The Capital Ring Walk consists of fifteen segments that completely encircle London. The total distance is about 125 km, with each segment consisting of from 7 or 8 km to 15 km or so, easily manageable in two or three hours. The start and finish of the segments coincide with Underground or rail stations. Maps and guides for each segment are available here.

We will organise this as a group, walking every two or three Sundays, weather permitting, with an 11 AM start, and either conclude with a lunch somewhere at the end of the walk, or stop along the way. Perhaps in the warmer months we can plan on a picnic.

We will not walk in the rain, or if there is a strong likelihood of rain or similar foul weather.

Participants are encouraged to make comments and post photographs. If a walk is to be postponed because of bad weather, this will be announced on the blog a few hours before the start.

02 January 2013

Crystal Palace to Streatham Common

Departing from Crystal Palace rail station.
Our first walk of the year took place on a rather dreary day, and a slight drizzle began just as we were nearing the end of the route, at Streatham rail station. Penelope, Nadia and I were joined by Penelope's brother Sotos Soteriou, who is visiting from Toronto.
To be fair, this was not the most interesting of the segments of the Capital Ring. There were some pleasant parks and some rather dramatic views, but very little of cultural interest. Some parts of the route are more stimulating than others, I suppose.
The route begins at the Crystal Palace rail station. It winds through a residential neighbourhood, then traverses the Westow Park, followed by Upper Norwood Recreation Ground and Biggin Hill Wood.
Norwood Grove.
An 'alternate route for dog walkers'!
The highlight of the walk starts when the trail enters Norwood Grove, which is a remnant of the Great North Wood. There is an impressive building atop the hill, built in the 1840s by Arthur Anderson, joint founder of the P & O Steam Navigation Company. It is now an education centre owned by Croydon Council, and is much in need of a coat of paint and some repairs.



War memorial at Streatham.
This is really the beginning of Streatham Common, or so it seems. The path enters the Rookery Gardens, which are very beautiful, and then proceeds to the huge, open expanse of Streatham Common.

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