Best walks to or from Elmers End

Elmers End Station to Bromley South Station

A quieter route using three green spaces and leafy residential roads, with a few short sections along busier roads, a short steep stretch down Kingswood Road and a railway footbridge with several dozen steps. Some woodland paths can be muddy; steps and grass. Passes Harvington Woods, Queensmead Recreation Ground and Glassmill Ponds, and the Grade II listed former pagoda-style petrol station (now a Tesco Express); public toilets in Kelsey Park.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

Lunch: A few shops on Wickham Road; the Glades shopping centre at Bromley.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

East Croydon Station to Elmers End Station

A good, direct urban route making good use of green spaces including the Addiscombe Railway Path and South Norwood Country Park and on firm tracks with clear paths and minimal traffic contact. Both ends are linked by the tram. The Addiscombe Railway Path provides welcome shade.

5km.

Lunch: Tesco at Elmers End has the usual facilities; an ice-cream van by Norwood Park.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Crystal Palace Station to Elmers End Station

A quieter route through Betts Park and the wild South Norwood Country Park, on tarmac footpaths and quiet residential roads and with a short busy-road section and a steep hill down near Crystal Palace. A dark narrow tunnel under the railway; very muddy in places near the park lakes after rain; parts unlit at night. Passes the remains of the Croydon Canal north of Betts Park; toilets and a cafe in Crystal Palace Park; toilets in the Tesco at Elmers End; a tram stop at Harrington Road.

Easy: 3km, gentle ascents.

A dark, narrow tunnel under the railway; very muddy paths near South Norwood Country Park and the lakes after wet weather; the country park and parts of Betts Park are unlit at night.

Lunch: Shops on Anerley Road near Crystal Palace station and a small shop on Croydon Road.

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