Walks from Coulsdon

Happy Valley chalk grassland known for rare orchids and butterflies, woodland trails and part of the London LOOP.

Happy Valley: Scenic dry chalk valley rich in wildflowers and butterflies.

Walk details: Surrey Hills National Landscape (turn-by-turn directions).

Chalk grassland and downland through the South London Downs National Nature Reserve, with wildflowers, rare orchids and sweeping views toward London and Surrey.

Woodland: a fifth under tree cover.

Riddlesdown Common: Open chalk downland common managed by the City of London Corporation.

Riddlesdown Quarry: Disused 17th-century chalk quarry, now a wildlife haven.

Kenley Airfield: Former RAF station and key Battle of Britain fighter base, now a scheduled monument.

Kenley Common: Open common bordering the former airfield.

Coulsdon Common: Chalk grassland common.

Happy Valley: Scenic dry chalk valley rich in wildflowers and butterflies.

Devilsden Wood: Ancient woodland on the side of Happy Valley.

Farthing Downs: Open chalk downland with views over the North Downs.

2 lunch spots: the Wattenden Arms (cosy pub near Kenley Airfield serving Sunday roasts and breakfasts), or the Fox

Warnings: Steep stepped descent to Whyteleafe and a sharp incline up to Kenley Airfield; railway footbridge at Stumps Lane is tucked behind a garage off the A22.

Walk details: Walking Post (tips, photos and local insights).

Similar walk: the Saturday Walkers Club.

Woodland: a quarter under tree cover.

1 lunch spot: the Harrow Pub (2h in)

1 end-of-walk reward: the Home Cottage

Warnings: Pleasant but apparent that you haven't left London.

Source: Trains2Green.

Ancient commons, open grazing land, bluebell woods, chalk downland and quiet suburban fringe.

Source: An alternative variant of Riddlesdown to Coulsdon South (Saturday Walkers Club).

Chalk downland, commons, wooded valleys, Happy Valley, airfield perimeter and restored grassland.

Warnings: Can be muddy.

Source: An alternative variant of Whyteleafe Circular (Saturday Walkers Club).