Newly-opened marked routes help walkers and runners explore Croydon’s green space

A trio of marked routes guiding walkers and runners through some of Croydon’s countryside are set to be officially launched at a special event next month.

The three Wayfinder Walking Routes run through and around Lloyd Park, Addington Hills, Croham Hurst and Littleheath with a 2.5 mile, five mile and eight mile route. They were created by Croydon Council and Striders of Croydon, a local running club.

Striders will be leading a series of guided walks and runs along the three routes on Saturday 10 August.

“Lloyd Park and the surrounding areas are some of Croydon’s most stunning green spaces.

“I’m glad to see these routes encouraging people to get outdoors and discover their surroundings and I cannot wait to explore them myself.

“The routes were created thanks to hard work from volunteers, the Downlands Partnership, Striders of Croydon and council staff to help boost fitness and wellbeing as well as help residents explore the green space.”

Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport

The meeting point for the guided walks is by the Parklife Café entrance in Lloyd Park with participants advised to bring their own water and snacks. All ages and abilities are welcome, as are well-behaved dogs.

  • Yellow route – 2.5 miles. A guided run will start at 11am and take between 20 and 35 minutes. A guided walk will start at 11.20am and last for around an hour.
  • Green route – five miles. A guided run will start at 10.45am and last between 60 and 70 minutes. A guided walk will start at 11.10am and last between two and two-and-a-half hours.
  • Red route – eight miles. A guided run will start at 10.30am and last between one and one-and-a-half hours.

A homemade cake sale will take place and there will be an ice cream van in the park with anyone exploring the routes encouraged to bring a picnic.

Tony Flowers, Striders of Croydon Chair, said: “Our running club has been enjoying the green spaces of Croydon for many years. We run numerous routes often following part of the yellow, green or red paths every week, all year round.

“We were honoured to help devise these three routes and are delighted to see them officially open to other walkers and runners so they too can enjoy the many miles of beautiful countryside on the doorstep of Croydon residents.”

Go online to find out more about the Wayfinder Walking Routes.

2019-07-29T17:48:48+01:00 July 29th, 2019|Recent news|