Farthing Downs

Description

This large area of chalk grassland is located near Coulsdon in south London. It is crossed with various walking trails and bisected by National Cycle Route 20. The area is surrounded by attractive woodland and countryside. As such it's a nice place to go for a short cycle or walk in a large open space in south London. You can start the route from the car park at the southern end of the downs. Use the street view link below to virtually explore the downs from here!
The whole of this route is designed for walkers but you can cycle through the area on Ditches Lane which runs through the centre of the site.
The London Loop runs over the downs so there is scope for extending your walk on this long distance trail. You could head to the nearby Happy Valley Park where you will find Devilsden Wood and more chalk grassland with interesting flora such as the rare man orchid and round-headed rampion. Just beyond Happy Valley you will find Coulsdon Common which has some nice woodland walking trails to try. Our Coulsdon South Circular Walk starts from the nearby train station and visits the Downs, Couldson Common and Tollsworth Manor. It makes use of the North Downs Way which runs just to the south of Farthing Downs and is another good option for continuing your walking in the area.