WILD CROYDON – Story and images by Susi Luard
The walk with Judy Hicks and David Myford began innocently with gentle manicured meadows up the hill. We passed adorable brown cows and calves (feature image) with their friendly farmers, lively excited dogs, butterflies and birds along Farthing Downs & New Hills while the Skylark was singing. Judy is the expert in birdsong while I could just about tell the squawk of a crow.
Excited happy dogs in Happy Valley.
After getting a little lost we were hungry enough to demolish a good lunch at the Fox, a gorgeous vintage inn.
After lunch it was a steep hillside walk over the other side of Farthing Downs and New Hills. I was still taking pictures and the last one before the gap was of the start of the brambley path. I uttered more and more ‘ouch’ and ‘arrghs’ as we were greeted by blackberry thorns peppered with zingy nettles amongst the pretty wild flowers. Judy and David were rather worried and kindly went ahead and pushed away the nettles and brambles for me. It was way too hot to wear a proper waxed Barbour, khaki long trousers and hiking boots so I persevered in my mid calf leggings and waterproof crocs sandals. I remained in good spirits as we came out of the nasty paths and saw three horses and a pony so I started taking pictures again.
We finally hit a proper road, Chaldon Way, where we came across some pretty cars – a Chevy (left) and Herbie (VW number 53 as used in the movie).
A beautiful secret garden called Chaldon Way Gardens was at the end of the road.
After photographing the Marlpit Lane Bowlin
g Green we stopped for some Magnums (ice cream, not guns) at Poppy’s Cafe within Coulsdon Memorial Grounds (right) with their neatly striped lawn.
The walk ends at Coulsdon South Station by which time I’m sure everyone was grateful to rest the soft train seats. It was a beautiful adventure and I’ll do it all over again.
