Broorp one

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I walked this route from Orpington to Bromley on a very windy autumn day started at around 10 am. It took me about an hour and 45 min to finish, a little longer than the suggested 1 hour. It was rather pleasant journey. I didn't feel much of the wind in the woods. The downside is that there is not much activities if you bring kids along, also there is not many places to rest and enjoy the scenary (I would imagine it would be rather nice during spring/summer time). The route can be roughly cut into 3 sections, Orpington to Crofton, Crofton to Southborough, and Southborough to Bromley.
From Orpington to Crofton, it is mostly on the road and back alleyway through quite residential areas. If you didn't bring any replenishment, there is a Tesco Extra at the starting point of the journey in Orpington. You can also find a couple convenient stores in this section of the journey. The path entrance next to Orpington train station is a little hidden away from the sight. One would need to walk to the end of the car park to see it, while ingoring the closed gate for a building site you directly facing. The entrance of the path is right next to the closed gate.
From Crofton to Southborough, we enter the wilderness. It is also my favourite part of the journey. You would enjoy the nature in this part of the journey. I lived in Orpington for about a decade, and have been to Petts Wood, Darrick Wood, Scadbury Park, High Elms, and various others in Chelsfield or near Sevenoaks. Crofton Woods is probably one of the most enjoyable to walk around. The paths are very wide, it is very easy to differentiate a proper path and some walking ways that people might have walked on. There are quite a few signs that would guide you through the woods. However, having said that, it can be difficult to read the signs at times. The first turn on this route after entering Crofton Wood from the Crofton Lane direction is not very clear on the real path. The post bearing the sign is about 10-20 metres before the turn and the post itself is near another cross. I would advise anyone walking on the route in the same direction as me follow the route on the App rather than the sign. Beyond Crofton Wood, you would find Bromley Golf Centre and Parkfield Recreation Ground. The path is even more pleasant than in the woods. This part is more or less an empty field, good for walking your dogs. I've actually met a few lovely dog walkers, first few people I've met since I went into Crofton Woods.
The last part of the journey, from Southborough to Bromley is very much like the mirror image of the first section. You will be mostly walking in alleyways and quiet residential roads again. There is Whitehall Recreation Ground to go through, but again, it is pretty much an empty field. In the end, you would go through Queen's Gardens and pass by The Pavilion Leisure Centre and Bromley High Street. If you are like me, then it is a perfect oppotunity to treat yourself with a cup of coffee and a sausage roll. But bear in mind that this treat might gaining more calories than the ones you burnt during the walk.
The entire journey is mostly on flat surface, there are only about 20 stairs near Orpington station. Some of the woodland areas might not be very easy to walk during wet seasons.

Quite busy start from Bromley South station, up along High Street, then through the Glades Shopping centre. Easy walking along quiet residential roads, with mostly large pavements. One busy junction, at Holmesdale Road/Page Heath Villas roundabout, but nicely placed pedestrian crossing. A couple of long pedestrian walkways, couple of park/recreation grounds. Nice path through Crofton Woods (it was mostly dry, May 2022, but can expect to get very muddy), sharing part of the route with the London Loop. Near route end, the walkway to side of Orpington Station, does end in steep set of stairs, that some may find difficult?.

A lot of walking along pavements of relatively quiet roads. Pleasant walks through parks and woods.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.