Best walks to or from East Croydon

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

Norbury Station to East Croydon Station

An enjoyable urban route mostly along quiet back streets and green spaces and with a cemetery and a park as highlights. Largely flat and easy.

Easy: 7km, flat terrain.

The north exit from Queen's Road Cemetery is permanently locked; head straight across and bear left to exit onto Pawsons Road instead.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Mitcham Eastfields Station to East Croydon Station

some good views. A route of two parts: roughly half on the busy, lively London Road and residential streets, half across the open common land of Mitcham Common with ups, downs and great views. The common can be soft, wet, boggy and muddy in places and especially around the ponds; some bike barriers.

7km.

Mitcham Common and the back alleyways are unlit and could feel uncomfortable after dark; do not cross the busy London Road roads against the lights.

Lunch: Both Croydon and Mitcham have plentiful refreshment opportunities.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Wallington Station to East Croydon Station

A pleasant urban route, much of it through parkland and along the Wandle Trail following the River Wandle and with the last couple of kilometres on pavements alongside fairly busy roads. Some paths a little muddy after rain but fine for normal shoes; a few steps in the churchyard by Croydon Minster. Majority lit at night. Passes through Beddington Park and follows the Wandle Trail. Toilets at Waddon Ponds. Passes tram stops before East Croydon. Connects with the Sutton-to-Croydon route (SutWal three).

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

Manor Road at Wallington is busy; other route options can avoid it. Beware the trams in the pedestrianised areas of Croydon.

Lunch: Food outlets and supermarkets in Church Street, Croydon.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

East Croydon Station to Crystal Palace Station

A green walk taking in plenty of parks and open spaces along quiet back streets and avoiding main roads for the most part. Some paths are rough and prone to mud and puddles after wet weather; shallow steps in places. Good cafes along South Norwood High Street and in Stanley Halls.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Can be muddy.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Purley Station to East Croydon Station

A mainly quiet-roads suburban route, a little dull and with a pleasant green start through a park. Includes steps at Sanderstead Station and over a couple of railway bridges.

Easy: 5km, moderate ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route