We will meet at Kenley Station just after 10.30 and a short walk will take us to Riddlesdown, one of the seven City (of London Corporation’s) Commons – here is a leaflet which tells you more.
We will walk the length of Riddlesdown Common, heading south-east, until we join the London Loop. The Loop will take us across two railway lines and then lead us south west back up to Kenley Common. Here we will have the opportunity to explore Kenley Aerodrome, a station of the Royal Flying Corps in WWI and the RAF in WWII. There are commemorative panels at various parts of the airfield informing walkers about the history of the airfield but, keep your eyes open as it is still used by present-day gliders!!
After exploring Kenley Common and Aerodrome, we will repair to the Wattenden Arms in Old Lodge Lane, where there are many old pictures taking during the war of Kenley and its past and, hopefully, tempting refreshments.
After lunch our route back to London will take us in a more or less straight line from the Wattenden Arms to Whyteleafe Station.
Remember to wear good footwear as it may be wet underfoot in places as Wednesday is forecast to be a wet day. Thursday is forecast to be fine in the morning, with possible rain showers in the afternoon.!
An apology in advance: I have a meeting in Central London at 3.30pm, so I may have to leave you at lunchtime, depending on our progress. However, David is intending to come along and will guide you back to the Station if needs be – it is an easy return path…
