3rd August 2014
Addington Hills is a beautiful public space that sits between South Croydon and Upper Shirley. This route starts at the recreation ground by Norwood Junction station (on the overground) and takes a circuit through residential Addiscombe to join Shirley Oaks Golf Club (5 minutes in to the video). See if you can spot the newlywed bride taking a breather at 6 minutes and 25 seconds.
We cross Oaks Road to join the Hills at their Northern edge. This is where the oldest trees can be found. There’s a steep climb through the gravel beds which in times gone by were mostly covered by heather, but are now quite thick with woodland.
The land was acquired for public use in parts and now covers 130 acres. Amidst some embarrassing photo opportunities, we cut through to the viewpoint (9.24) where on a clear day you’re supposed to be able to see Windsor Castle. Well, we can see the other side of London. Make sure you click the high resolution settings on your YouTube window to enjoy that!
If you’re looking for more adventure at this point, you can make your way into Surrey by picking up our Bramley Bank route here.
Looping back North, we make our way back downhill towards Oaks Road, getting distracted by some makeshift dens and ropeswings in the woodland. At some point Ed takes a tumble which is captured marvellously on the Go Pro.
Back along the road to the Golf Course, we head West past Coombe Farm to the sun-scorched meadows of Lloyd Park, ending up near Sandilands Tram stop on Addington Road.
AMENITIES
Addington Hills itself is served well by public transport. Lloyd Park and Coombe Lane tram stops will drop you at either end of the area. London buses the 130 and 466 also serve the area between Addiscombe and East Croydon.
Our video starts at Norwood Junction station, which is on the Overground and main railway lines via London Bridge, London Victoria and East Croydon, but you’ve got a 20 minute run from there before you get to the fun stuff.
Foodwise, there’s a Chinese restaurant in the middle of the park, which is random.
The Coach House Cafe is to the West in a converted stable yard.
The nearest pubs are The Beefeater Grill on Coombe Road and The Sandrock on Upper Shirley Road.