking group for people in their 20s - 30s.
Stuart B.
A fast paced figure of 8 walk that takes place entirely in London's most rural borough. Starting off through the rolling hills to the north of the North Downs ridge (including passing Charles Darwin's house) and passing through some pleasant rural villages (where the locals like to claim they still live in Kent!), and then on to Keston common, following the river Ravensbourne for a bit and then some of Bromley Common, and finishing at Hayes.
Bring a packed lunch. The lunch stop will be 11 miles into the walk at High Elms Country Park where there is a cafe and public toilets, so make sure to have a hearty breakfast! However, there will also be a 10 minute mini-break at Cudham 5 miles into the walk, where there are benches and public toilets. An undulating walk (except the completely flat last new miles) with a total ascent of 500 metres. The walk is likley to be muddy in places, especially if it rains immediately before or during the walk. The intention is to walk at a fast pace (terrain permitting), so we should be finished before losing the light, and the last mile or so are on urban roads, but please bring a head torch just in case
There are three pubs to choose from in Hayes at the end, two small pubs specialising in craft beer and real ale, and a much more conventional one that is much bigger in size.
TRANSPORT: Take the 9:31 from London Charing Cross (Waterloo East: 9:34, London Bridge 9:40) arrive at Knockholt 10:20. Meet next to the exit of Knockholt station.
Use Oyster / contactless.
There are direct trains back to London Bridge every 15 minutes from Hayes. It is also a straightforward two mile walk / 10-minute bus journey to Bromley South station from there.
Knockholt Station
Hayes
