Best walks to or from Beckenham

Beckenham Junction Station to Bromley South Station

A pleasant suburban walk along mainly quiet, well-heeled residential roads, partly along a chain of small parks following the River Ravensbourne. Some unadopted roads with rough surfaces and potholes and one section is even unsurfaced dirt; a moderately steep stretch with views around The Avenue. Follows the River Ravensbourne through Queensmead Recreation Ground and a chain of small parks.

Easy: 3km, moderate ascents.

Crossing the A222 near Shortlands Station is problematic; use the zebra crossing a few hundred metres east.

Lunch: Shops, a cafe and a chip shop near Shortlands Station mid-route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Catford Station to Beckenham Junction Station

A largely off-road suburban walk through two contrasting parks and following the River Ravensbourne and Pool River along the Waterlink Way through a chain of linear parks. A fairly steep climb up Overbrae and some steps over the railway at Lower Sydenham; mostly well-surfaced paths. Follows the Waterlink Way through Beckenham Place Park, the largest park in this part of SE London, where you can picnic, wild swim or stop at the mansion courtyard cafe. Six bus routes converge at Bell Green just off the route.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

A footbridge with steps and no ramps crosses the railway at Lower Sydenham.

Lunch: A cafe in the Beckenham Place Park mansion courtyard, plus a shop and cafe near Lower Sydenham Station.

End-of-walk reward: the Catford Bridge Tavern.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Crystal Palace Station to Beckenham Junction Station

An enjoyable short walk through two parks linked by mostly low-traffic residential streets and with a couple of busier road sections. One very steep path inside Crystal Palace Park; not entirely step-free. Follows the Green Chain Walk and Capital Ring signs past the Victorian dinosaur statues in Crystal Palace Park. Passes several intermediate stations and bus routes.

Easy: 5km, gentle ascents.

Crossing Copers Cope Road can be tricky.

Lunch: Toilets and a cafe at the southern entrance of Crystal Palace Park; the Alexandra pub is passed mid-route.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Elmers End Station to Beckenham Junction Station

A short, direct and easy suburban walk on quiet residential streets with a brief and pleasant section through a recreation ground. Croydon Road Recreation Ground has a lot of mistletoe and an Edwardian bandstand. Both ends are on the tram as well as the railway.

Easy: 2km, gentle ascents.

You cross the very busy Beckenham High Street; light-assisted crossings help on Croydon Road.

Lunch: A small parade of shops where the route briefly joins Croydon Road, plus food and drink options in Beckenham.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route