Newabro two

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

This route uses the woods bordering New Addington, then over fields to Coney Hall, up and over Hayes Common, past Hayes station and then through suburban Bromley. It avoids the road-no-pavement walking and problematic A232 crossing of NewaBro 1 plus the (possibly difficult to navigate) path through Bromley Common which although apparently in use are on private land, not a right of way. The majority is long stretches through quiet woodland, plus a few fields and grassy green spaces, and a small patch of heathland in West Wickham Common (part of Hayes Common). It is about 2/3 off-road. Coney Hall and Hayes have eating and transport links. From Hayes to Bromley, is mostly roads but quieter ones where possible without taking frequent turns. Hayes is the edge of the North Downs and there are a few steep climbs, particularly just after Coney Hall.

When going along Addington Vale (green space) you could follow the roadsides but this route follows some well worn paths along the valley, you just need to end up in the NW corner, by Kestrel Way. The woods alongside New Addington feel surprisingly peaceful, given how close they are to the housing. There's no formal right of way but they are owned by Croydon Council. Because of the woods' linear shape I think it would be easy to correct if you took a wrong turn. Coming in the other direction the turn off for Kestrel Way isn't signed, but it is the first on the rising slope after the meadow at Castlehill Ruffs. There are only two further turnings which are both fairly soon.

St Johns Church and Wickham Court School are attractive, perhaps for a halfway snack. There is a possible 1km shortcut after Coney Hall using the London Loop "Link" to Hayes Station, you could cross the A232 back at the lights at the end of Kingsway, or use the traffic island near Gates Green Rd. It is probably significantly less enjoyable than Hayes (and West Wickham) Common. The actual route is on the London Loop from St Johns church until the small car park on the common, where you cross the A232 at traffic lights, and head fairly straight until emerging onto Hayes Common's meadow. Next is the suburban road section, but it does cross a pair of small "village greens" and use a green alley type footpath just before Bromley centre.

Not wheelchair accessible, due to some steep slopes, a dry weather muddy section in Castlehill Ruffs, fallen trees/roots/logs across the path, stiles, steps and some uneven ground. The steep slopes are unavoidable unless, perhaps, you take a road route

This route uses the woods bordering New Addington, then over fields to Coney Hall, up and over Hayes Common, past Hayes station and then through suburban Bromley. It avoids the road-no-pavement walking and problematic A232 crossing of NewaBro 1 plus the (possibly difficult to navigate) path through Bromley Common which although apparently in use are on private land, not a right of way. The majority is long stretches through quiet woodland, plus a few fields and grassy green spaces, and a small patch of heathland in West Wickham Common (part of Hayes Common). It is about 2/3 off-road. Coney Hall and Hayes have eating and transport links. From Hayes to Bromley, is mostly roads but quieter ones where possible without taking frequent turns. Hayes is the edge of the North Downs and there are a few steep climbs, particularly just after Coney Hall.

When going along Addington Vale (green space) you could follow the roadsides but this route follows some well worn paths along the valley, you just need to end up in the NW corner, by Kestrel Way. The woods alongside New Addington feel surprisingly peaceful, given how close they are to the housing. There's no formal right of way but they are owned by Croydon Council. Because of the woods' linear shape I think it would be easy to correct if you took a wrong turn. Coming in the other direction the turn off for Kestrel Way isn't signed, but it is the first on the rising slope after the meadow at Castlehill Ruffs. There are only two further turnings which are both fairly soon.

St Johns Church and Wickham Court School are attractive, perhaps for a halfway snack. There is a possible 1km shortcut after Coney Hall using the London Loop "Link" to Hayes Station, you could cross the A232 back at the lights at the end of Kingsway, or use the traffic island near Gates Green Rd. It is probably significantly less enjoyable than Hayes (and West Wickham) Common. The actual route is on the London Loop from St Johns church until the small car park on the common, where you cross the A232 at traffic lights, and head fairly straight until emerging onto Hayes Common's meadow. Next is the suburban road section, but it does cross a pair of small "village greens" and use a green alley type footpath just before Bromley centre.

Not wheelchair accessible, due to some steep slopes, a dry weather muddy section in Castlehill Ruffs, fallen trees/roots/logs across the path, stiles, steps and some uneven ground. The steep slopes are unavoidable unless, perhaps, you take a road route