If you love nature walks, then make sure to join us for this fabulous walk on Saturday 16 February. Considering that this walk starts in the suburbs of London (and within the boundaries of London Transport Travelcard zone six), this walk passes through some remarkably unspoilt countryside.

Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Riddlesdown and Coulsdon Commons are all ancient grazing lands, lovingly preserved as part of the London Greenbelt, and offering a delightful series of woods and open spaces. We will explore and enjoy the gorgeous views of Happy Valley.

England was once covered with commons – common grazing lands for a particular village. Many were lost to private landowners in the Enclosure movement in the 18th century, and others have reverted to woodland for lack of management or become farmland. The preservation of Farthing Down, Kenley Common, Coulsdon Common and Riddlesdown on this walk is due to the forward thinking of the Corporation of London (the local authority for the City of London), who in the 1880s started to acquire land in and around London to promote good health and give Londoners a place of recreation.
Happy Valley was only turned into an open space in 1937 and 1938, when various local farms were bought by Coulsdon Council as part of the London Greenbelt scheme. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its flora and as a habitat for ground nesting birds such as larks.

On our way we will try to visit Chaldon Church, which has a wall painting dating back to the Middle Ages.
Until March we will gradually build up the length of our walks, as some of us are training to Nordic Walk the Big Half (marathon). So get in now, get some miles in, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the daylight. Even if you are not walking the Big Half, you might find yourself super fit, happy and healthy by the time spring starts!

Where do we meet?

We meet up at 9.20 am by FCB coffee shop next to Denmark Hill station, where we will catch the 9.37 am Overground to Clapham Junction. From there we will hop on the 9.58 am Southern train (platform 13) to East Grinstead, which will arrive at Riddlesdown train station at 10.18 am.
You could meet us at either Clapham Junction or Riddlesdown too, if that is easier. Just text me to let me know that is your plan, so I know to look out for you!
Please take note of my mobile 078 078 3456 4, just in case you can’t find us!

Terrain and length of the route:

The length of this walk is 10.5 miles / 16.8 kilometres.
There are some hills and we will be walking on rough paths, tracks and grass as well as some tarmac paths. Make sure to bring comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good profile.

Toilets, food/drinks & what to bring:

I suggest we bring a pick-nick and enjoy our lunch outside, but there is a pub where we could stop for a wee and/or a bite to eat and a hot drink if the weather isn’t nice enough to eat outside.
There is a public toilet on both ends of Farthing downs and
Don’t forget to bring something to drink for on the way.
This walk will happen in any weather unless it is unsafe, so bring your waterproofs if necessary, and (preferably waterproof) shoes with a good grippy profile, and make sure to bring a sunhat/cap or your sunglasses, as we often seem to be lucky with the weather!

Who can join?

Anyone who can comfortably walk 10 miles.
Feel free to bring a friend or family member, with or without poles. Nordic Walkers or not, that doesn’t matter, as long as they are Fit (enough) and Happy! 😊
Are you a Nordic walker but don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some.

Cost:

£10
If you are one of our regular Fit and Happy Outdoors walkers I can recommend buying a ten-session card for £89. This card can be used on Explorer walks as well as our other Nordic Walking fitness walks.
(We also lead regular Nordic Walking fitness classes. These happen every weekday in Burgess Park/ Brockwell Park/ Sydenham Hill and Dulwich Park.)
If you are genuinely poverty stricken- £5
(Train tickets and food or drinks at café not included)

Need poles?

Don’t have your own poles? Would you like to borrow some from me? Text me the MORNING OF THE WALK on 078 078 3456 4 and I will bring you some. (please, please do not ask me days before, as I will forget and that will make us both unhappy!)

Thinking about buying your own?
Check our shop for a great range of poles. Too much choice? You might like to read this useful guide first. Feel free to give us a ring, we are happy to advise you on the best poles for your lifestyle, needs and wishes.

How to join this walk

New to Fit and Happy Outdoors? Please fill in the registration and health questionaire, which you can find here and email them to walks@fitandhappyoutdoors.com at least 24 hours before the session, mentioning in the header which walk you want to join. That will give us enough time to get back to you and discuss your needs and experience.

Please sign up for our Meetup Group to easily RSVP and find out when the next walks are.

Not on Meetup (yet)? You can also use this contact form: