For our next Inside Croydon guided walk, we are returning to a route first checked out by KEN TOWL seven years ago – a short, sociable autumn stroll up a hill and through the woods and meadows passing Kenley aerodrome and the Croydon observatory. And all to raise some money for one of Croydon’s long-standing charities
Join us!: we’ll be off to Kenley Common, seeking a yellow-brick road
Inside Croydon’s guided walks around the outskirts of London offer our loyal readers a chance to find out more about the area, their environment and history.
Our next walk is on the afternoon of Sunday November 17.
We will be exploring a modest three miles through to gorgeous Kenley Common (“a piece of countryside preserved for you, denizen of the capital, by the foresight and munificence of the City of London Corporation”), and Kenley aerodrome, a base for Battle of Britain Hurricanes and Spitfires, now home to a more peaceful gliding school.
It was all first detailed by Ken Towl here in 2017.
There is, or was, even a yellow brick road along the route. Though no Dorothy or Wizard. Or Elton to say goodbye to.
Up hill at the start (“This walk has a demanding beginning,” Towl advised then) past the aerodrome and across to The Fox on Coulsdon Common for our finish line, and a pint, then it will be then up to individuals whether they choose to get a 466 bus home or, for the keen and bold, set off for a return ramble back the way we came…
The walk is open to anyone aged 18 and over and is free of charge. Parents and carers of children aged 12 to 18 can bring the youngsters along, but we ask that each child is accompanied by an adult.
We do ask that participants make a minimum £5 donation per person to the Garwood Foundation, which is Inside Croydon’s nominated charity for 2024.
The Garwood Foundation is a long-standing and well-respected Croydon charity which does remarkable work, providing a range of services to amazing people with a variety of disabilities including education, therapies, activities and residential care. “We create safe spaces for everyone to explore what they can do and allow their abilities to shine through.” For more information about the Garwood Foundation, please click here.
Places on our November walk are limited, and if we reach our limit, paid subscribers to Inside Croydon will get priority booking.
Important: Health and safety for the walk
The safety and well-being of our readers, walkers and ramblers is always our priority. Before embarking on our guided walk, we want to ensure that you enjoy the experience safely.
Weather conditions: Please be aware that weather conditions can change quickly. Dress appropriately, and come prepared with a small backpack to carry essentials such as waterproof jacket and drinking water.
Please wear comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for walking long distances.
In case of extreme bad weather, we may need to cancel the walk and will notify you if any changes are necessary.
Hydration and comfort: It’s important to stay hydrated during the tour. We recommend bringing a water bottle.
Participant wellbeing: It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that they are fit and healthy to take part in a long walk.
By working together and following these guidelines, we can ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Places for our walk on November 17 are strictly limited, so sign up now by clicking here and visiting our Eventbrite page
- If you have a news story about life in or around Croydon, or want to publicise your residents’ association or business, or if you have a local event to promote, please email us with full details at inside.croydon@btinternet.com
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ROTTEN BOROUGH AWARDS: In January 2024, Croydon was named among the country’s rottenest boroughs for a SEVENTH successive year in the annual round-up of civic cock-ups in Private Eye magazine
