London Loop Diaries #5
Section #5: Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South (walked 25th April 2026)
After a slightly longer than intended break, owing to a trip to Japan, weekend engineering works on the Thameslink, and life generally getting in the way, I finally got back out onto the London Loop to tackle Section 5, a gorgeous 9km ramble from Hamsey Green to Coulsdon South.
Officially, Section 5 begins at Hamsey Green bus stop which involves taking the 403 bus from West Croydon station. Coming from outside of London this adds quite a bit of travel time before the walk has even started so I cheated, taking a train from London Bridge to Whyteleafe and picking up the route from New Barn Lane. The distance I walked is about the same and meant that I could spend more time enjoying the route and less time travelling to it. I'd learnt from the Capital Ring, and even Section 4 of the Loop, that I couldn't get too precious about walking the route perfectly. This was all part of defining my own adventure.
New Barn Lane is an industrial estate, leading you over a train bridge and into a pretty little neighbourhood of houses. A gradual uphill climb through the houses soon turns into a steep incline as you enter Kenley Common. I paused as I entered Kenley Common to catch my breath, only for it to be taken away again as a glider came soaring overhead. I quickly checked the route maps, only to be reminded that this section of the Loop came close to RAF Kenley. The aviation geek in me was hoping for a better view of the Aerodrome itself, but sadly it wasn't meant to be. I know I’ll get my plane fix as I get closer to Heathrow but this is the second time the Loop teases you with an airport (Biggin Hill Airport in Section 3) only for it to remain out of sight.
Kenley Common itself is a beautiful stretch of open greenery. Given that it was the hottest day of the year so far, I was surprised at how quiet it was. Aside from a few dog walkers and runners I had the place to myself and my thoughts. Following the footpath, I left the common and walked through Betts Mead. The path guides you alongside a large horse paddock and given how nice the day was, there were plenty of horses to say hello to. Whilst there weren’t many ‘official’ London Loop signs on this stretch of the route, I did notice someone had very handily painted a London Loop sign onto a fence post. It’s nice to see the landowners ensuring people are heading in the right direction.
After a very brief stroll through a residential area, I was back into open green spaces as I entered Coulsdon Common. Whilst Kenley Common was quiet, Coulsdon Common was absolutely packed with people out for walks, sunbathing, and just generally enjoying the weather with friends and family. It was nice to see so many people out enjoying London’s green spaces.
Happy Valley snuck up on me. Leaving Coulsdon Common you pass The Fox pub before walking alongside a car park and playing fields, following a relatively nondescript path before Happy Valley just presents itself in front of you. Gorgeous rolling hills, clear blue skies and plenty of benches to sit down on and watch the world go by. I took the weight off my feet for a moment, letting the beautiful surroundings wash over me. Setting off again, the route takes you down onto the valley floor itself, giving you the feeling of being swallowed up by nature. Once again, I was surprised at how quiet the area was but I wasn’t complaining at having somewhere so beautiful nearly all to myself. You’re led off into Devilsden Wood, an area of ancient woodland which provided some welcome cover from the afternoon sun.
Devilsden Wood leads you out into the car park of Farthing Downs, with lots of picnic benches for those wanting a break and even a dog wash to help with those really muddy days. Leaving the car park, you’re rewarded with a relatively flat walk along the top of the downs with some incredible views of the surrounding area — stretching all the way to the City of London and Canary Wharf. Something I appreciated was the historical signage that cropped up frequently on the path, explaining the history of the area which dates all the way back to the Iron Age.
I later found out, thanks to a colleague who’s also walking the Loop, that Farthing Downs has historic significance for the London Loop itself. On May 3rd, 1996, the first section of the Loop opened with a ceremony marking the occasion held here at Farthing Downs. Whilst it would take another five years for all the sections to be linked into one continuous path — not becoming fully walkable until 2001 — I liked the fact that I was walking the same paths on which the Loop began 30 years ago.
Leaving Farthing Downs brings you out into Coulsdon South, where a short stroll through the town leads you to Coulsdon South train station where Section 5 of the London Loop ends. I didn’t have to wait long for a train back to London Bridge, heading back to my local for a well-earned beer.
Completing Section 5 means I’ve now walked 20% of the Loop and I’m keeping up the monthly cadence I set out to achieve from the start. Coulsdon South is the most southerly point of the Loop — from here, the Loop turns north.
41 miles down. 109 miles to go.
