Best walks to or from Sutton

Sutton Station to Purley Station

A good South London urban route on pavements through green, leafy residential streets, with a bit of hill here and there over the buried North Downs. Purley is traffic-heavy but the route becomes quieter up the hill and with some good distant views.

7km.

Stanley Park at Carshalton has no clear through route; locals squeeze through a gap in the fence at the Carshalton Beeches side. The stretch into Sutton can be a little busy.

Lunch: Possible refreshments at Woodcote Green and Carshalton Beeches.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Sutton Station to Coulsdon Town Station

A lovely, direct route mixing quiet roads, a section of the London Loop, a bridle path and firm earth paths shared with horses through Oaks Park. The last mile or so is fairly steep downhill and with quite a lot of pleasant pavement walking; impressive views on a clear day. Part of the route follows the London Loop. Passes the well-known lavender fields at Mayfield. Cafe and toilets near the south entrance to Oaks Park.

Easy: 7km, moderate ascents.

Crossing Croydon Lane at the lavender fields as drawn is at a dangerous spot with non-stop traffic; use the pedestrian crossing nearby instead.

Lunch: Cafe at Oaks Park, food shops at Coulsdon and a free toilet outside Aldi.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Sutton Station to Mitcham Eastfields Station

Starts outside Sutton station past shops, then a mainly residential route as far as St Helier Hospital, with views to Croydon and the Crystal Palace transmitter. Beyond there it follows pavement beside a park into open space and becoming vaguer at Poulter Park; the path beside the River Wandle was very muddy. Follows the River Wandle towards the end.

Easy: 6km, flat terrain.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Motspur Park Station to Sutton Station

A short urban walk on pavements, off-road footpaths and cycleways alongside the Pyl Brook, forming a sort of linear park and with two A roads crossed at proper crossings. Some sections can be puddly with a little mud.

6km.

Lunch: Several refreshment opportunities along the way.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Ewell West Station to Sutton Station

A pleasant walk making good use of green spaces, through Cheam and Nonsuch Parks and with some quieter-street and roadside walking. Some steps and earth paths through woods; the section through Nonsuch Park can be very muddy. Uses a London Loop link in Nonsuch Park; can connect to Epsom from Nonsuch Park.

Easy: 4km, moderate ascents.

The section through Nonsuch Park can be very muddy; bring mud-proof footwear. Two major roads to cross, including the A24 with speedy traffic.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Sutton Station to Wallington Station

A direct, almost entirely urban route on pavements through a pleasant residential area of South London and with plenty of greenery and rolling hills. Toilets in the stations.

Easy: 3km, moderate ascents.

A couple of busy roads to cross, but not difficult.

Lunch: Refreshments and shops at Carshalton Beeches, around the half-way point.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

St. Helier Station to Sutton Station

A route through pedestrianised high street, busy roads and two pleasant parks and with a short residential section. Mostly easy walking; a busy road is crossed by footbridge. Cafe and toilets at Rosehill Park.

Easy: 4km, gentle ascents.

Lunch: Shops at each end.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route