Couken two

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Couken here.

Daisy has kindly made a new version of this route, Couken Four, because a slight detour is required due to obstruction of a narrow path by a large fallen tree. Otherwise excellent although indirect route, which shows off the lovely old woodlands along the steep valley sides.

I walked this route from Kenley to Coulsdon on a weekday early evening after an unseasonably hot dry spell for September. It is a kilometre (2/3 mile) longer than CouKen 1, proportionally that's a lot but it's enjoyable and very green. I didn't fancy the pavement pounding of CouKen 1 much and wanted to see some of the many green spaces, so I drew up this one instead. It is mostly through woodlands, on land too hilly for the post-war commuter belt housing. Although there is a more open vista (towards the sunset!) from the footpath beside the Oasis Academy Byron, towards the Coulsdon end.

For me the best part was along an old track through "In Wood", between Old Lodge Lane and the golf course. At least some of it is ancient woodland, with old yew trees clinging on to the steeper sides, wild damsons and crab apples, and, possibly, a hollowway sunken track. There may be a good bluebell display in spring too. Since my walk I've found out that much of the land is, or was, being considered as an addition to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. https://hadra.org/surrey-hills-aonb-boundary-review/

The two routes do share a very steep section at a woodland called Colescroft (you might not find that name on a map). There are a couple of dozen concrete steps at at TQ 3147 5970, that's going up from the Hayden Ave / Colescroft Hill junction, and they're probably the steepest steps I've come across on any Slow Way. There is a handrail down the middle but there was a bit of loose small polished gravel on some steps, watch your feet! There was at least one stile at the west exit from the golf course, and I can't remember the other golf course exit I don't think there were any other gates or stiles. There were very few players on the golf course, but a dozen or so dogs and their humans enjoying the grounds, not just the path at all, despite the usual fierce signs. Maybe it's just a pre-dusk thing because the course is quiet. Through the golf course the path is on grass, but otherwise surfaces are either earth, tarmac or paving slabs. The un-made part of Foxley Road had a few muddy bits, but on my trip it was simple to walk around them. Might be worse in winter.

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