Start with a peep into Long Lane Wood a fragile fragment of the Great North Wood that used to cover so much of South East London. Listen for song from the bird sanctuary before swinging across to the expanse of Ashburton Playing Fields – once the scene of a great out-of-London race course.
Image: Saddling race horses by John Herring. Public domain.
The horses have gone, the Chaffinch brook runs on underground, listen for that too at the gratings. Head on to the Leisure Gardens allotments where 400 plots have been in continuous production for over 100 years. Beyond, the houses face onto a sequence of open spaces like village greens – their protection from development recently challenged.
As Oaks Lane follows the line of an old farm track across Shirley Park golf course, the surrounding hills emerge.
Shirley windmill rises above, a reminder of the breezes on higher ground.
(Wonderful photo of Shirley Windmill isn’t it. It’s by Peter Trimming. Used here compliments of Peter Trimming and Creative Commons 2.0 license)
The lane leads to the thickly wooded Addington Hills. Saved for the public more than a century ago, the paths now lead steeply up to the magnificent viewpoint at the top, at 140 metres one of London’s high points – maybe Windsor one way, Canary Wharf the other. Look back at how far this walk has come.
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Jacky –
The highlight of this morning’s walk: after trekking very very steeply through woodland we reach the viewpoint – a panoramic vista looking north over London. Truly breathtaking – well worth the exertion!
Despite transport delays with trains, Charlie is a super guide, and ensured we started off smartly and we made up the time.
A B A –
Section 13 of the Ultimate London Walk September 2026.
Section 13 started off unlucky for some due to public transport delays, leading to a slightly later start. However, it is a testament to excellent planning that Charlie was able to amend the route so we still finished on time without feeling at any time rushed.
This section featured plenty of green space with minimal hard ground. We passed former racecourses, walked alongside golf courses, went through a housing area with an unthinkable past, and finished with a wonderful panoramic view looking north over London—a true walk of highs and lows.
The pre-walk information was also excellent. The detailed email regarding meeting points, potential toilet stops, and terrain made it easy to prepare and pack appropriately. Additionally, the group size was ideal, allowing everyone to hear clearly and keep a comfortable pace.
Finally, Charlie was an outstanding guide—attentive, passionate about sharing his knowledge, and very open to input from the group.