Best walks to or from Wallington

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

Wallington Station to Purley Station

A greener-than-expected suburban route, with a steady climb out of Wallington on a traffic-free path, open downland in the middle, a downhill footpath into Purley. Ground can be soggy or slightly muddy in wet weather and with steps and grassland. Toilets in the large Tesco at the Purley end.

Easy: 4km, moderate ascents.

Lunch: Roads and shops at either end, but no facilities in between.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Mitcham Eastfields Station to Wallington Station

A greener footpath alternative diverting through Beddington Farmlands (two lakes and birdwatching hides) and Beddington and Grange Parks. The first stretch out of Mitcham is alongside a busy road; thereafter it is mostly firm gravel through the Farmlands and surfaced through the parks. Farmland paths can be muddy in winter and there are steep steps each side of a tramway bridge. Beddington Farmlands has two birdwatching hides overlooking lakes; herons, egrets, lapwing and other wildfowl seen.

Easy: 6km, gentle ascents.

Steep steps each side of the bridge over the tramway, and steps on the railway footbridge. Crossing the busy A237 Carshalton Road is tricky.

Lunch: Plenty of shops and cafes in Wallington and Mitcham, but nothing in between.

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